Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. They can be used to address a variety of concerns, including smoothing out lines around the nose and mouth, enhancing and restoring volume to sunken cheeks or temples, plumping and enhancing the lips, and improving symmetry among facial features.
Dermal fillers can be composed of a variety of substances, some naturally occurring and some synthetic. The most common compounds used in dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and autologous fat (fat that is transplanted from another part of your body) .
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, and it plays a major role in keeping skin hydrated and volumized. HA fillers, depending on their specific chemical makeup, can last from six months to much longer before being gradually absorbed by the body. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound naturally found in human bones, and it has a long track record of safety. Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic filler that helps to stimulate collagen production. PMMA beads are tiny round, smooth, plastic beads suspended in a solution that contains bovine (cow) collagen. Autologous fat is harvested from another part of the patients body and then injected into the desired area.
It is important to note that the results of most FDA-approved dermal fillers are temporary because they are made from materials that the body eventually breaks down and absorbs. The injection procedure may have to be repeated to maintain the desired effect.