What Are the Different Types of Dermal Fillers Available?

Dermal fillers are simple injections that bring back shape, smoothness, or structure to the face. A lot of people use them to soften lines or plump areas that have lost fullness with time. It’s not surgery—it’s quick, often subtle, and done in under an hour.

But they’re not all the same. There are different types of dermal fillers, and each one behaves differently. The texture, the way it settles, how long it lasts—it all depends on the ingredients.

So which one’s right for you? That depends on what you’re looking for.

This article gives you a clear, no-fluff look at the most common types. Think of it as your shortcut to figuring out which filler fits your face—and your goals.

And if you’re just starting out, here’s a good place to get the basics: what are dermal fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – Natural-Looking and Versatile

Let’s talk about the one everyone’s heard of: hyaluronic acid.

Your skin already makes it. It’s what keeps things plump and hydrated. But we make less of it as we age. That’s where the injectable version comes in.

It looks like a smooth, clear gel. When placed under the skin, it fills out dips and softens lines, which basically gives your face its bounce back.

You’ll hear names like Juvederm and Restylane. These aren’t just brand names—they’re tools. Some versions are thin and flexible (great for lips), others are thick and firm (better for cheeks).

People use HA fillers to:

• Add shape to thinning lips
• Brightened tired under-eyes
• Lift flat or sagging cheeks
• Ease those smile lines beside the mouth

And here’s what people love: it works right away. You’ll see a change before you even leave the office. It doesn’t last forever, maybe 6 to 12 months, but touch-ups are easy.

Also, if anything looks off, it can be reversed. That’s a comfort not every filler offers.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers – Volume and Structure

This one’s thicker. Heavier. Made for lift. Calcium hydroxylapatite, or CaHA, is a mineral—something already found in your bones. When used as a filler, it gives more structure than HA and stays put longer.

There’s only one main brand: Radiesse. It feels creamy when injected and settles into place, especially in areas where the skin’s gotten loose.

Where it’s often used:

• Jawlines that need definition
• Deep creases that other fillers can’t quite smooth
• Hollow temples
• Marionette lines that pull the face down
  

But there’s a bonus too: CaHA sparks collagen growth. So the more time passes, the more your body fills in on its own. Even after the filler fades, some of that lift sticks around.

That said, it’s not something you undo on a whim. It stays longer and can’t be melted away like HA. Something to keep in mind.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers – A Collagen-First Approach

This one’s a bit different. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) doesn’t fill—it stimulates. It encourages your body to produce more collagen, slowly and steadily. You don’t walk out of your first appointment with a full result. You wait, and it builds.

The main product here is Sculptra. Doctors use it for:

• Large, flat areas (like the outer cheeks)
• Thinning skin that needs a thicker base
• Rebuilding volume that’s been lost over time
  

You don’t just go once. Most people do a few rounds, spaced over months. And that’s the thing—it takes patience. The change is subtle, natural, and shows up bit by bit. No puffiness. Just progress.

But once it works, it really sticks. We’re talking up to two years.

So if you’re not in a rush and like the idea of gradual change, PLLA might be your thing.

PMMA Fillers – Staying Power

Some people want results that don’t fade after a few months. That’s where PMMA comes in.

The full name is a mouthful—polymethyl methacrylate—but all you need to know is this: it’s made of tiny, round spheres that stay in your face permanently.

Mixed with collagen, these microspheres help rebuild structure where it’s been lost. Your body absorbs the collagen, but the spheres stay behind, holding space and supporting your skin from the inside. Bellafill is the brand to go here.

People use it for:

• Smile lines that are too deep for soft fillers
• Acne scars that need firm lifting
• Long-term volume where short-term fillers haven’t lasted
  

This isn’t a filler you try casually. It’s not reversible. So you need a skilled provider who knows exactly how much to use and where to place it.

Still, for the right person, it’s a solid choice. It doesn’t disappear after six months—and that’s exactly what some are looking for.

Autologous Fat Injections – You, Recycled

Then there’s the natural route. Fat grafting takes fat from one part of your body—let’s say the hips—and moves it to another, like your face. It’s your own tissue, cleaned and reinjected to restore shape or soften wrinkles.

Sounds appealing, right? No lab-made product, no risk of rejection.

It works well for:

• Hollow cheeks
• Smile lines
• Jawline contour
• Even hands that have lost volume
  

But here’s the catch: it’s not a quick appointment. You’ll go through a mini liposuction procedure to harvest the fat. Then, after processing, it’s carefully injected in small amounts.

And results? They vary. Some fat survives long-term. Some doesn’t. Many people need follow-ups to get things just right.

Still, if you want something totally natural, and you’re okay with the longer road, this is an option worth asking about.

Choosing the Best Type of Dermal Filler for You

There’s no “best” filler overall—just what fits your face and your plan. Maybe you want an instant glow-up for a weekend. Maybe you’re fixing something that’s bothered you for years. Either way, here’s what matters:

• How long do you want it to last?
• Do you mind repeat visits or want something long-term?
• Are you okay with something synthetic, or would you rather use your own fat?
• Do you want flexibility—or permanence?
  

Also, it’s not just about the filler. It’s about you. Your skin, your health, and your goals shape what will work.

Take a look at the dermal filler candidate criteria to understand what makes someone a good match for these treatments.

Then talk with someone who knows what they’re doing. A licensed pro who sees your face not just as skin, but as a whole shape. Someone who listens to what you want—not just what’s trendy.

References

Cohen, J. L. (2007). Understanding, avoiding, and managing dermal filler complications. Dermatologic Surgery, 33(2), S92–S99. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33324

Rzany, B., DeLorenzi, C., & Monheit, G. (2015). Facial filler injection techniques. In N. Sadick (Ed.), Aesthetic dermatology: Current perspectives (pp. 75–91). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13266-3_6

Bellafill. (n.d.). The long-lasting filler for smile lines and acne scars. https://www.bellafill.com/

Silhouette Spa and Laser. (2023). The difference between types of dermal fillers. https://silhouettespaandlaser.com/the-difference-between-types-of-dermal-fillers/