Exploring Different Types of Filler Injections: Hyaluronic Acid, Poly-L-Lactic Acid, and More

In the world of medical aesthetics, filler injections have become a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their facial features and combat signs of aging. At Pure 111 Medical Aesthetics in Fairview Heights, IL, we offer various filler types, each offering unique benefits and applications. This blog post will explore some of the most common types of filler injections, including Hyaluronic Acid, Poly-L-Lactic Acid, and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are among the most popular and widely used dermal fillers in the cosmetic industry. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, which maintains hydration and volume. Two prominent types of Hyaluronic Acid fillers are Juvéderm and Restylane®.

Juvéderm

Juvéderm is a non-surgical dermal filler made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our skin. The Juvéderm product line is designed to add volume, smooth out lines, and enhance facial contours. It replenishes lost hyaluronic acid, improving skin hydration and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid levels decrease with age, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Juvéderm works by replenishing the lost hyaluronic acid in the skin. Injected by a skilled practitioner with a fine syringe, the filler integrates with the surrounding tissues, increasing hydration and restoring volume to the treated areas.

Restylane ®

The Restylane® line of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers is designed to deliver natural-looking results. Tailored to address specific aesthetic needs, Restylane® products work meticulously to smooth away wrinkles and fine lines, gently enhance lip fullness, restore cheek volume, and combat volume loss in the hands. These fillers achieve their results by integrating seamlessly with the skin’s tissues, providing a refreshed and youthful appearance.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers offer numerous benefits for those seeking non-surgical facial enhancements. Products like Juvéderm and Restylane® smooth skin, restore tissue volume, and soften deep wrinkles, resulting in a youthful appearance. They can redefine facial features without surgery, boosting confidence with minimal downtime.

Restylane® is particularly effective for tackling nasolabial folds and enhancing cheek volume. Its unique design allows it to fill and lift the mid-face, achieving natural-looking results. Notably, Restylane® Lyft is the first FDA-cleared HA filler to restore lost volume in the hands, making them appear more youthful and supple.

Different HA fillers cater to various needs; for instance, Restylane® Defyne and Refyne treat wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth. Defyne is ideal for mild-to-moderate lines, while Refyne targets moderate-to-severe wrinkles.

One of the primary benefits of HA fillers is their ability to provide immediate results with minimal downtime. They are also reversible, allowing adjustments if the desired effect is not achieved. Additionally, HA fillers excel in hydrating the skin and adding volume to areas like the lips and cheeks, offering aesthetic and moisturizing benefits.

Applications and Results

HA fillers are commonly used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, enhance lip volume, and restore facial contours. Results are typically visible immediately after the procedure and can last from six months to a year, depending on the specific product used.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) fillers are synthetic, biocompatible, and biodegradable substances that promote collagen production over time. One such filler, Sculptra, is an FDA-approved injectable, made of synthetic poly-lactic acid. It works by gradually stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, helping to restore fullness and smooth out wrinkles around the mouth and nose.

Benefits of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers

PLLA fillers are renowned for delivering gradual and natural-looking enhancements by stimulating the body’s collagen production. They are ideal for those seeking subtle, long-term skin texture and volume enhancements.

Sculptra is a PLLA filler that results in a softer, more youthful, and natural appearance. It effectively reduces wrinkles, lines, and furrows around the lips, eyes, mouth, neck, cheeks, and chin. Upon injection, Sculptra stimulates collagen production, which fills in indentations, folds, and wrinkles—potentially offering up to 80% improvement in the targeted area.

Additionally, you can resume your daily activities. The changes in your appearance are subtle, gradual, and discreet.

Applications and Results

Sculptra injections can be applied to various facial locations including marionette lines, wrinkles around the chin, and laugh lines. It also refines the jawline and brings back volume to sunken cheeks or temples. This treatment is meant to fill out hollow areas of the face and diminish wrinkles. However, Sculptra cannot be used under the eyes or on the lips.

PLLA fillers treat deep facial wrinkles, folds, and volume loss. Unlike other fillers, the results are not immediate but develop over several months as collagen production increases. The effects can last up to two years.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a semi-permanent filler frequently used to address medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds, and furrows, especially nasolabial folds. It’s also effective for filling pitted scars and enhancing thin lips. Bellafill® is an FDA-approved filler made from PMMA microspheres combined with collagen gel. This biocompatible synthetic resin reduces nasolabial folds and moderate to severe acne scars on the cheeks. The results appear natural and smooth, lasting up to five years for nasolabial folds.

Benefits of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers

The FDA has approved Bellafill® for use as a dermal filler specifically targeting nasolabial folds. Unlike other fillers that are absorbed by the body and require frequent re-injections, Bellafill® is non-resorbable. It’s also the only FDA-approved filler for improving acne scars.

Bellafill® stands out for treating lines from the nose to the mouth. Bellafill® delivers smoother skin, fast results, and long-lasting effects, with results lasting at least five years.

Applications and Results

PMMA fillers are frequently utilized to address deep wrinkles, folds, and scars. These fillers offer semi-permanent outcomes, enhancing skin texture and volume for several years. Due to their long-lasting effects, it is crucial to have them administered by a skilled practitioner. Bellafill®, a PMMA filler, is designed to treat nasolabial folds and moderate to severe acne scars on the cheeks. Nasolabial folds are the lines that extend from the sides of the nostrils to the corners of the mouth. Atrophic scars, which create skin indentations due to non-regenerative cells from acne or injuries, can also benefit from this effective filler. Additionally, Bellafill® can correct small areas of facial volume loss.

Conclusion

At Pure 111 Medical Aesthetics in Fairview Heights, IL, we provide fillers tailored to your needs and aesthetic aspirations. Whether your goal is to smooth fine lines, restore lost elasticity, or add volume to areas of your face, our skilled practitioners use gentle, minimally invasive techniques to achieve a lifted and supple appearance. Enhance your skin’s youthful glow and natural beauty with us today, schedule a consultation to find the perfect filler, and start your journey towards a more youthful, confident self.