Dermal fillers, also known as facial fillers, are injected to temporarily make your face appear rejuvenated, rested, and radiant. They can also effectively give eyebrows a lift, erasing under-eye circles, plumping thin lips, smoothening smile lines, and enhancing a person’s cheekbones. There is little to no downtime with dermal fillers. We discuss the common types of dermal fillers and the various types of Houston fillers.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, or wrinkle fillers, are simply cosmetic injectables that contain medical-grade, gel-like content that helps “fill” your skin, making it appear younger and healthier. With advancing age, your skin tends to naturally stop producing two essential proteins – elastin and collagen. This low production causes your skin to develop wrinkles, droop, and sag. Dermal fillers help solve this problem to restore your younger look.
How Many Dermal Fillers Are There?
There are a number of different types of facial fillers. Below are some of the main types:
1. Calcium Hydroxyapatite
Brand name: Radiesse
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a mineral-like compound found in human bones. No animal products are used to produce this filler, which helps lower the risk of people developing allergic reactions and eliminates the need for skin testing. This type of wrinkle filler is often associated with producing natural results and minimal side effects. It was previously used in reconstructive surgery and dentistry to:
- Improve volume in regions of facial wasting, especially in HIV-positive individuals taking specific medications.
- Treat mild to severe creases such as marionette lines, frown lines, and nasolabial folds.
- Improve cheek fullness and other facial contours
2. Hyaluronic acid
Brand names include: Elevess, Juvederm, Captique, Esthéli, Hylaform.
Hyaluronic acid injections are typically used to reduce depressions in your skin due to injury, lines, or scars. It is also effective in dealing with:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Some facial scars
- Crow’s feet at the corner of your eyes
- Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
- Cheek depressions
- Worry lines that run across your forehead
- Smoker’s lines, i.e., vertical lines on the mouth
- Scars including acne, burns, and those caused by injuries
- Acne scars
- Deep smile lines that run from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth
3. Polyalkylimide
Brand name: Aquamid
Polyalkylimide is biocompatible, meaning it has very little reaction with human tissue and eliminates the need for an allergy test. It is also radio transparent, meaning it won’t interfere with x-rays. Additionally, Polyalkylimide is a semi-permanent wrinkle filler and is normally used by plastic surgeons to:
- Treat facial wasting from specific HIV medications
- Plump thinning lips
- Treat pronounced wrinkles such as depressed scars and nasolabial folds
- Enhance cheekbones, jawline, and replace facial volume lost due to age
After the Polyalkylimide injection, a thin collagen layer gradually forms around it for about a month until the gel is completely surrounded. A single injection of this dermal filler can inject large volumes to help solve your skin problem.
Conclusion
Thanks to dermal fillers, it’s possible to improve your skin’s volume, fullness, and texture. Justina Taube, MD, of Elite Wellness Resort, is an ophthalmic plastic surgeon who offers various dermal fillers, like eyelid fillers, hyaluronic acid, Versa, and Bellafill, for smoother and healthier skin. Make an appointment at the practice in Houston, Texas, by calling the office today or booking online.
