Rejuva London Harley Street
Rejuva London Harley Street

Fillers

what are dermal fillers and what are they made of

What are dermal fillers and what are they made of?

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for personalized assessment and treatment recommendations.

Medical Review: This article has been medically reviewed and approved by Dr. Kristy Lau.

Feb 4, 2026

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Feb 4, 2026

Expert Dermal Filler Treatment at London’s Doctor-Led Clinic for Natural Results

At Rejuva London, we combine advanced dermal filler technology with a natural aesthetic philosophy to enhance your features without compromising your unique appearance. Our bio-compatible fillers are meticulously selected for optimal safety, longevity, and seamless integration with your tissues. Experience the confidence that comes from subtle, refreshed results that allow you to look and feel like the best version of yourself.

Rejuva London Clinic at 15 Harley Street is led by GMC-registered Medical Director Dr Kristy Lau, with our award-winning team bringing over 30 years of combined medical expertise to every treatment. Discover your personalized treatment plan by booking a consultation, viewing our pricing, contacting us, or connecting via WhatsApp.

Table of Contents

Understanding Dermal Fillers: Composition and Purpose

Dermal fillers represent one of the most sophisticated developments in aesthetic medicine, offering a non-surgical solution for facial rejuvenation and enhancement. At their core, these injectable treatments are carefully formulated gel-like substances designed to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours with remarkable precision.

The dermal fillers composition varies depending on the specific product and intended application, but the fundamental principle remains consistent: these substances work by physically filling spaces beneath the skin’s surface to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. Unlike neurotoxin treatments that temporarily relax muscles, fillers provide immediate structural support to areas that have lost volume due to ageing, genetics, or environmental factors.

Modern dermal fillers are predominantly composed of substances that either occur naturally within the human body or are highly bio-compatible with human tissue. This biological compatibility is crucial for achieving natural-looking results whilst minimising the risk of adverse reactions. The most common base materials include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate, each offering distinct properties suited to different aesthetic concerns.

The primary purpose of dermal fillers extends beyond simple wrinkle correction. These versatile treatments can restore facial volume lost through the natural ageing process, enhance facial features such as lips and cheeks, improve facial symmetry, and address specific concerns like under-eye hollows or nasolabial folds. The strategic placement of fillers allows skilled practitioners to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation whilst maintaining the natural architecture and movement of the face.

What distinguishes premium dermal fillers from earlier generations of injectable treatments is their sophisticated formulation. Modern filler ingredients are processed using advanced cross-linking technologies that control the gel’s consistency, longevity, and integration with surrounding tissues. This technological refinement enables practitioners to select specific products tailored to individual treatment areas, ensuring optimal outcomes for each patient’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

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The Science Behind Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers have revolutionised aesthetic medicine, becoming the gold standard for non-surgical facial enhancement. Understanding what makes these HA fillers so effective requires examining the remarkable properties of hyaluronic acid itself and how it functions within the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan, a type of sugar molecule that exists throughout the human body, with particularly high concentrations in the skin, joints, and eyes. This substance possesses an extraordinary capacity to attract and retain water molecules, with each hyaluronic acid molecule capable of binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This hydrophilic property is fundamental to maintaining skin hydration, volume, and elasticity.

HarmonyCa: Hybrid Filler for Natural Results

Within the skin’s dermal layer, naturally occurring hyaluronic acid forms part of the extracellular matrix, providing structural support and maintaining optimal tissue hydration. However, as we age, the body’s production of hyaluronic acid diminishes significantly, contributing to volume loss, fine lines, and the characteristic signs of facial ageing. By the age of fifty, the skin contains approximately half the hyaluronic acid present in youth.

Hyaluronic acid fillers work by replenishing this depleted substance, providing immediate volume restoration whilst simultaneously attracting moisture to the treated area. When injected into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, these fillers integrate with the surrounding tissue matrix, creating a supportive scaffold that lifts and smooths the skin from within. The hydrating effect of hyaluronic acid extends beyond the immediate injection site, improving overall skin quality in the treated region.

The hyaluronic acid benefits extend to its remarkable safety profile. Because hyaluronic acid is identical to the substance naturally present in human tissue, the risk of allergic reactions is exceptionally low. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid fillers are biodegradable, gradually broken down by the body’s natural enzymes over time. This temporary nature allows for adjustments and refinements as facial features naturally evolve, whilst also providing reassurance to patients concerned about permanent alterations.

Another significant advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is their reversibility. Should a patient be dissatisfied with results or experience complications, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to rapidly dissolve the filler. This safety mechanism provides both practitioners and patients with confidence during treatment, knowing that adjustments can be made if necessary.

