Ask the Experts: Dermal Fillers

Ask the Experts: Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular choice among those who are looking to instantly enhance their beauty. In this edition of our Ask the Experts series, we’re taking a closer look at the common questions we often get from our clients regarding dermal fillers.

Let’s get started!

Dermal Filler Fundamentals

Dermal fillers are gel-like injectables used to rejuvenate the skin, compensate for age-related volume loss, plump up lips, and soften the appearance of mild acne scars. Although commonly used on the face, dermal fillers can also be used as an anti-aging treatment for the hands.

When used for rejuvenation, the most common treatment areas on the face are those affected by wrinkles or volume loss. These include nasolabial folds (smile lines), jawline, cheeks, and around the mouth.

Some patients also seek out dermal fillers as a solution for contouring their face to a preferred shape.

Types of Dermal Fillers

One common misconception is that dermal fillers only plump up targeted areas of the skin and then break down over time. While this is true, some types of dermal fillers also nourish and hydrate the skin. Others can even induce long-term collagen formation.

Hyaluronic Acid

Dermal fillers come in different brands and have varying nuances in composition. However, the most widely used fillers contain either hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in the body. This is the reason why it’s considered a “natural” dermal filler. It’s the critical component in the following FDA-approved dermal fillers:

• Juvederm;
• Restylane; and
• Belotero.

When injected by a trained cosmetic professional, hyaluronic acid can yield added benefits— like hydrating and nourishing the skin.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a biocompatible dermal filler with high viscosity and elasticity. Aside from plumping the skin and adding volume, it also induces long-term collagen formation.

We advise using calcium hydroxylapatite to treat deeper wrinkles. It also lasts longer than hyaluronic acid-based fillers thanks to its induction of long-term collagen formation.

Radiesse is the only FDA-approved dermal filler with calcium hydroxylapatite as its key component.

Other Types of Fillers

Aside from hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, there are other types of fillers:

• Fat filler: fat is taken autologously from the patient and used as a filler;
• Bellafill: targeted procedure for acne scarring due to its non-resorbable polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres; and
• Polylactic acid: stimulates the body’s own collagen production through induced inflammation.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Really Last?

Different resources online give vastly different timeframes on how long dermal fillers last. Some say they last six months, while others claim as long as five years!

The truth is that different types of dermal fillers have varying longevity. How long it lasts can also vary slightly from person to person.

Here’s a breakdown of how long dermal fillers generally last, depending on the dermal filler type:

• Juvederm – 6 to 18 months
• Restylane – 6 to 18 months
• Belotero – 6 to 12 months
• Radiesse – 1 to 2 years

The injection site is another factor that could affect the treatment’s longevity. Effects last longer when injected into facial wrinkles and nasolabial folds.

Here is a breakdown of how long Juvederm vs Radiesse dermal fillers generally last for each treatment site:

Get Natural Dermal Filler Results with APT Medical Aesthetics

When administered by an untrained individual, dermal fillers could cause facial asymmetry—so choose your injector carefully.

APT Medical Aesthetics has a team of dedicated and highly-trained professionals who can help you achieve the best results from compatible dermal fillers.

Request a consultation or check out our website for more information on dermal fillers.