Understanding Dermal Filler Types & Their Properties

Article 8 of 10

1. Why Filler Selection Matters

Every area of the face needs a different kind of support:

• Cheeks & jawline need firmer (“high‑lift”) gels.
• Delicate zones like tear troughs and lips need softer, more malleable gels.
• Dynamic lines around the mouth flex with expression and do best with medium‑cohesivity products.

By aligning rheology (flow and structure) with anatomy, we avoid lumps, migration, and premature breakdown—so your results stay smooth and natural.

2. Key Properties to Know

1. Viscosity – how “thick” a gel is. High viscosity for structural areas; low viscosity for fine lines.
2. Cohesivity – how strongly gel particles stick together. High cohesivity holds shape; low cohesivity allows gentle spreading.
3. G′ (Elastic Modulus) – lift capacity under pressure. Higher G′ gives more lift (ideal for cheeks); lower G′ feels softer (ideal for lips).
4. Hydrophilicity – the gel’s water‑binding ability, which affects post‑treatment swelling and longevity.

3. Common Filler Types and Their Uses

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

• Most versatile, fully reversible with hyaluronidase.
• Products vary by cross‑link density: firmer gels for lift, softer gels for contour.
• Examples:
  • Voluma for cheek and jawline lift (lasts about 12–18 months).
  • Volift for nasolabial folds and marionette lines (lasts about 9–12 months).
  • Lyft for mid‑face volumization (12–15 months).
  • Silk for fine lip lines and subtle lip enhancement (6–9 months).
  • Kiss for soft lip contouring (6–12 months).

Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA)

• Sold as Radiesse®.
• Contains microspheres that stimulate your own collagen.
• Best for jawline contour and even hand rejuvenation.
• Effects last 12–24 months as new collagen forms.

Poly‑L‑Lactic Acid (PLLA)

• Sold as Sculptra®.
• Works by gradually triggering collagen production.
• Ideal for broad volume restoration (cheeks, temples).
• Results appear over 4–6 months and can last up to 2 years.

4. Matching Fillers to Facial Zones

• Upper Face:
  • Temples & forehead → moderate‑viscosity, high‑cohesivity gels (e.g. Voluma).
  • Tear troughs → low‑viscosity, low‑cohesivity (e.g. Restylane‑L).
    (Learn more in “Upper Face Filler: Temples & Tear Troughs”)
• Mid‑Face:
  • Cheeks & submalar area → high G′ fillers for lift (Voluma, Restylane Lyft).
  • Nasolabial folds → medium viscosity fillers that flex with expression (Volift).
    (See “Sculpting Cheeks & Nasolabial Folds”)
• Lower Face:
  • Jawline & chin → high‑lift, high‑cohesivity products (Voluma or CaHA).
  • Marionette lines → medium rheology for smooth movement.
    (Details in “Lower Face Contouring: Jawline, Chin & Marionette Lines”)
• Lips & Perioral Area:
  • Lip body → soft, malleable gels (Restylane Silk, Teosyal Kiss).
  • Lip border & Cupid’s bow → slightly firmer gels for definition (Volift).
    (Check “Lip Enhancement with Dermal Fillers”)

5. Pre‑Selection & Customization

1. Consultation & Mapping: We assess skin thickness, existing volume, and dynamic expressions.
2. Staged Approach: First‑time patients often start with smaller volumes, then build up as needed.
3. Safety First: Hyaluronidase is on‑hand to reverse any HA treatments if adjustments are needed.

If you’d like an overview of our approach, start with our “Introduction to the Dermal Filler Series.”

6. What’s Next?

In Article 9, we’ll cover safety protocols, risk management, and how to avoid complications—so you can embark on your filler journey with full confidence.

Stay tuned for the final piece: Safety & Complications in Dermal Filler Treatments.

‍

Book your personalised consultation today to discover which filler properties are right for your aesthetic goals.

‍