As we age, our skin gradually loses two essential proteins: collagen and elastin. These proteins, which comprise approximately 90% of our skin’s total protein content, are crucial for maintaining skin strength, structure, resilience, flexibility, and elasticity.
While collagen and elastin levels are abundant in our 20s, they begin to decline as we enter our 30s, leading to various skincare concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss.
Dermal fillers are a powerful tool to combat these signs of aging. As our understanding of facial anatomy and the aging process has advanced, so too has our approach to using fillers. We now have many different types of dermal fillers available to us, and we use them in strategic ways to achieve more comprehensive and natural-looking results.
What Are Dermal Fillers, Exactly?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected underneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, soften creases, and/or enhance facial contours. Certain types, sometimes called biostimulators, also stimulate collagen and elastin production.
There are many different types of dermal fillers to choose from. They differ in factors such as formula, optimal location and depth of injection, longevity and more. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types and what they’re used for down below.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): The Most Popular Type of Dermal Filler
Hyaluronic acid is a substance you’ve likely heard of before. It’s found in a lot of your favorite skincare products, but also found naturally in the body with the highest concentrations in the joints, eyes, and skin.
Since hyaluronic acid is capable of attracting and retaining water, it not only adds volume where it is injected, but it can help hydrate and moisturize the skin before eventually dissolving and disappearing.
At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates, we offer four different types of HA fillers:
- JUVÉDERM® – this line of HA fillers is primarily used to fill in nasolabial folds and marionette lines, restore lost volume in the chin and mouth, and add volume to the lips.
- Restylane® – this line of HA fillers can help fill in subtle nasolabial folds and marionette lines, smooth deep-set folds around the mouth, correct sunken cheeks, and lip augmentation.
- Belotero Balance® – a thicker HA filler that can help treat moderate to severe nasolabial folds (the lines that extend from the mouth to the nose).
- RHA® Collection – the first and only HA filler that’s approved by the FDA to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are those that form as a result of natural facial expressions.
One of the biggest benefits of HA fillers is that the results are reversible, thanks to an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase can almost immediately dissolve the hyaluronic acid after being injected.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA): For Deeper Lines and Wrinkles
Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is a mineral-like compound that’s found naturally in human bones. It’s a thicker type of filler, and is biosynthetically produced, meaning no animals or animal products are used.
Radiesse® is the only FDA-approved CaHA filler on the market today. It is a thicker filler primarily used to correct deeper lines and wrinkles around the lips and mouth and add volume to the cheeks. It can also be used to add volume to the back of the hands to minimize the appearance of veins and tendons.
Radiesse® works by increasing the production of collagen and elastin. This can produce a more natural and long-lasting result.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA): Treating the Root of the Problem
While poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) isn’t found naturally in the body (like HA and CaHA), it excels at increasing collagen and elastin production by triggering natural mechanisms in the body.
Sculptra® is the only FDA-approved PLLA filler available today, and is primarily used to correct significant volume and fat loss in the face. It’s also used for augmentation in the buttocks.
PLLA fillers don’t produce immediate results. The results gradually improve as collagen and elastin levels are restored in the skin. It’s a significantly longer-lasting filler than its counterparts made with hyaluronic acid.
The Advantages of Multi-Filler Treatments
Given the diverse properties and applications of different filler types, combining them can often yield superior results. Taking a multi-filler approach allows us to address multiple aspects of facial aging simultaneously.
For instance, a treatment plan at Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates might incorporate:
- RHA® Collection for dynamic wrinkles
- JUVÉDERM® for lip and cheek augmentation
- Belotero Balance® for nasolabial folds and lip lines
Some people call this a “liquid facelift” or “nonsurgical facelift.”
It is also an option to combine fillers with neuromodulators to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. We carry Botox and Dysport.
While combining fillers is generally safe when performed by experienced injectors, it requires a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and filler properties. Our practitioners, led by Dr. Kaniff, are highly trained in advanced injection techniques and stay updated on the latest products and safety protocols.
Explore Your Options for Dermal Fillers in Sacramento, CA
Have questions about dermal fillers or our combination approach? Our knowledgeable staff is here to help. Book a one-on-one consultation with our expert practitioners to find out how you can incorporate multiple filler types for complete nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.
At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates, we take the time, energy, and effort to learn the exact wants and needs of each patient to ensure they receive the results they were hoping for.
If you’d like to learn more about what dermal fillers are and what they can do for your skin, then please don’t hesitate to contact our office today at (916) 571-0597 or schedule a consultation with us online.
