Dermal Fillers
in Ellenbrook

Generally, dermal fillers are soft, gel-like compounds composed of naturally occurring substances, while others are synthetic. Among the most common fillers are:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Hyaluronic acid is the most common compound used in dermal fillers. Found naturally in the skin, it is an essential component of the skin’s hydration and volume. HA is a sugar molecule present in nearly all living organisms. This substance is a lubricant and shock absorber for movable body parts such as joints and binds water. Additionally, it is essential for transporting nutrients and regulating water balance in the skin.

When hyaluronic acid filler made from stabilised non-animal hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin, it adds volume to areas like the cheeks. It smooths wrinkles, especially around the eyes, lips, and forehead. HA fillers have several benefits, including the fact that they give a natural appearance when injected.

They can be easily dissolved if an adverse event occurs or if the patient does not like the result. In addition, most HA fillers are premixed with lidocaine, which is a numbing agent, so the cosmetic treatment is as comfortable as possible.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Human bone naturally contains calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral-like compound. CaHA has been used for years in dentistry and cosmetic surgery and has a long history of being safe. It takes calcium in the form of microscopic particles and adds it to a gel injected under the skin.

Since the gel has a thicker consistency than hyaluronic acid (HA), it is more suitable for deep lines and wrinkles.

Poly-L-lactic Acid: Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic filler that stimulates collagen production in the skin instead of “filling” wrinkles. Unlike other fillers, this filler’s results are gradual; volume increases for several months as collagen is stimulated in the body. As a result, the skin is firmer and wrinkles are reduced. This biodegradable acid helps reduce deep wrinkles and fill in lost fat areas.

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): A semipermanent filler, polymethyl methacrylate, consists of tiny balls called microspheres and collagen that plump up the skin. This filler is more durable than many other readily biodegradable fillers. However, it could cause complications such as lumps, infection, or being visible under the skin.

As we age, we lose the ability to produce collagen and elastin, which are vital to maintaining a youthful appearance. Basically, fillers plump areas of the face where there has been volume loss, smoothing out deep lines.

Dermal fillers come in different types, and each works differently to effectively reduce unwanted wrinkles, create volume and contour the face, and rejuvenate the skin:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Hyaluronic acid-based fillers work by increasing the skin’s production of hyaluronic acid. They revitalise and plump up the skin, reducing facial lines and wrinkles and giving the skin a softer, more natural appearance. The gel resembles the hyaluronic acid found in the human body and is tissue-friendly. It lasts for quite a while, but it’s not permanent.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring mineral. It is found mainly in bones. When used as a filler, the calcium particles are virtually microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. CaHA fillers are typically thicker than hyaluronic acid fillers, and they usually last longer, too. Calcium hydroxylapatite has also been reported to stimulate collagen production. It is most commonly used for deeper lines and wrinkles.

Poly-L-lactic Acid: Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic collagen stimulator that is biocompatible (safe for use in the body) and biodegradable. The material has been used in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches, for many years. Poly-L-lactic acid products are technically considered collagen stimulators because they smooth fine lines by aiding the skin to rebuild natural collagen. However, the gel itself dissolves within a few days after application. Usually, poly-L-lactic acid is used for treating deeper facial wrinkles.

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): Polymethyl methacrylate is a biocompatible, synthetic material that has been used in medicine for nearly a century. PMMA dermal fillers exist in the form of microspheres, which stay under the skin indefinitely to continue to provide support. Additionally, PMMA fillers contain collagen, which gives the skin structure and firmness.

The longevity of dermal fillers depends on many factors, including skin type, skin condition, lifestyle, age, and the type and amount of injectable product used. Follow-up sessions are usually recommended between 6 and 12 months following the initial treatment, depending on each individual’s condition and the product used.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A hyaluronic acid filler can last 6 to 12 months or longer before gradually absorbing into the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): For most patients, the effects of CaHA tend to last a year on average.

Poly-L-lactic Acid: This semipermanent filler works gradually, but it can last for at least two years. It can even last for longer than two years.

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): Despite being a permanent filler with results lasting five years, it’s usually not the first choice of doctors because of the possibility of complications, such as lumps and infection.