Differen Types of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to fill lines or plump the skin from volume loss. They can be used in different locations on the face including under the eyes, the lips, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and other fine lines around the face.

While Botox is an injectable treatment used to paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles, fillers are used to simply “fill” in wrinkles or plump the skin.

There are many different types of dermal fillers to choose from, some are very similar and some are different. This post will provide a brief description of several different fillers categorized by the brand that makes them, and what they are best used for.

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Galderma: Restylane, Restylane Silk, and Perlane

Galderma is the maker of Restylane, Restylane Silk, and Perlane. Restylane is a Hyaluronic Acid filler that can be used for filling multiple areas of the face including marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and the lips.

It is the first and only FDA approved treatment for lip enhancement in patients over 21. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found in your body that when used as a filler, acts as a gel to fill hollows under the skin while also drawing water to the surface of the skin.

On either side of Restylane, we have Perlane and Restylane Silk. Perlane contains slightly larger sized gel particles that can be injected deeper into the skin to volumize.

This filler is best for deep folds and wrinkles, and to volumize areas such as the cheeks. Restylane Silk contains smaller sized gel particles than Restylane.

The smaller particle size allows Restylane Silk to be injected closer to the surface of the skin. This filler is best for small lines including the lines around the mouth.

Allergan: Juvederm, Voluma

Allergan is the maker of Juvederm and Voluma. Juvederm is another Hyaluronic Acid filler very similar to Restylane but made by a different manufacturer.

Juvederm is best used for treatment of moderate facial wrinkles such as marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and for plumping lips. Juvederm UltraPlus is comparable to Galderma’s Perlane in that is has larger particles that are better for filling deep in the skin.

This filler is best used for deep folds and wrinkles. Juvederm Voluma is another hyaluronic acid filler that is FDA approved to correct volume loss in the mid-face area.

Merz: Belotero, Radiesse

Merz is the maker of Belotero and Radiesse. Belotero is yet another hyaluronic acid filler to help smooth etched-in lines and wrinkles. It contains a small particle size that is great for injecting closer to the surface of the skin for “line chasing.”

It is best used for the fine lines around the mouth and any other etched lines around the face. Radiesse is made of Calcium Hydroxylapatite spheres in a gel solution.

The calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates the body to produce new collagen. When injected into the skin, the gel creates an instant volumizing effect while the calcium hydroxylapatite works to generate collagen filling the injected area.

Over time, the gel is absorbed by the body leaving only the collagen behind.

As you can see, there are many different types of fillers out there that can be used for many different areas of the face.

As a general rule: If you want to fill and plump an area from volume loss, the best fillers are Perlane, Juvederm UltraPlus, Voluma, or Radiesse.

If you want to fill moderate to deep wrinkles and folds or plump the lips, the best fillers are Restylane or Juvederm. Lastly, if you wants to fill small etched lines in the face such as the lines around the lips, Restylane Silk or Belotero are best.

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A skilled dermal fillers injector can help you decide the best type of filler for your specific concerns. To schedule your consultation with our Physician Assistant Michele Gittings , please call our medical spa in Ashburn, VA at 703-574-2588.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FILLERS FOR NASAL-LABIAL FOLDS CLICK HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main brands of dermal fillers and what are they used for?

The three major filler manufacturers are Galderma (Restylane, Perlane, Restylane Silk), Allergan (Juvederm, Voluma), and Merz (Belotero, Radiesse). Each brand offers products with different particle sizes and formulations suited to different areas and depths of injection across the face.

Which filler is best for volume loss in the cheeks?

For significant volume loss in the cheeks and mid-face, the best options are Perlane, Juvederm UltraPlus, Voluma, or Radiesse. These are thicker fillers with larger or firmer particles designed to be injected deeper into the skin where they can provide substantial lifting and volumizing support.

Which filler works best for the lips and nasolabial folds?

Restylane and Juvederm are the most commonly recommended fillers for lip enhancement and moderate folds like nasolabial lines. They contain medium-sized gel particles appropriate for injecting at a mid-depth level and deliver natural-looking plumping and smoothing results.

What makes Radiesse different from hyaluronic acid fillers?

Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite spheres in a gel base rather than hyaluronic acid. In addition to providing immediate volumizing, Radiesse may stimulate the body's own collagen production over time, potentially offering longer-lasting structural benefits.

What is Restylane Silk or Belotero best used for?

Both Restylane Silk and Belotero contain very small gel particles that can be injected close to the surface of the skin. This makes them ideal for treating fine, etched-in lines around the mouth and other delicate surface-level wrinkles where a thicker filler would be too heavy.