FACIAL FILLERS

How Different Facial Fillers Work & How Long They Last

According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 3 million soft tissue filler injections were administered in 2020 in the U.S. alone.  But all facial fillers are not the same. There are actually six or more different chemical formulations of facial fillers – each with unique properties, differing results, and varying degrees of longevity.

So how does a person know which type of facial filler is best for them? A good place to start is understanding what a facial filler is made of, where it is approved for use, and how long it lasts. In this article, the Detroit area facial filler experts at AMAE Med Spa break down the different types of facial fillers, to help you decide which injectable treatment is right for you.

#1. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Brand Names: Juvéderm™, Perlane™, Restylane™, Belotero™
Number of treatments in 2020: 2,619,650

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally within the human body. As a person ages, the levels of hyaluronic acid in their skin can diminish significantly, which can result in more intense wrinkling and volume loss. HA fillers, such as Juvéderm, are a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid.

Juvéderm fillers come in a wide variety of formulations – each specially designed for a unique use. Juvéderm injections can make wrinkles disappear, plump-up hollow or sunken facial contours, create luscious full lips, and fill in facial folds and creases. Juvéderm Volbella has recently received FDA approval to treat undereye circles. And new Juvéderm Volux is a harder bone-like formula that can be used to build up and contour jawlines.

Thinner Juvéderm formulations last several months, while thicker Juvéderm formulas such as Ultra XC can last up to two years.

#2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers (CaHA)
Brand Name: Radiesse™
Number of treatments in 2020: 201,474

Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds (“puppet lines”) around the mouth.

CaHA is made up of ions of phosphate and calcium, which occur naturally in the human body. CaHA is comprised of gel microspheres that work immediately upon injection to fill in lines and folds. Over time the CaHA also stimulates the body’s naturally occurring collagen, allowing the skin to produce more of its own natural filler.

The natural-looking results of Radiesse last up to two years in most patients. In clinical studies, some degree of improvement could still be seen for up to 30 months in some patients.

#3. Polylactic Acid Fillers (PLLA)
Brand Name: Sculptra™
Number of treatments in 2020: 134,123

PLLA, is a collagen stimulator, that shows mild immediate results but then gradually restores fullness to facial wrinkles and folds over the next few months for a more youthful appearance. It can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars and cellulite, enhance the buttocks, or improve the appearance of aging hands.

Because it stimulates the body to rebuild its own collagen, the results are particularly long lasting – delivering benefits for two years or longer.

#4. Polymethyl-methacrylate Microsphere Fillers
Brand Name: Bellafill™
Number of treatments in 2020: 70,989

Bellafill is different from other dermal fillers because it is made of nonabsorbable microsphere collagen which acts to provide facial support for longer-lasting wrinkle correction. Unlike other dermal fillers that are absorbed over several months after injection, Bellafill is a non-resorbable dermal filler.

So, the results are permanent and surgical removal of the collagen ‘microspheres’ is required if the patient wants to reverse the effects of Bellafill.

#5. Allograft Adipose Matrix Filler
Brand Name: Renuva™
Number of treatments in 2020: 11,280

But revolutionary Renuva is a completely different type of injectable treatment called “allografting”. Small amounts of grafted fat tissue are transferred into a patient’s existing fat tissue during Renuva treatments – to “fill in” wrinkles, folds, hollow contours, liposuction divots, cellulite dimples, and other cosmetic irregularities.

Unlike regular facial fillers, which last a few months up to two years, Renuva allografting injections deliver results that last an amazing 5 to 10 years.

#6. Acellular Dermal Matrix Filler (ADM)
Brand Names: Alloderm, Cortiva, DermACELL, FlexHD
Number of treatments in 2020: 8,354

ADM is a type of filler – but it is used for the breasts, not the face. ADM is made of a dehydrated sheet of sterile tissue obtained from an organ donor that has been processed to get rid of all the cells. There are no living cells remaining in it. It is a filler that is not used for the face, but rather used as scaffolding to help build breast tissue during breast enhancement or breast reconstruction surgery.

Detroit Area’s Best Facial Fillers

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali offers the most advanced technologies, and widest selection, in facial fillers. Schedule a consultation and our skilled nurse injectors will help you decide which type of facial filler is best for your skin issues and beauty goals. Then relax in our luxurious Detroit area MedSpa, while we make you look and feel younger and even more beautiful!

Detroit Area | Facial Filler Consultation: 248.335.7200