How Do I Know Which Dermal Filler Is Right for Me?

Wrinkles affect everyone eventually, the result of some combination of factors including age, sunlight, smoking, and a lifetime of making facial expressions. They’re common on the hands, face, neck, and forearms, and many treatment options are available to reduce their appearance. 

Creams, ointments, laser treatments, and plastic surgery are options, but injectables like dermal fillers are simple, effective, and safe. With several types of dermal fillers out there, which one might be best for your needs?

Dr. Javier Zelaya and the dedicated team here at Skinworks Dermatology in New York City can help you find the answer.

Defining dermal fillers

As the name suggests, dermal fillers are injectable treatments that fill and plump wrinkles and creases to make your skin look smoother. They’re particularly useful for static wrinkles, which result from loss of elasticity in the skin.

The main advantages of this nonsurgical treatment for wrinkles are it can be done quickly and you see immediate results that can last for months or longer, depending on the filler used.

Types of fillers available

Here are some of the FDA-approved fillers available and how they help wrinkles:

Hyaluronic acid

This type goes by many names, including Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Belotero Balance®, and uses a substance that naturally occurs in the body to improve your skin’s contours and reduce the appearance of depressions due to scars, injuries, or wrinkle lines.

Calcium hydroxylapatite

Also known as Radiesse®, this mineral-like compound found in the bones is used to treat moderate to severe creases (marionette lines, frown lines, nasolabial folds), add fullness to cheeks, and add volume to combat facial wasting (as a result of illnesses like HIV).

Poly-L-lactic acid

Commonly called Sculptra®, this stimulating dermal filler helps trigger the production of proteins like collagen in your skin. It’s frequently used to plump lips, treat deep nasolabial folds, and fill laugh lines.

Polymethylmethacrylate

This type is known as Bellafill® and is used to treat moderate to deep wrinkles, fill pitted scars, and fill lips. Bellafill is a semi-permanent filler and can last for several years.

Polyalkylimide

Also known as Aquamid™, this filler is biocompatible, meaning it has little reaction with human tissue and isn’t likely to cause an allergic reaction. It can treat deeper wrinkles, plump lips, fill cheekbones and jawlines, and reverse the signs of facial wasting.

At Skinworks Dermatology, with offices in Maspeth, Chelsea, or Park Slope, we offer a range of dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles, an outpatient treatment can make a difference in your look as quickly as a single session.

Call the office nearest you today or book your appointment online with Dr. Zelaya and the team to find a dermal filler that works for you.