Different types of injectable fillers
There are many different cosmetic injectable dermal filler options. The first step is to determine which dermal filler is best for your needs during a consultation with us. We offer a wide variety of cosmetic injectable fillers to suit different patients’ needs, including:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. It is effective for plumping thin lips and filling facial creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) and the jowl area (marionette lines). Hyaluronic acid may also be effective for some surface wrinkles and concave scars, under the eyes (nasojugal grooves), and in the forehead region and elsewhere. Common hyaluronic acid products include Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Perlane®. Results from these injectables lasting six months or longer, depending on both the individual patient and location of injection. Hyaluronic acids are currently the most popular of the cosmetic injectable fillers.
Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
Hydroxylapatite (brand name: Radiesse®) is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones, which is suspended within a gel-like formation. It is the heaviest of facial fillers. It is recommended to fill deeper creases such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, as well as to enhance fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours. Results from Radiesse last from six months to one year.
Human fat
Fat from your own body can be used as filler to enhance facial fullness, fill deep creases, and to build up shallow contours. Fat will be removed from an area of your body where you have extra to spare, and will be transferred to the area where you need more volume. Filler from natural fat requires a more extensive procedure than other injectable fillers because it involves the use of liposuction. Using your own fat as filler is also somewhat unpredictable regarding how long the results will last. Length of action varies from patient to patient and location of injection.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (Sculptra)
Poly-L-lactic acid (brand name: Sculptra®) was developed to treat facial wasting, a condition commonly resulting from HIV. FDA approved for this purpose, Sculptra also has recently been approved for facial aging. It functions similarly to human fat injections by enhancing facial volume in patients who appear to have lost facial fat. Studies have shown results from Sculptra lasting up to two years.
Note: The FDA reviews and approves pharmaceutical fillers; however, some fillers may be used on an off-label basis. This means that they have been approved for wrinkle correction in a given area only or for some other medical indication, but not directly reviewed for a specific application. For a more detailed discussion of off-label uses of fillers, please ask us about this during your consultation.