Which dermal filler is right for me?

Posted on: August 17th, 2023 by Our Team

Choosing the right dermal filler depends on a number of factors, including the areas you want to treat, the severity of your wrinkles or volume loss, and your aesthetic goals. It is important to speak with Dr. Zeena at New Orleans Aesthetic for her recommendations geared to your specific needs and desires.

Here are some of the most commonly used dermal fillers and the areas they are typically used to treat:

Hyaluronic Acid dermal fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps hydrate and plump the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice for many people. There are many different types of hyaluronic acid fillers, each designed to treat different areas of the face. They are versatile and can be used to treat a variety of areas on the face, including the lips, cheeks, and nasolabial folds. They are also temporary and can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the specific filler used.

Some of the most popular hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvéderm, Restylane, and Belotero.

• Juvéderm is often used to treat nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (lines around the mouth), and to enhance lips.
• Restylane is often used to add volume to the cheeks and midface, as well as to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
• Belotero is often used to treat under-eye bags, tear troughs, and fine lines around the mouth.

If you are looking to add volume to your lips, enhance your cheekbones, or fill in fine lines and wrinkles, a hyaluronic acid filler may be a good option for you.

RHA dermal fillers

RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) fillers are a new generation of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers designed to integrate more seamlessly integrate into and mimic the natural hyaluronic acid in our skin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to maintain hydration, volume, and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less HA, which can lead to loss of volume and increased wrinkles and lines. They are made by RHA.

The ‘resilient’ in RHA refers to the way these fillers are designed to move within the face. They are designed to be more versatile, resilient and flexible. They can address a variety of aesthetic concerns, adapt to the dynamic demands of facial expressions and movement and provide a more natural look. In addition, they are reported to provide long-lasting effects, and they are safe, reversible and biocompatible.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite Fillers

Calcium hydroxyapatite is a mineral – like compound that is naturally found in the body. These fillers are another popular option to add volume and stimulate collagen production to plump and smooth the skin.

These fillers are thicker than hyaluronic acid fillers and can treat deeper lines and folds and provide longer-lasting results. They are often used to treat deeper wrinkles and folds such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines and restore volume to areas such as the cheeks and temples. The most popular calcium hydroxyapatite filler is Radiesseâ which is often used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, as well as add volume to the cheeks and hands.

When injected into the skin, CaHA fillers create a scaffolding effect that supports the growth of new collagen fibers. Over time, the body absorbs the CaHA particles, leaving behind a network of new collagen fibers that can improve skin texture and elasticity.

The treatment typically involves a series of injections over several sessions, with results gradually improving over time as new collagen forms. CaHA fillers can last up to a year or more, depending on the individual and the specific product used.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers

Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic substance used to stimulate collagen production in the skin for skin rejuvenation. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) fillers are a type of dermal filler used for facial rejuvenation. They are composed of a biocompatible synthetic polymer that is injected into the skin to stimulate collagen production and promote the growth of new collagen fibers.

When injected they add volume to the treated areas and stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen. Over time, the body absorbs the PLLA particles, leaving behind a network of new collagen fibers that can improve skin texture and elasticity.

PLLA fillers are often used to treat deep wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, as well as to restore volume to areas such as the cheeks and temples. The treatment typically involves a series of injections over several sessions, with results gradually improving over time as new collagen forms. The most popular poly-L-lactic acid filler is Sculptraâ, which is often used to add volume to the cheeks, temples, and lower face.

Polymethylmethacrylate Fillers

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers are made of microscopic spheres of synthetic PMMA suspended in a gel carrier, such as bovine collagen. PMMA fillers are long-lasting and provide permanent results, as the PMMA particles do not break down over time. When injected into the skin, PMMA fillers create a scaffolding effect that supports the growth of new collagen fibers.

They are often used to treat deep wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, as well as to restore volume to areas such as the cheeks and temples. Results are long-lasting results, up to five years.

The treatment typically involves a series of injections over several sessions, with results gradually improving over time as new collagen forms. However, because they are permanent, they are generally considered a more invasive option than other types of dermal fillers.

The most popular PMMA filler is Bellafill.

Schedule a cosmetic dermatology consultation

Choosing the right dermal filler depends on your individual needs and goals. It is important to consult with Dr. Zeena who is double board-certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery and expert injector who can help you determine which filler is best for you. She will listen to your goals, evaluate your skin, discuss your desired results, and recommend a treatment plan that will help you achieve the best possible outcome.

• Check out our related blog article, ‘Which neurotoxins is right for me?‘