The molecular weight and concentration of hyaluronic acid within different filler formulations significantly influence their clinical performance. Higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid typically provides greater lifting capacity and longevity, making it suitable for deep volume restoration in areas like the cheeks or jawline. Lower molecular weight formulations offer more subtle enhancement, ideal for delicate areas such as the tear troughs or fine lines around the lips.

How Do Different Types of Injectable Fillers Work?

Injectable fillers encompass a diverse range of products, each engineered with specific mechanisms of action suited to particular aesthetic concerns. Understanding how these different formulations work enables practitioners to select the most appropriate treatment for each patient’s individual needs.

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, the most commonly used category, work through immediate volumisation and hydration. Upon injection, these fillers physically occupy space beneath the skin, providing instant lift and smoothing. The hyaluronic acid molecules then attract water from surrounding tissues, enhancing the volumising effect over the following days. These fillers integrate with the existing tissue matrix, creating natural-looking results that move harmoniously with facial expressions.

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers operate through a dual mechanism. The calcium-based microspheres suspended in a gel carrier provide immediate volume correction upon injection. Over time, these microspheres stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, creating a scaffolding effect that maintains volume even as the carrier gel is gradually absorbed. This collagen-stimulating property makes calcium hydroxylapatite particularly effective for addressing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and restoring volume in areas requiring substantial structural support.

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers function primarily as biostimulators rather than traditional volumisers. Rather than providing immediate filling, these injectable fillers work gradually by stimulating the body’s own collagen synthesis. When injected into the deep dermis, poly-L-lactic acid particles trigger a controlled inflammatory response that activates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. Results develop progressively over several months as new collagen forms, creating natural-looking volume restoration that can last up to two years or more.

Polymethylmethacrylate fillers represent a semi-permanent option, consisting of tiny synthetic microspheres suspended in a collagen-based gel. The collagen carrier provides immediate volume whilst the microspheres remain in place permanently, creating a framework around which the body’s own collagen develops. These fillers are typically reserved for deep wrinkles and significant volume loss, requiring expert injection technique due to their long-lasting nature.

The mechanism of action also varies based on injection depth and technique. Superficial injections into the upper dermis address fine lines and improve skin quality, whilst deeper placement in the subcutaneous layer or supraperiosteal plane provides structural volume restoration. Advanced injection techniques such as threading, fanning, and bolus placement allow practitioners to sculpt and contour with precision, achieving comprehensive facial rejuvenation through strategic filler placement.

Each type of injectable filler also differs in its integration with surrounding tissues. Some formulations remain relatively cohesive, maintaining their structure within the injection site, whilst others demonstrate greater tissue integration, spreading more diffusely through the treatment area. These rheological properties influence both the aesthetic outcome and the longevity of results, with more cohesive fillers generally providing greater projection and longer-lasting effects.

Exploring Common Filler Ingredients and Their Benefits

The efficacy and safety of dermal fillers depend fundamentally on their constituent ingredients. Modern formulations combine primary active components with supporting substances that enhance performance, longevity, and patient comfort. Understanding these filler ingredients provides insight into how different products achieve their aesthetic effects.

Hyaluronic acid remains the predominant active ingredient in contemporary dermal fillers, valued for its exceptional biocompatibility and versatility. This naturally occurring polysaccharide is typically derived from bacterial fermentation rather than animal sources, ensuring consistency and minimising the risk of disease transmission. The hyaluronic acid used in medical-grade fillers undergoes extensive purification and modification to achieve the desired viscosity, elasticity, and longevity.

Lidocaine has become a standard ingredient in many modern filler formulations, integrated directly into the gel to enhance patient comfort during injection. This local anaesthetic significantly reduces treatment discomfort, allowing for more extensive procedures without the need for additional numbing agents. The inclusion of lidocaine represents a significant advancement in patient experience, making treatments more tolerable whilst maintaining the precision required for optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral compound identical to the substance found in human bones and teeth, serves as both a volumising agent and a collagen stimulator. Its crystalline structure provides immediate scaffolding whilst gradually stimulating fibroblast activity, promoting natural collagen synthesis. The biocompatibility of calcium hydroxylapatite ensures safe integration with facial tissues, with the substance eventually metabolised through normal physiological processes.

Poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic biodegradable polymer, functions as a powerful biostimulator. This ingredient has an established safety record, having been used in dissolvable sutures for decades. When formulated as a dermal filler, poly-L-lactic acid particles activate the body’s wound-healing response in a controlled manner, stimulating robust collagen production that creates gradual, natural-looking volume restoration.

Polymethylmethacrylate microspheres provide permanent structural support in certain filler formulations. These tiny synthetic beads remain in place indefinitely, creating a stable framework for collagen deposition. Whilst offering long-lasting results, polymethylmethacrylate fillers require expert administration due to their permanent nature and are typically reserved for specific indications where long-term correction is desired.

