Society often judges people by how they look. It’s a common belief that great things await those with youthful, radiant-looking faces—especially in the entertainment sector.
Despite the push for all things natural, millions go to great lengths to enhance their facial features and appearance. Some go under the knife, while others prefer a nonsurgical approach to cosmetic treatments, including dermal fillers.
According to Statista, dermal filler injections were the second most common non-invasive cosmetic procedure performed worldwide in 2022, next to Botulinum toxin or Botox. And the market is poised to grow bigger. Experts project that the facial fillers market will reach USD$ 5.2 billion by 2026. (1)
As with other cosmetic treatments, it pays to build your knowledge before scheduling a doctor’s appointment. So, what are dermal fillers, and how do they work? We’ve curated some of the most essential information about this popular facial rejuvenation option.
Understanding dermal fillers
Skin sagging and volume loss are the main giveaways of aging. That’s because we produce less elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen as we mature. These proteins and molecules are the trifecta of plump, vibrant, well-hydrated, and bouncy skin.
Altering your diet, taking supplements, and applying topical solutions may help boost collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic production. However, these treatments take time and are less effective than dermal filler treatments in eliminating fine lines and nasolabial folds and improving facial volume.
How do dermal fillers work in general?
Dermal fillers work by replenishing the volume lost in your skin due to aging. Think of them as pillows plumping up your skin from underneath. The gel-like substances inside an injectable filler mimic the natural substances found on your skin—making them biocompatible. They immediately add definition, volume, and smoothness to the face, requiring little to no downtime.
How do dermal fillers work to enhance the face?
Dermal fillers can be used for other facial enhancement procedures, not just to fill wrinkles. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you’re considering these options:
- Lip Augmentation
Want fuller, plumper lips? These injectable solutions can add volume and definition to your pout, creating a more youthful look.
- Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty
These gel-like substances can subtly reshape your nose, addressing concerns like a bump or a droopy tip. Think of it as a subtle nose job without surgery.
- Chin Enhancement
Fillers can add definition to your chin, creating a more balanced facial profile.
- Scar Revision
Besides fine lines, facial fillers can be injected into deep acne scars or other depressions in the skin, making it look smoother.
How does each dermal filler compare?
Several dermal fillers are made from different substances and designed for various purposes. Here’s a breakdown of how different fillers achieve their effects:
1. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers bind with water molecules in your skin, creating a plumping and hydrating effect. They’re great for filling in wrinkles and lines, especially those around the mouth, nose, and eyes. Most lip fillers, for instance, contain hyaluronic acid.
HA fillers are popular because they provide natural-looking results and are reversible if needed. In 2019, 4.3 million cosmetic procedures were done with hyaluronic acid as the main ingredient. (2)
2. Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers
CaHA fillers are thicker than hyaluronic fillers and are typically used for deeper wrinkles and volume loss. These provide more structure and definition, making them ideal for areas like the cheeks and jawline. They offer longer-lasting results than HA fillers (more on that in the next section) and stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin structure and elasticity over time.
3. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers
These fillers stimulate your skin’s collagen production, offering gradual and long-lasting facial feature improvements. While the initial volumizing effect is subtle, your skin plumps up from within over time. PPLA fillers can be used on facial wrinkles, sagging jowls, and marionette lines—the vertical lines that appear at the edges of your lips and under your nasolabial folds.
4. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers
Do you have deep frown lines or cheek depressions but want a more permanent solution? PMMA fillers may be a good option. These contain tiny and synthetic yet biocompatible microspheres that remain in your skin indefinitely, providing a lasting support structure for smoother, more youthful skin.
5. Autologous fat injections
Of the filler procedures on this list, facial fat grafting is the only procedure that requires surgery pre-injection. This treatment involves harvesting fat from another part of your body through liposuction and purifying it before injecting it into your face.
These injectable fillers are generally safe when administered by licensed practitioners. Those approved by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) are biocompatible or don’t hurt the tissues. Except for PMMA, these dermal fillers are likewise biodegradable, meaning your body naturally absorbs them.
How long do injectable fillers last?
Depending on the type of filler used, results can last anywhere from six months to two years.
- Hyaluronic fillers typically last from six to 12 months. Although they’re naturally produced by the body, most HA fillers are culled from avian sources and chemically altered inside laboratories.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers could last up to 18 months. This mineral is present in human bones and is dense enough to appear in X-rays.
- Poly-L-lactic acid fillers may yield results for up to two years, although a series of injections is required for maximum results. This material is commonly used to make dissolvable surgical materials.
- Polymethylmethacrylate beads or PPMA fillers are considered permanent materials and would last several years. These are sourced from bovine collagen and are non-biodegradable. (3)
- Autologous fat injections can last several years, although results may vary since not all fat cells survive during the process.
Choosing the right dermal filler can seem overwhelming. It’s highly recommended that you consult with a qualified professional to find the perfect solution for your aesthetic goals and desired anti-aging results.
A qualified professional will assess your facial structure, discuss your desired outcomes, and recommend the best filler type for you. They’ll also check your medical history to minimize potential risks.
Possible side effects of dermal fillers
While generally safe, there are certain risks associated with dermal fillers. Less than one percent of Botox and dermal filler patients experience mostly minor side effects. (4)
- Bruising and swelling
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Asymmetry or uneven results
- Skin lumps or bumps
- Filler migration
- Skin necrosis or tissue death in rare cases
Again, most of these are temporary and resolved within a day or two. However, individuals who develop serious symptoms, like fever, severe pain, bleeding, and breathing difficulties, should seek medical care immediately.
A nonsurgical approach to beauty
Dermal fillers are powerful in enhancing your natural beauty and regain your confidence. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding what dermal fillers are and how they work is the first step in making an informed decision. Choosing a licensed and experienced practitioner—with whom you can openly discuss your goals and expected results—can also help determine whether this approach is right for you.
References:
1. ‘Soft tissue fillers facial rejuvenation market revenue worldwide from 2016 to 2026’. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/988447/facial-rejuvenation-soft-tissue-fillers-global-market/#:~:text=This%20statistic%20depicts%20the%20worldwide%20soft%20tissue%20fillers%20facial%20rejuvenation%20market%20size%20from%202016%20to%202026.%20According%20to%20the%20data%2C%20the%20market%20is%20expected%20to%20grow%20from%203.4%20billion%20U.S.%20dollars%20in%202016%20to%20about%205.2%20billion%20dollars%20by%202026.
2. ‘Hyaluronic acid-based fillers in patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases’. Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.15751#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20hyaluronic%20acid%20(HA)%2Dbased%20aesthetic%20therapies%20is%20growing%20steadily%2C%20and%20according%20to%20the%20International%20Society%20of%20Aesthetic%20Plastic%20Surgery%2C%20more%20than%204.3%20million%20aesthetic%20procedures%20using%20HA%20were%20performed%20in%202019%2C%20an%20increase%20of%2015.7%25%20than%202018.
3. ‘FDA-Approved Dermal Fillers’. Source:
4. ‘What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?’. Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320510#key-differences:~:text=A%20study,these%20were%20minor.