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The world of cosmetic medicine constantly receives many cosmetic procedures, often leading to confusion among individuals seeking these treatments. However, some of these procedures still stand out due to meeting various needs and filler is considered the most advanced and widespread treatment to fill out wrinkles, fine lines and body parts that lost their glow.
Filler is the most used technique for the facial area, including lip filler, nose, under eyes and others. Your choice on what is the most suitable filler for you is based on several factors, the most important being consulting a skilled & experienced dermatologist in general facial anatomy. The doctor’s expertise is important for different types of filler, what areas are to be injected and the best suitable dosage. The cost is also included to find the best filler within your budget.
Fillers are categorized into two groups, permanent and temporary. Temporary filler results usually last from 6 to 12 months and any results that last more than that are considered permanent. The purpose, cost and suitability of different fillers vary widely. To help you get a visual idea of what the most suitable filler for you is, a doctor consultation is necessary.
We will mention the most common filler types with their uses and their application areas.
Permanent filler
It is the filler that has long-lasting results, but eventually its effects will fade. Permanent filler may last up to 5 years or more. The reason for its long duration is relatively related to its composition that differs from the nature of the human skin. The components of permanent filler consist of more viscous ingredients compared to temporary and semi-permanent filler. Therefore, it is not easily biodegradable inside the body and its results last longer.
The filler is typically injected around the nose or in areas with thick skin. The results of permanent filler are also harder to modify compared to other types of filler.
This type of filler is primarily composed of (PMMA) polymethyl methacrylate polymers. It also includes fat-grafting for long lasting results.
(PMMA) Polymethyl Methacrylate polymers
Trade name: Bellafill
PMMA is considered one of the permanent filler types, it is mostly used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles, deep folds (especially around the nose) and to plump thin lips. This type of filler is also beneficial in plastic and reconstructive surgeries for several surgical procedures that resulted in scars overtime.
This kind of treatment is typically used as an alternative to other filler types such as Hylarounic acid, and it may require several sessions lasting up to 3 months for visible results to fully appear.
Fat Grafting/ Fat Transfer
Human body fat may be used for filler injections through a process called fat transfer or grafting. This process is done by suctioning miniscule amounts of fat from certain areas such as the lower abdomen, the hips and buttocks. The fat is then purified and injected into certain areas in the face. This type of filler may also be used for breast augmentation, arm lift and lip lift. Thus, the natural size of the body part or face may be restored or enhanced with better results.
The results last for several years as the injected fat blends seamlessly with the existing tissues which helps the appearance of natural and long lasting results. The results of fat transfer or fat grafting may require modification after 6 months as it may lose its density with time, leading to constant injections for the maintenance of a natural look.
Semi-permanent filler
This type of filler is considered more viscous than temporary filler. The body may need longer time to break it down and absorb it, thus leading to longer lasting results. Semi-permanent filler is typically composed of Poly lactic acid or Polyalkylimide.
Poly lactic acid
Trade name: Sculptra
This type of filler is called a stimulator, as it works by stimulating collagen which is naturally decreased with age. Sculptra, the most common brand, works by tightening fine lines under the eye, deep facial wrinkles and to enhance elasticity and hydration in the injected area. It is also known as Poly lactic acid, which is highly effective for the lower facial area and is very effective in enhancing the fullness of the lips.
The results may last for a long time, from one to two years, but they may also take a long period to appear. A period of a month to several months may be needed for the results to be fully visible. It is necessary to mention that both permanent and semi-permanent fillers may require two to three sessions monthly to achieve better results, in addition to needing minor touch ups from time to time.
Polyalkylimide
Trade name: Aquamid
Polyalkylimide is a semi-permanent filler, commonly used by cosmetologists to treat deep wrinkles, mild scars and to promote plumping of the lips, cheeks and nasolabial folds. Some individuals may use it to treat facial wasting caused by HIV medications.
Polyalkylimide slightly interacts with the skin tissue making it highly compatible. It has a relatively long duration, especially since it requires several months for the results to fully appear and for the filler gel to completely integrate in the injected area.
Temporary filler
It is the most commonly used filler due to its natural composition, ease of use and the ability to get rid of it if the results are unsatisfying. It includes many types of natural fillers such as: Hylaruonic acid and Calcium hydroxylapatite. The results of temporary filler last from 6 months to a year, based on the number of injections and other factors.
Hyaluronic acid
Trade name: Pluryal Booster
It is the most popular and widely used type of filler. Its composition is considered the most compatible with the tissues in the skin as it consists of natural substances that already exist in the human body and are found in abundance around the eyes, in cartilage and in skin tissues. As the body ages, it stops producing hyaluronic acid. Its results last temporarily from 6 to 12 months.
Hyaluronic acid is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in various areas such as the eyebrows, forehead, corners of the mouth. Additionally, it reshapes the lines of the lips as well as plumping the cheeks and moisturizing the skin. One of its therapeutic uses is to treat arthritis by injecting it into the joints to relieve the associated pain.
Calcium hydroxylapatite
Trade name: Radiesse
It is one of the temporary filler types that is composed of safe ingredients and characterized by its natural results. It was previously used in dental reconstructive surgery and has a long safety record.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is unique for its natural presence in the human bone tissue, as its composition is similar to that of minerals which makes it less susceptible to complications and allergic reactions.
Radiesse is used to fill in wrinkles and moderate to severe fine lines in the areas of the cheeks, nasolabial folds and frown lines. Its results last for approximately 12 months.
In the light of the overwhelming amount of content on social media that focuses on other types of fillers or labels that do not actually exist, it is crucial to highlight the best and most commonly used kind of fillers.
Dr. Mohanad Adas has consistently put emphasis on this topic, and the importance of consulting a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon before proceeding with any procedure. It is essential to inquire with a specialized doctor about the most suitable treatment for you based on your specific needs and goals.
At Dr. Mohanad Adas’s clinic, we are dedicated to provide the best personalized consultation to help you achieve exceptional results beyond your desires and expectations.