Cross-linking agents, whilst not remaining in the final product, play a crucial role in filler manufacturing. These substances chemically modify hyaluronic acid molecules, connecting them into a three-dimensional network that resists enzymatic breakdown. The degree and type of cross-linking significantly influence the filler’s consistency, longevity, and lifting capacity. Advanced cross-linking technologies have enabled the development of fillers with precisely calibrated properties suited to specific treatment areas.

Buffering agents and stabilisers maintain the filler’s pH and osmolarity at levels compatible with human tissue, preventing discomfort and ensuring optimal integration. These ingredients, though present in small quantities, contribute significantly to treatment tolerability and the naturalness of results. Phosphate buffers, for instance, maintain physiological pH levels, minimising tissue irritation upon injection.

The benefits of these carefully selected filler ingredients extend beyond their primary functions. The combination of immediate volumisation, tissue hydration, collagen stimulation, and biocompatibility creates comprehensive rejuvenation that addresses multiple aspects of facial ageing simultaneously. This multifaceted approach distinguishes modern dermal fillers from earlier cosmetic interventions, offering sophisticated solutions that work in harmony with the body’s natural processes.

Are Dermal Fillers Safe for Facial Enhancement?

The safety of facial fillers represents a paramount concern for patients considering aesthetic treatments. Extensive clinical research, rigorous regulatory oversight, and decades of real-world application have established dermal fillers as safe and effective when administered by qualified practitioners using approved products.

Dermal filler safety begins with the biocompatibility of ingredients. The predominant use of substances either identical to or highly compatible with human tissue significantly reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Hyaluronic acid, the most widely used filler component, exists naturally throughout the body, making allergic reactions exceptionally rare. This inherent compatibility distinguishes modern fillers from earlier generations of injectable materials that carried higher risks of rejection or granuloma formation.

Regulatory approval processes provide crucial safety assurances. In the United Kingdom, dermal fillers are regulated as medical devices, whilst in the United States, the FDA maintains stringent approval requirements. These regulatory bodies evaluate extensive clinical trial data demonstrating both efficacy and safety before granting approval. Products available through reputable clinics have undergone rigorous testing, including long-term follow-up studies that monitor for delayed adverse effects.

The temporary nature of most dermal fillers contributes significantly to their safety profile. Hyaluronic acid fillers, which constitute the majority of treatments performed, are gradually metabolised by the body’s natural enzymes over months to years. This biodegradability means that even in the unlikely event of an unsatisfactory result, the effect will naturally diminish over time. Furthermore, the availability of hyaluronidase as a reversal agent provides an additional safety mechanism unique to hyaluronic acid fillers.

Common side effects associated with dermal fillers are typically mild and transient. These may include temporary swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness at injection sites, generally resolving within days to a week. Such reactions represent normal physiological responses to injection rather than true complications. Proper injection technique, including the use of cannulas rather than needles in certain areas, can minimise these effects.

Serious complications, whilst rare, can occur and underscore the importance of seeking treatment from experienced, qualified practitioners. Vascular occlusion, though uncommon, represents the most significant potential risk, occurring when filler inadvertently enters or compresses a blood vessel. Skilled practitioners possess detailed anatomical knowledge and employ techniques to minimise this risk, including aspiration before injection and careful monitoring during treatment. Immediate recognition and appropriate management of vascular complications can prevent serious sequelae.

Patient selection and thorough consultation further enhance safety outcomes. Comprehensive medical history assessment identifies contraindications such as active infections, autoimmune conditions, or bleeding disorders that may increase treatment risks. Realistic expectation setting ensures patients understand both the potential benefits and limitations of treatment, contributing to satisfaction and appropriate decision-making.

The safety of facial fillers also depends significantly on product authenticity and proper storage. Counterfeit or improperly stored products may lack efficacy or pose safety risks. Reputable clinics source products directly from authorised distributors and maintain proper storage conditions, ensuring product integrity. Patients should verify that their chosen clinic uses genuine, approved products and can provide documentation of product provenance.

Long-term safety data spanning decades of clinical use provides reassurance regarding the sustained safety of dermal fillers. Studies following patients for years after treatment demonstrate that properly administered fillers do not interfere with normal tissue function or increase the risk of systemic health issues. The body’s ability to gradually metabolise most filler materials ensures that tissues return to their baseline state over time.

For those seeking comprehensive information about treatment options and safety considerations, our complete guide to dermal fillers provides detailed insights into achieving natural-looking enhancement through evidence-based approaches.

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What Makes Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Different?

Cross-linked hyaluronic acid represents a fundamental advancement in dermal filler technology, transforming hyaluronic acid from a rapidly degraded substance into a long-lasting aesthetic treatment. Understanding the cross-linking process and its implications provides insight into why modern HA fillers deliver superior results compared to earlier formulations.

