FACIAL FILLERS

Six Surprising Facts About Facial Fillers

Facial fillers are among the most popular anti-aging products and procedures in the world. Facial fillers do everything from filling wrinkles and lines, to lifting eyebrows, enhancing cheekbones, erasing smile lines, plumping lips, and even eradicating crow’s feet! Facial fillers can leave patients looking rested, rejuvenated, more attractive, and much younger.

In this article the facial filler experts at AMAE Med Spa share six surprising facts about facial fillers that may encourage you to try them yourself!

#1. People have been Injecting Facial Fillers for More than 100 Years

When we think of facial fillers, gorgeous celebrities and super models like the Kardashians and Hadid sisters come to mind. So many people are surprised to learn that facial fillers were actually invented in the late 1800s! Austrian surgeon Robert Gersuny experimented with injecting mineral oil and paraffin wax as facial fillers. In fact, the practice was quite popular till the mid-1920s, but ended when a few famous women developed severe complications from these sketchy materials.

Today’s facial fillers are not made of these artificial ingredients, but are comprised of safe, natural substances like hyaluronic acid that are found in the body.

#2. Facial Filler Injections are the 2nd Most Popular Cosmetic Procedure

More than two and a half million facial filler procedures are performed in the United States every year. Facial fillers containing hyaluronic acid is the most popular, accounting for more than two million facial filler injections annually.

Last year, “neuromodulator” injections (e.g., Botox & Dysport) took the top spot with 8,736,591 procedures in 2022, up 73% from 2019. But Hyaluronic acid facial fillers came in second, with an astounding 4,883,419 procedures performed in 2022 – and increase of 70% over 2019. 

#3. Facial Fillers are Made of Natural Substances

Most of today’s facial fillers are made of naturally-derived substances. Hyaluronic acid (HA) – the primary ingredient in both Juvéderm and Restylane formulas – is a substance naturally produced in the human body. In fact, it is a simple sugar molecule that has the remarkable ability to retain more than 100 times it’s weight in water. HA was approved as a facial filler by the FDA in 2003.

Collagen fillers were FDA-approved in 1981, and are also naturally derived from humans or from cows. Bellafill, Radiesse and Sculptra are popular brands of collagen fillers.

And, perhaps the most natural facial filler is sterilized fat, harvested from the patient’s own body. Medically known as “autologous fat transfer”, unwanted fat is typically removed from the love handles or belly – and then injected into areas of the face (or body) where more volume is desired.

#4. New Facial Fillers are Being Developed Every Year

Most of our patients are familiar with tried and true facial filler formulas like Juvéderm Volbella, Vollure and Ultra. Juvéderm was originally FDA approved in 2006, while  Ultra was approved in 2015, Volbella in 2016, and Vollure in 2017.

And in 2022 a brand new Juvéderm facial filler called Volux was FDA approved for improvement of jawline definition in adults. Then just this year (2023) new SKINVEVE facial filler took the aesthetic industry by storm. SKINVIVE utilizes a completely new facial filler technology called “microdroplets” that are administered under the top layer of the skin (rather than deep into wrinkles and hollows) for overall skin smoothness, hydration and glow!

#5. Facial Fillers Are Replacing Some Plastic Surgeries

Thanks to advanced new facial filler formulas, many facial enhancements that used to require invasive surgery can now be accomplished with fillers. At AMAE skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali offers “liquid facelifts” and “liquid nose jobs” performed with fillers – in addition to traditional facelift and rhinoplasty surgery.

#6. Many Men Get Facial Fillers, Too!

Facial filler use by men is growing every year.  Statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal that nearly 100,000 men received filler injections in the year 2022.

However, the type and location of added volume needed is often different in men that their female counterparts. While women seek lip augmentation, men are more likely to opt for fillers like new Juvéderm Volux that can sculpt a chiseled masculine jawline.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali and our skilled and certified team of nurse injectors offer the newest, best and most advanced technologies in facial fillers. Schedule a consultation to see which type of facial filler or injection is best for your skin issues and beauty goals. Then relax in our Birmingham, MI Med Spa, while we make you look and feel younger and even more beautiful!

Facial Fillers | Birmingham Med Spa: 248.335.7200