WHAT IS DERMAL FILLER MADE OF?

What is filler made of?

Anon, Whenuapai.

Dermal filler is commonly made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA).  HA naturally occurs in our tissues and attracts water to help hydrate them.  Filler contains artificially made HA, chemically bonded together with various degrees of cross-linking to create different gels.  The more cross-linked a filler, the firmer the gel.  The firmer the gel, the longer it lasts in tissues and the better it is as mimicking bone lost to ageing.

Different fillers are injected into different areas of the face to replace lost tissue.  When done appropriately, this leads to a harmonious, natural result where it is difficult to tell if someone has had “work” done.  Too much filler leads to a puffy overdone look, as does too firm filler too close to the skin’s surface as modelled by many in the media (think girls of “Married At First Sight Australia”).

HA filler can be dissolved with the enzyme Hyaluronidase, also a naturally occurring entity we make in our tissues.  Cosmetic injectors should always have this at hand for dissolving HA filler in cases of emergency such as blocked blood vessels, as well as correcting overdone or undesirable results.  Irreversible fillers such as calcium hydroxyapatite are used less frequently; the latter used more commonly for skin rejuvenation and reduction in fine lines, although some also use it to alter facial structure.

Historically fillers such as silicone have been injected, however thankfully this is no longer a common occurrence as a raft of complications have been described with its use including chronic inflammation, lumps, swelling and skin changes.

The world of fillers is a rapidly growing one.  Products are becoming increasingly safer with better testing leading to improved outcomes.  Better results are achieved by injectors who appreciate the nuances of these products existing amongst a saturated market, coupled with their technical skills.  Just as our faces are multifaceted, so too should be our injectors.

Quick Answers:

What is dermal filler made of?

Most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that naturally occurs in the body and helps attract and retain moisture in the skin.

Is hyaluronic acid filler safe to use in the face?

Yes. When used by a trained practitioner, HA fillers are well studied, biocompatible, and widely used in cosmetic medicine.

Why are some dermal fillers firmer than others?

Fillers vary in how much they are cross-linked. More cross-linking creates a firmer gel, which lasts longer and is better suited to deeper structural support.

Can dermal filler be dissolved if needed?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that naturally exists in the body and should always be available to cosmetic injectors.

Are all dermal fillers reversible?

No. Some fillers, such as calcium hydroxyapatite, are not reversible and are used more selectively, often for skin rejuvenation rather than major structural change.

Why do some people look overfilled?

Overfilled results can occur when too much filler is used, the wrong type of filler is chosen, or it is placed too close to the skin’s surface.

If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz.

Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you.  For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.