What Are the Different Types of Dermal Fillers Available?
Not all dermal fillers are the same. Some add volume immediately and can be dissolved, others gradually stimulate collagen, and a few are permanent. Each type has its own advantages, limits and ideal indications. Here is an overview of the main categories.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Natural-Looking and Versatile
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance naturally present in the skin that retains water and provides hydration and volume. HA fillers are the most widely used in the world. They come in many textures, from very soft gels for fine lines and lips to firm gels for the cheeks and jawline. Their main advantage is reversibility: they can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. They generally last six to eighteen months. In Canada, HA ranges include JUVÉDERM®, RESTYLANE®, BELOTERO®, TEOSYAL®, STYLAGE®, SAYPHA® and REVANESSE®, a range developed and manufactured in Canada. See our hyaluronic acid fillers category.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers: Volume and Structure
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), as in RADIESSE®, consists of microspheres suspended in a gel. It provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen production. It is used for deep folds, the jawline, the cheeks and, in diluted form, for skin quality on the face and body. It cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Results often last a year or more.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers: A Collagen-First Approach
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), as in SCULPTRA®, does not give immediate volume. It gradually stimulates the skin’s own collagen over several sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Results appear progressively and can last up to about two years. It suits patients who want a gradual, natural improvement in volume and firmness. See our biostimulators category.
PMMA Fillers: Permanent Results
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers contain microspheres that remain permanently in the tissue, surrounded by collagen. They offer long-lasting results but cannot be removed easily, and late complications such as nodules are difficult to treat. For these reasons, they are much less commonly used than resorbable fillers.
Autologous Fat Injections: Using the Patient’s Own Tissue
Fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat, harvested by liposuction from another area, purified and reinjected. It can provide long-lasting volume, but it is a surgical procedure, and part of the fat is resorbed, which makes the result less predictable.
Skinboosters
Skinboosters are very fluid HA gels, injected superficially to improve hydration, radiance and fine lines rather than to add volume. See our skinboosters category.
Choosing the Best Type of Dermal Filler
- For reversible, natural-looking volume: an HA filler.
- For structure and skin firmness: CaHA.
- For gradual collagen stimulation: PLLA.
- For skin quality: a skinbooster.
The choice is made with a qualified injector, depending on the area, goals, skin and medical history. In Canada, who may inject fillers depends on the province and the professional college. See our article on what dermal fillers are made of.
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/
