Beyond Hyaluronic Acid: Other Dermal Filler Ingredients
If you hear the phrase "dermal fillers," you probably assume the speaker is referencing fillers made with hyaluronic acid. Indeed, hyaluronic acid is a really common ingredient in dermal fillers, as it works well to add volume and smooth out the skin. However, hyaluronic acid is not the only ingredient that can be used in dermal fillers. The following are other filler ingredients that may be used either alone or in conjunction with hyaluronic acid.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Poly-l-lactic acid is another acid similar to hyaluronic acid that is sometimes used as a dermal filler. It has a long history of use in the medical industry. It's an ingredient in self-dissolving stitches and in some other surgical preparations. When injected into the skin, poly-l-lactic acid instantly adds volume, but it also stimulates your skin to produce more collagen. This second method — boosting collagen production — results in really long-lasting volume and wrinkle relief. The results can last several years in some patients. Poly-l lactic acid injections might be recommended if your wrinkles are really deep, or if they don't respond well to hyaluronic acid fillers.
Polymethylmethacrylate
Often known as PMMA, polymethylmethacrylate is a synthetic filler that takes the shape of tiny balls. Most fillers made with this ingredient also contain collagen. The balls of PMMA hold onto the collagen and keep it in place longer, resulting in greater and longer-lasting firmness. PMMA fillers are often used to treat scars left from acne and other wounds. It is also a common ingredient in lip fillers.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
If the term calcium hydroxylapatite is familiar, it might be because you heard your dentist use the term. It's a compound found naturally in your bones and teeth. While injecting a compound found in your teeth as a filler may sound strange, calcium hydroxylapatite exists as very fine particles. It's nearly a powder. Adding some CaHA to a hyaluronic acid filler thickens the filler and gives it better staying power. If you feel like your hyaluronic acid fillers are wearing off too quickly, your doctor may recommend switching to a formula containing calcium hydroxylapatite.
Filler injections come in so many different forms these days. A number of them contain one or more of the ingredients listed above. Talk to your doctor about Botox and for more information to determine whether a dermal filler containing one of these ingredients might be the right choice for you.
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