Popular Types of Dermal Fillers and Their Uses

Introduction

As we age, subtle changes in our appearance can affect how we feel about ourselves. Fine lines, hollow cheeks, and a less defined jawline are common concerns many want to address without surgery. At Una Aesthetics in Edgewater, NJ, we understand that maintaining your natural look while restoring volume and definition is essential. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through dermal fillers—a non-surgical option to enhance your facial features and improve signs of aging with minimal downtime.

This blog will explain​​ the popular types of dermal fillers, how they work, and what to expect from each option. Whether you’re new to cosmetic treatments or considering your next session, knowing the types of facial fillers available can help you make informed decisions about your care.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, soften wrinkles smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Unlike neuromodulators, which relax the muscles to reduce wrinkles, fillers physically add volume where needed. This makes them particularly useful for the cheeks, lips, jawline, and nasolabial folds.

The most common substances used in dermal fillers include:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA)
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
• Poly-L-lactic acid
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
• Collagen

Each filler type serves a different purpose and is chosen based on the patient’s goals, treatment area, and desired longevity of results.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – The Most Common Choice

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most widely used type of dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture and adds volume to the skin. These soft and flexible fillers often contain lidocaine to reduce discomfort during injection.

Uses of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

These filters are ideal for addressing the following:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Cheek volume loss
• Lip augmentation
• Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
• Jawline definition
• Smile lines and nasolabial folds

Popular brand names include Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Belotero®. One advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is their reversibility. If needed, the effects can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

Why Patients Choose HA Fillers

Patients often prefer HA fillers because results appear gradually and can be adjusted over time. At Una Aesthetics, we focus on achieving natural-looking outcomes and avoiding the overfilled appearance by spacing out treatments and using precise techniques. This helps prevent the phenomenon known as “filler fatigue,” where repeated or excessive filler use can lead to unnatural facial contours.

Collagen Fillers – Supporting Skin Structure

Collagen fillers were among the first dermal fillers used in aesthetic medicine. They supplement the skin’s natural collagen, which declines with age. Although their use has become less common due to the popularity of hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen still has a role in cosmetic treatments.

Common Applications

Collagen fillers are primarily used for:

• Shallow wrinkles
• Minor volume loss
• Lip border definition

Some modern collagen fillers are bioengineered to reduce allergic reactions and provide better longevity. They can help restore firmness in delicate facial areas that need only subtle enhancement.

Who Might Consider Collagen Fillers

Collagen may be considered for individuals seeking gentle improvement or prefer a more traditional approach. While not as long-lasting as newer fillers, collagen offers a smoother texture and is appropriate for people seeking mild facial enhancement without significant volumization.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers – For Deeper Wrinkles and Contours

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound naturally found in bones. This filler is suspended in a gel that provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen production over time.

Best Uses for CaHA Fillers

This filler type is suitable for:

• Moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds
• Marionette lines
• Nasolabial folds
• Chin and jawline enhancement
• Cheek augmentation

Radiesse® is a well-known CaHA filler. It is thicker than HA fillers and is ideal for structural support and deeper wrinkles. However, it is not used on delicate areas like lips and around the eyes.

Benefits and Considerations

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are long-lasting and offer immediate and ongoing improvement due to collagen stimulation. However, they cannot be easily reversed once injected, so choosing an experienced provider like Una Aesthetics is essential to ensure safe and accurate placement.

Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers – Stimulating Natural Collagen

Unlike other fillers that provide immediate results, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) gradually stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. Over time, results develop as collagen builds up in the treated areas.

Treatment Areas

PLLA fillers, such as Sculptra®, are used to treat:

• Deep facial wrinkles
• Hollow cheeks
• Facial volume loss from aging or weight loss

These filters are often used in a series of treatments, with results lasting up to two years. PLLA’s gradual nature makes it ideal for patients looking for long-term improvement without drastic changes overnight.

What Patients Should Know

Because it doesn’t show immediate volume like hyaluronic acid, it’s essential to understand that results take time. However, once achieved, the outcome is typically long-lasting and more natural since the improvement comes from your body’s collagen production.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers – Long-Term Structural Support

PMMA fillers comprise tiny, biocompatible microspheres suspended in a collagen gel. They provide long-lasting support and are usually considered semi-permanent fillers.

Indications for PMMA

This type of filler is recommended for:

• Deep wrinkles, such as smile lines
• Acne scars
• Structural support in specific areas like the lower face

Bellafill® is the most recognized PMMA filler available. Because it is semi-permanent, it is not usually recommended for first-time filler patients or areas prone to frequent aesthetic change.

Considerations Before Choosing PMMA

While PMMA fillers can offer longer-lasting results, they require precision and thorough consultation. At Una Aesthetics, we assess each patient’s goals and medical history to determine whether a long-term filler like PMMA is appropriate.

What Dermal Filler is Right for You?

Selecting the right filler depends on several factors, including:

• The area of the face being treated
• The severity of volume loss or wrinkles
• The desired duration of results
• Skin type and elasticity
• Previous filler history

An experienced provider will guide you through this decision. At Una Aesthetics, we use a conservative approach, focusing on facial balance, subtle improvements, and patient satisfaction over time.

We often start with smaller amounts and reevaluate after the initial treatment, allowing for safe adjustments and customized outcomes. Patient safety, facial harmony, and preserving your natural appearance are at the core of every dermal filler treatment.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

The Procedure

Dermal filler treatments are typically done in under an hour and involve the following steps:

• Consultation to assess your needs
• Cleansing the treatment area
• Injection of the chosen filler with fine needles or cannulas
• Brief aftercare instructions

Topical numbing or built-in lidocaine in the filler helps minimize discomfort. Patients can resume normal activities the same day, although mild swelling or bruising may persist for a few days.

Aftercare Tips

To help your recovery and maintain results, follow these tips:

• Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
• Stay upright for a few hours after treatment
• Avoid alcohol or blood-thinning medications before and after your appointment if advised

We schedule follow-ups as needed to ensure your results meet expectations and make any necessary adjustments.

How Dermal Fillers Help Avoid Surgery

One of the main reasons patients choose dermal fillers is that they offer noticeable improvement without the recovery time associated with surgery. Fillers can:

• Restore youthful contours
• Enhance features like cheekbones or lips
• Improve facial symmetry
• Refresh tired-looking eyes
• Add structure to the lower face and jawline

While the effects are temporary, most dermal fillers last from six months to two years, depending on the product used. This allows patients to modify their results or adjust treatment plans as facial anatomy and goals change.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of facial fillers and their specific uses is the first step in making informed decisions about your aesthetic treatments. Whether you’re interested in smoothing wrinkles, restoring volume, or enhancing your features, a dermal filler may be right.

At Una Aesthetics, we use advanced techniques and a conservative approach to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. Our expert injectors will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that suits your facial structure and goals.

If you’re considering dermal filler in Edgewater, NJ, call us today to find out which dermal filler is right for you! Enhance Your Natural Beauty – Book Now