Types of Dermal

Fillers

There are a wide variety of dermal fillers available in the aesthetic market today, derived from various sources including that of human, bovine and synthetic. Below we list some of the most popular non-surgical options to help you determine which ones are best for you.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid, also referred to as simply HA, is a collagen-stimulating dermal filler. Due to its non-animal derived status, it’s a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans. It increases dermal suppleness by helping the skin to attract water and therefore retain moisture, resulting in natural, dermal plumpness which makes it a good candidate for fighting fine lines.

  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: Brand-dependent, 6 - 18 months.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

Injectable dermal filler poly-L-lactic acid, abbreviated to PLLA, is a known filler for treating facial volume loss and lines. Used to help rebuild facial volume and structure, PLLA is also a collagen stimulant, encouraging the patient’s skin to produce collagen. Due to its status as a non-permanent filler, PLLA is broken down over time and absorbed by the body.
  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: Brand-dependent, up to 2 years.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Calcium hydroxylapatite, or CaHA, is a dermal filler that consists of CaHA microspheres contained within an aqueous carrier gel suspension. Its compatibility with dermal tissue and ability to help stimulate the skin’s own collagen, it is one of the most popular dermal filler choices. After being absorbed by the body over a period of time, this filler leaves behind the skin’s natural collagen.
  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: Brand-dependent, approximately over a year.

Bovine Collagen

Amalgamated with local anesthetic, this filler composed of purified bovine-derived collagen with the intention of increasing the skin’s collagen content, promoting a natural appearance and reducing fine lines associated with aging skin. It is, however, a filler that usually requires a dermal test prior to injection in the unlikely event that the client is allergic.
  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: 3 - 6 months.

Injectable Fibroblasts

Injectable fibroblasts are utilized via a skin biopsy taken from the client. The cells from this are then grown, following purification, in a laboratory before being injected into areas of the face that require attention. This process is used to treat fine lines by helping to repair dermal damage caused by age and thus provide a long-term rejuvenation of the skin. Fibroblasts are an effective treatment for imperfections due to their role in helping to synthesize collagen.
  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: Brand-dependent, up to a year.

Botulinum Toxin

Botox, or botulinum toxin as it is also known, is a popular dermal filler in the aesthetics market. Once injected, it relaxes the targeted facial muscles, thus reducing the visible appearance of dermal lines. Despite relaxing the muscles, it does not do so to such an extent that at least some movement cannot be made in order to avoid the face being completely devoid of normal expressions. This smooths the face rather than adding volume, such is the purpose of collagen fillers, etc.
  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: A: 3 - 6 months.

Autologous Preparations

The meaning of autologous preparations stems from the use of one’s own organs which, in this case, refers to a skin harvest. Following this step in the treatment, the skin harvest is then generated into a collagen suspension after which the solution is injected into the patient. The treatment typically takes a duration of three months with two to three installments needed.
  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: Approximately a year.

Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix

Otherwise known as the Vampire Facelift, this is an anti-aging procedure that is defined by treating the skin with platelet-rich blood. Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm which is then placed in a centrifuge and spun so that the platelets become separated. These are then injected into the facial skin of the patient to help plump the skin and, therefore reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Micro-needling or dermabrasion are procedures also known to be utilized prior to the platelets being spread onto the face. A period of one to two recovery days is usually required following this procedure.
  • Q: How long does the treatment last?
  • A: Around 6 - 12 months, but this can vary.