Want to know which filler is best for your lips or other location on your face? We list below all types of fillers and which fillers are best for which indication.

What fillers are there?

Fillers can be divided into several types that vary in composition, viscosity and longevity. The most commonly used fillers in cosmetic medicine are those based on hyaluronic acid. In addition, there are also fillers made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) and Poly-L-lactic acid. For several years, hybrid fillers and skin boosters have also been very popular. Below we describe what types of fillers there are.

Hyaluronic acid fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and affects many processes in the body. For example, it has the property of being able to bind water to itself, thus ensuring proper hydration of tissue. Water cannot be compressed, so the hyaluronic acid in the intervertebral discs, for example, protects against wear and tear. In cosmetic medicine, hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin to reduce wrinkles, among other things. Unprocessed, hyaluronic acid is very thin and would disappear immediately after an injection. Therefore, hyaluronic acid is processed. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Stylage, Juvederm and Teosyal, contain a chemical addition that bonds the hyaluronic acid chains together. This is called crosslinking. The degree of crosslinking determines the thickness of the filler, how much water it adheres to and the length of time that filler stays in the body. Based on this information, we determine which fillers to apply to different areas of the face.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are suitable for treating:

• (Slackened) skin
• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Volume loss
• Contour enhancement
• Scars

Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used for:

• Face
• Lips
• Cheeks
• tear ducts
• Nose-lip crease
• Cheekbones
• Chin
• Jaw
• Sleep
• Nose
• Neck
• Decollete
• Hands

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers

Fillers based on calcium hydroxylapatite, such as Radiesse [link], are used in the deeper layers to improve facial contours and can be used in diluted form, as Radiesse Hyper-Diluted [link], for skin improvement. Calcium hydroxylapetite also occurs naturally in the body. It is a chemical compound found in our bones and teeth. In cosmetic medicine, calcium hydroxylapatite is injected as a gel and falls under bio-stimulants. Calcium hydroxylapatite works in two phases, first, the gel gives volume and connects with the tissue. In the second phase, the high concentration of calcium hydroxylapatite causes fibroblasts to stimulate collagen production. Therefore, the result of a filler treatment with calcium hydroxylapatite also often lasts longer than a filler treatment based on hyaluronic acid.

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are suitable for treating:

• Volume loss
• Contour enhancement
• Wrinkles

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are suitable for treating:

• Cheekbones
• Cheeks
• Chin
• Sleep
• Neck

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers, such as Sculptra, consist of synthetic material that is also used in the medical world for sutures and screws. Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable material that is slowly broken down by the body itself. Poly-L-lactic acid fillers stimulate the production of collagen and work in the long term. It is an ideal filler for treating volume loss and improving skin quality.

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are suitable for treating:

• Volume loss
• Skin Quality

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are suitable for treating:

• Cheeks
• Sleep
• Decollete

Hybrid fillers

Hybrid fillers consist of different materials, for example, hyaluronic acid combined with hydroxyapatite. The fillers are designed to have an even longer lasting effect than the fillers currently on the market.

Hybrid fillers are suitable for treating:

• Volume loss
• Skin Quality

Hybrid fillers are suitable for treating:

• Cheeks
• Sleep
• Decollete

Skinboosters

Skin boosters, such as Profhilo, are not fillers but do work in the skin. Profhilo contains pure hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. The result is firmer and smoother skin. Skin boosters are widely used to improve skin quality.

Skinboosters are suitable for treating:

• Skin Quality

Skinboosters are suitable for treating:

• Face
• Decollete
• Hands

Conclusion

Which filler is best depends on your needs and expectations. An experienced cosmetic doctor can advise you on this during a consultation.