What are Dermal Fillers Made Of?
All dermal filler materials are extensively tested and FDA-approved. Some are materials that already occur in your body, while others were originally developed for medical uses. Each one has its own advantages and preferred uses.
Hyaluronic Acid (Juvederm® and Belotero®)
Fillers like the Juvederm® family or Belotero® enhance volume using a material naturally found in your skin. Hyaluronic acid, which helps attract and hold onto hydration, is the most widely used filler material. It can form long chains and cross-links that let these fillers address many different facial concerns.
One of the biggest advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is their wide range of uses and immediate results. However, dermal fillers made of this material do not last as long as some others. Lip fillers can last six months to a year, while denser fillers for areas like the cheeks can last up to two years for some people.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®)
Radiesse® is usually used for lines and wrinkles, especially deep creases around the mouth and nose. It can also be used in areas like the jawline and chin to add definition and decrease sagging skin or on the backs of the hands for a smoother, youthful appearance. It uses calcium hydroxylapatite, a material found naturally in bone, in tiny microspheres suspended in a gel.
One disadvantage of Radiesse® is that results are not visible immediately. Instead of adding immediate volume, it stimulates collagen production for added volume over time. For many people, the results are worth the wait, and Radiesse® continues to grow in popularity. It lasts one to two years for most people.
PMMA (Bellafil®)
Bellafil® is a unique and versatile dermal filler that outlasts all other available options. It can be used for areas such as the lips, cheeks, and lines and wrinkles. It uses PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), a compound widely used in medical devices for decades, in microsphere form and suspended in a collagen matrix. The collagen adds immediate volume while the PMMA promotes increased collagen production over time.
Bellafil® offers a combination of immediate and long-term results and can treat many different areas. It can last up to five years. One disadvantage is that it contains a form collagen protein that some people could react to. We will discuss any previous reactions to various substances during your consultation.
