These days, it seems like everyone has facial fillers.  What was once something that was reserved solely for the rich and famous is now accessible to everyone, and you may have even noticed your teacher, colleague, or the barista at your local coffee shop looking a little younger these days!

Facial fillers are some of the most common means of cosmetic surgery today.  Facial fillers can add volume and definition to your face, as well as fill any wrinkles and smooth fine lines.  There are several different kinds of facial fillers, and the one you choose depends on the specific results you’re hoping to achieve.  Some of the most common types of facial fillers include:

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid fillers are among some of the most popular types of fillers, as they draw water to the face and provide the skin with a plump look.  These types of fillers are praised for their natural look, and many celebrities have been known to turn to hyaluronic acid fillers for their skin needs without it looking obvious.  There are several different fillers that fall under the hyaluronic acid umbrella, including Juvederm (Voluma, Volbella, Vollure, Juvederm XC), Restylane (Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne), and Belotero Balance.  The results of hyaluronic acid fillers can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months before needing to be touched up depending on the part or parts of your face that are being treated.

Polymethylmethacrylate

Another commonly-used facial filler is Polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA.  PMMA is often used to fill medium to deep wrinkles and folds on the face and is popular among aging individuals for this reason.  PMMA fillers are also considered semi-permanent, making them the perfect choice for anyone looking for longer-lasting results. PMMA fillers contain collagen, a naturally occurring substance found in the skin that your body stops producing as you age, making PMMA a great choice for older people who may have lost some of that volume over time.  One of the most popular PMMA facial fillers is Bellafill, which is known for its long-lasting results that can last anywhere from several months to a year.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are frequently used to fill in wrinkles and soften the appearance of laugh lines on the face.  These kinds of fillers are also common among older people, however, they tend to give a softer, more natural look. The reason for this is because the results from Poly-L-lactic acid fillers start to appear gradually over several months, so you won’t be left with intense results right away.  Another great thing about Poly-L-lactic acid fillers is that they are biodegradable, and they are commonly used for medical purposes like dissolvable stitches. Sculptra Aesthetic is one of the most popular fillers in the Poly-L-lactic acid family for its ability to help stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production and reduce signs of aging.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Calcium Hydroxylapatite, or CaHA, is another popular type of facial filler made of a naturally occurring substance found in our bones.  CaHA fillers tend to last longer than many other types of fillers, making them a great choice for people who want a low-maintenance filler that won’t require too much upkeep.  CaHA fillers are also thought to improve the quality of the skin over time by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production and add volume and fullness to the skin. Radiesse is one of the most popular CaHA fillers for this reason.

How Safe Are Facial Fillers?

While facial fillers are extremely common and minimally-invasive, there are still some risks as with any cosmetic procedure.  When it comes to choosing a doctor to administer your injections, it is important to do your research and find a doctor who has experience with the type of filler you’re interested in.  It can be helpful to ask around and get some recommendations, as you will feel more comfortable working with a doctor you trust. After receiving your injections, you may experience some side effects, including bruising, redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site.  If you are worried about your doctor administering too much filler or having it look unnatural, your doctor can use something like hyaluronidase to break down your fillers and create a more subtle look.

Making the decision to get facial fillers is something that requires plenty of thought and care, so make sure to do your research beforehand to ensure you make the best decision for you and your unique needs.