Picking the Filler that is Best for You

OVERVIEW

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when deciding to have cosmetic surgery is choosing which filler to have injected into your face. Each filler has unique qualities, and each can help address different issues and defects, but it’s up to you to choose the one that’s right for you. Here are some things to consider before picking a filler.

What is your timeline for treatment?

The time frame for treatment is an important consideration. Because it can take a couple of days or weeks to see results, you’ll want to factor in how long you have until your event and give yourself enough time to recover. Fillers are hyaluronic acid—an ingredient found naturally in our skin and connective tissue—so they don’t need to heal. You can continue your normal activities immediately following treatment. However, certain fillers take longer to set than others, so ask what recovery time is expected for each filler.

Are you seeking more volume or correction?

You can decide which filler type is best for you based on your needs. Volumizing fillers are ideal for restoring volume to a specific area of their face or body, such as fat loss or water depletion. They may also be recommended to achieve natural-looking results and avoid an injection look. Examples of volumizing fillers include Radiesse, Sculptra, and others. On the other hand, correct fillers are used to correct small imperfections in areas like wrinkles or scars. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers contain an ingredient that occurs naturally in our bodies and is available in volumizing and corrective formulations.

What are your skin type and texture?

It is very important to know your skin type and texture, especially if you will have a filler injected into your face. Knowing your skin type will help you decide which filler will be best for you. For example, if you have oily skin, it may not be good to inject hyaluronic acid (HA) or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) as these fillers tend to retain moisture in your skin.

How long are you expecting results to last?

You’ll want to pick a filler with a long shelf life so that you don’t need to get refills or touch-ups as frequently. You also want to pick one that will last as long as possible—and you can figure out how long it will last by looking at its tensile strength (this describes how strong a material is). A product with good tensile strength won’t break down quickly with use and degradation.

The best fillers have high tensile strength, making them less likely to break down in your body over time. Finally, you’ll want to choose a filler that contains hyaluronic acid, which acts as an internal moisturizer for your skin. Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin hydrated and plump longer than other fillers.