Types of Dermal Fillers: Which One is Best for Your Face?
Melanie Kuznetsov
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Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical treatment for volume, wrinkles, and facial enhancement. Fillers can plump lips, contour cheeks, and correct under-eyes to meet your aesthetic goals. Hyaluronic acid, collagen-stimulating, and long-lasting structural fillers are available, so the best one depends on your skin concerns, treatment area, and goals.
This guide will explain the common types of dermal filler, compare Juvederm, Restylane, Teoxane, and Revanesse, and help you choose the right one for natural, safe, and long-lasting results. You can also explore how fillers differ from neuromodulators in treatments like Botox vs Dermal Fillers, depending on whether your goal is wrinkle relaxation or added volume.
Key Insights
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Dermal fillers restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance contours without surgery.
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Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are the most popular and beginner-friendly option.
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Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) provides structural support and collagen stimulation.
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Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) gradually rebuilds collagen for subtle, long-term volume restoration.
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PMMA fillers (Bellafill) are semi-permanent and suited for deep scars or severe volume loss, but require high expertise due to limited reversibility.
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Technique and injector expertise matter as much as the product, reducing risks like migration, vascular complications, or asymmetry.
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HA fillers are safest for first-time patients, especially for high-risk areas like tear troughs and lips due to reversibility.
What are Dermal Fillers & How Do they Work?
Injectable gel-based dermal fillers in Vancouver restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial features. Most fillers contain hyaluronic acid (HA), which naturally retains moisture and gives the face a plump, youthful appearance.
They restore volume, collagen production, and structure to areas affected by aging, weight loss, or facial asymmetry when injected beneath the skin.
Fillers absorb into skin tissues and attract water molecules to instantly lift and soften lines. Results can last 6 months to 2+ years depending on the formula and treatment area.
They are used for lips, cheeks, jawline contouring, under-eye hollows, smile lines, nasolabial folds, and non-surgical facial reshaping. Dermal filler injections are popular for subtle rejuvenation because they are customizable and minimally invasive.
Main Types of Dermal Fillers
Let us take a look at the main types of dermal fillers:
1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers (Most Popular & Versatile)
HA fillers are popular for their natural feel, instant results, and reversibility. They dissolve slowly over 6–18 months.
Best for:
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Lips
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Cheeks
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Nasolabial folds
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Under-eye hollows
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Chin & contouring
Here are some of the most popular HA brands:
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Juvederm fillers
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Restylane fillers
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Teoxane filler
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Revanesse
Why choose HA?
They’re safe, provide soft volume, and can be reversed using hyaluronidase if needed.
2. Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) Fillers
A thicker, structural filler that stimulates collagen production and offers longer-lasting firmness.
Best for:
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Deep wrinkles
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Jawline & lower face sculpting
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Volume loss due to aging
Longevity: 18–24 months.
Popular brand: Radiesse
Ideal for patients needing contour and lift rather than soft plumping.
3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers (Biostimulator)
Rather than adding immediate volume, these fillers stimulate collagen over time, creating gradual and long-lasting results.
Best for:
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Facial volume loss
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Sagging skin
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Hollow cheeks
Longevity: Up to 2 years.
Popular brand: Sculptra
Best suited for patients who want a subtle, natural rebuild rather than instant fullness.
4. PMMA Fillers (Permanent Fillers)
Polymethyl-methacrylate fillers are semi-permanent and provide long-term structural support. They aren't typically the first choice due to their irreversible nature.
Best for:
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Deep wrinkles
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Acne scar correction
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Severe volume loss
Popular brand: Bellafill
These require precise application by highly experienced aesthetic professionals.
Things to Remember When Choosing the Best Dermal Filler
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best dermal filler:
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Define your aesthetic goals clearly
Whether you want subtle hydration, sharp contouring, or volume restoration, your objective determines the right filler type.
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Consider your skin type and thickness
Thicker fillers work better for the jawline and cheeks, while softer formulas are ideal for the lips and under-eyes.
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Understand longevity vs. flexibility
Longer-lasting fillers aren’t always better. Shorter-duration HA fillers offer more flexibility for new patients or subtle adjustments.
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Check reversibility
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed, making them safer for high-risk areas like tear troughs and lips.
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Assess brand and formulation quality
Premium brands like Juvederm, Restylane, Teoxane, and Revanesse offer tested, predictable, and natural results with varying consistencies.
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Prioritize safety and medical history
Conditions like autoimmune disorders, allergies, or prior cosmetic procedures may influence product choice.
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Choose a trained, certified injector
Technique matters as much as the product. Poor placement can lead to migration, lumps, vascular complications, or asymmetry.
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Realistic expectations are key
Fillers enhance features but cannot replace structural issues that may require surgery or skin-tightening treatments.
AE.R SkinLab specializes in non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including filler injections, facial contouring, and HA-based rejuvenation with a natural-looking finish. Their expertise ensures safe application, detailed facial analysis, and tailored filler selection based on your skin goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best type of dermal filler for first-time patients?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are often recommended for beginners because they provide natural results, are reversible, and work well for lips, cheeks, and under-eye volume.
2. Which filler is best for under-eye hollows?
Soft, lightweight HA fillers, such as Revanesse or Restylane formulations, are typically used for dermal fillers under eyes because they blend smoothly into thin skin and cause less swelling.
3. How long do dermal filler injections last?
Results vary based on filler type and treatment area:
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HA fillers: 6–18 months
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CaHA fillers: 12–24 months
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Poly-L-lactic acid: Up to 2 years
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PMMA fillers: Long-term/semi-permanent
4. Are dermal fillers safe?
Dermal fillers are generally safe when injected by a trained medical professional. However, improper placement can lead to complications such as bruising, migration, lumps, or vascular issues, so always choose a certified injector.
Final Thought
The best dermal filler depends on your facial anatomy, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals, not a universal formula. Collagen-stimulating injectables for long-term rejuvenation and hyaluronic acid fillers for soft, natural volume serve different purposes.
Know the differences between Juvederm, Restylane, Teoxane, and Revanesse to make informed decisions and achieve balanced, refreshed, and natural results.
The best results come from a skilled, certified injector who knows facial structure, product selection, and safe application. Dermal filler injections can improve features, volume, and confidence without looking overdone.