Dermal fillers are also known as ‘facial volume treatment’, ‘volume enhancing injections’ and ‘facial volumisers’.

Understanding the Different Types of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have become one of the most in-demand cosmetic treatments worldwide. They offer a convenient way to treat hollowness, smooth wrinkles, and enhance your appearance. There are many types of dermal filler available. Understanding each type of dermal fillers is essential to making an informed decision. This blog will summarise the most common types of dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid fillers and non-hyaluronic acid fillers. It will cover the benefits and advantages of each dermal filler type, how they’re used, and expected longevity.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances that volumise soft tissue on your face, neck and body. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, collagen, and volume. This causes sagging skin, wrinkles, and a loss of youthful plumpness. Dermal fillers treat these signs of ageing by replenishing areas of volume loss, restoring youthful contours and smoothing wrinkles and folds. Fillers are also an option for people who want to enhance their natural appearance. This is most commonly done to achieve bigger lips, define the jawline and cheekbones, or treat genetic under eye hollowness. The effects of dermal fillers are temporary, with results lasting months to years, depending on the type of filler injected.

Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most commonly used type of dermal filler. HA fillers are popular due to their versatility, safety, and natural-looking results. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps maintain hydration and volume. When used as a dermal filler, it achieves immediate results. This makes it a popular choice for people seeking quick and noticeable improvements in their appearance.

Types of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers come in a variety of formulations. Each type is designed for specific uses and areas. The key difference between each type lies in the thickness of the gel. Gel thickness (or viscosity) determines how the filler will behave once injected. It also affects the longevity of the filler, with thicker fillers generally lasting longer than thinner ones.

Thin/Low Viscosity HA Fillers:

• Uses: Thin fillers are ideal for treating fine lines, and delicate areas such as the under-eye region (tear troughs). They are also great for hydrating your skin and treating dry lips.
• Longevity: Typically lasts around 6 to 12 months.

Medium Viscosity HA Fillers:

• Uses: Suitable for moderate wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and areas requiring more substantial volume, such as the lips.
• Longevity: Results can last from 12-24 months.

Thick/High Viscosity HA Fillers:

• Uses: Best for treating significant volume loss, and contouring areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and chin. They can also enhance areas of your body.
• Longevity: Thick fillers usually last from 12 to 24 months, however they often last longer.

Non-Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

While HA fillers are the most common, non-hyaluronic acid fillers are another option for facial rejuvenation. These fillers give longer-lasting results and provide a more natural volume compared to HA fillers. This is because they work by stimulating collagen production. This is why they are often called collagen stimulating injections.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound naturally found in human bones. As a dermal filler, CaHA provides immediate volume while also stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. This dual-action makes it an excellent choice for both immediate result and long-term skin rejuvenation.

• Uses: Ideal for deeper wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, and for adding volume to areas like the cheeks and jawline.
• Longevity: CaHA fillers last around 18 months, however the collagen produced by your body will last for many years.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) Fillers

Polycaprolactone is another synthetic, biodegradable material used in dermal fillers. Like CaHA, PCL stimulates collagen production, and gives immediate volumising benefits. PCL fillers have tuneable longevity, meaning the clinician has more control over how long they last.

• Uses: Suitable for deep wrinkles, volume restoration, and contouring, PCL fillers are versatile and effective for patients looking for long-term results. They are also a great way to rejuvenate your skin through their collagen stimulating action.
• Longevity: PCL fillers last from 1-4 years depending on the longevity preferred, while any collagen produced will last for years longer.

Choosing the Right Dermal Filler

They right type of dermal filler to use depends on various factors. Your concerns and goals, budget, treatment area, longevity, and risk tolerance all play a role. During your consultation, your doctor will take time to understand your concerns & goals, assess your facial structure & skin quality, and recommend the best type of dermal filler.

• For fine lines and wrinkles: Thin hyaluronic acid fillers are generally the best choice, providing subtle enhancements and skin hydration.
• For moderate wrinkles and hollowness/facial structure: Medium to thick HA fillers, as well as CaHA fillers, are effective in restoring facial volume and smoothing out deeper lines.
• For long-term volume restoration: Non-HA fillers like CaHA and PCL are excellent options, offering prolonged results and collagen stimulation for improved skin texture.

Dermal Filler Safety and Aftercare

While dermal fillers are generally safe when used appropriately, they do have risks. It’s important to follow aftercare instructions to minimise risks. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site.

In rare cases, complications such as infection, filler reactions, or skin damage can occur. Choosing a reputable clinic and an experienced practitioner significantly reduces these risks.

Learn More About Dermal Filler Types at Cosmetic Connection

Dermal fillers are popular because they are convenient and highly effective. Whether you want to treat signs of ageing or enhance certain facial features, using the right dermal filler is critical.

To ensure you get the dermal filler type you need, a consultation with an experienced cosmetic doctor is vital. Having a good understanding of the different types of dermal fillers means you are better prepared to make an informed treatment decision.

If you’re considering dermal fillers, book a consultation with one of our qualified doctors to discuss your options and develop a personalised treatment plan.