In its natural state, hyaluronic acid exists as individual molecular chains that are quickly broken down by hyaluronidase, an enzyme present throughout the body. Native hyaluronic acid injected into the skin would be metabolised within hours to days, providing no sustained aesthetic benefit. Cross-linking addresses this limitation by chemically connecting hyaluronic acid molecules into a three-dimensional network, creating a gel structure that resists enzymatic degradation whilst maintaining biocompatibility.

The cross-linking process typically employs agents such as 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE), which creates chemical bridges between hyaluronic acid chains. These bridges transform the liquid hyaluronic acid into a cohesive gel with controlled viscosity and elasticity. The degree of cross-linking directly influences the filler’s physical properties: higher cross-linking density creates firmer gels with greater lifting capacity and longer duration, whilst lower cross-linking produces softer gels suitable for delicate areas and fine line correction.

Advanced cross-linking technologies have evolved significantly since early filler formulations. Modern techniques create more uniform cross-linking patterns, resulting in smoother gels with improved tissue integration. Vycross technology, for instance, combines different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with optimised cross-linking to create products with enhanced longevity and reduced swelling tendency. These technological refinements enable the creation of filler families with precisely calibrated properties for specific anatomical locations.

The rheological properties of cross-linked hyaluronic acid determine its clinical performance. Cohesivity, the tendency of the gel to maintain its structure, influences how the filler behaves upon injection and its resistance to migration. Highly cohesive fillers maintain their position and shape, providing defined augmentation in areas like the chin or cheeks. Lower cohesivity allows for more diffuse spread, beneficial for treating larger areas or achieving subtle enhancement.

Elasticity, another crucial property influenced by cross-linking, determines how the filler responds to dynamic facial movement. Fillers with appropriate elasticity compress and rebound naturally with facial expressions, maintaining a natural appearance during animation. This property is particularly important in mobile areas such as around the mouth, where rigid fillers might create an artificial appearance or interfere with normal movement.

The G prime value, a measure of gel firmness, provides a quantitative assessment of a filler’s lifting capacity. Higher G prime values indicate firmer gels capable of providing structural support and projection, suitable for volumising treatments in areas like the cheeks or jawline. Lower G prime values characterise softer gels appropriate for superficial placement and delicate areas where excessive firmness might be palpable or visible.

Cross-linked hyaluronic acid maintains the hydrophilic properties of native hyaluronic acid, continuing to attract and bind water molecules. This hydration effect contributes to the volumising action of HA fillers, with the cross-linked structure preventing the rapid dissipation of this bound water. The result is sustained hydration and volume in treated areas, improving not only contour but also skin quality.

The biodegradability of cross-linked hyaluronic acid represents a crucial safety feature. Despite the chemical modification, cross-linked HA remains susceptible to gradual enzymatic breakdown, though at a much slower rate than native hyaluronic acid. This controlled degradation ensures that results are temporary, allowing for adjustments as facial features naturally evolve with age. The degradation products are identical to those of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, safely metabolised through normal physiological pathways.

Importantly, cross-linked hyaluronic acid retains reversibility through hyaluronidase injection. This enzyme can break down the cross-linked structure, rapidly dissolving the filler if needed. This unique safety feature distinguishes HA fillers from other dermal filler types, providing both practitioners and patients with confidence that adjustments can be made should results be unsatisfactory or complications arise.

Choosing the Right Bio-Compatible Filler for Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate bio-compatible filler requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including treatment goals, facial anatomy, skin characteristics, and individual patient preferences. The abundance of available formulations enables highly customised treatment approaches, but also necessitates expert guidance to achieve optimal outcomes.

Treatment objectives fundamentally guide filler selection. Patients seeking subtle enhancement of fine lines require different products than those desiring significant volume restoration or facial contouring. Superficial lines respond best to low-viscosity, minimally cross-linked hyaluronic acid fillers that integrate smoothly with the dermis without creating visible lumps. Conversely, structural volume loss in areas like the cheeks or temples demands robust, highly cross-linked formulations capable of providing substantial lift and projection.

Anatomical considerations significantly influence product choice. Facial areas differ markedly in their tissue characteristics, movement patterns, and aesthetic requirements. The delicate periorbital region, with its thin skin and constant movement, requires specialised fillers with appropriate rheological properties to avoid visible irregularities or the Tyndall effect. The lips demand products that provide volume whilst maintaining natural texture and movement. The mid-face and jawline benefit from firmer, more cohesive fillers that can create defined contours and withstand the mechanical forces present in these areas.

Skin quality and thickness affect both product selection and injection technique. Patients with thin skin may show irregularities more readily, necessitating products with superior tissue integration and careful placement technique. Thicker skin tolerates a broader range of products and may require more substantial volume to achieve visible correction. Skin laxity also influences treatment planning, as fillers work most effectively when adequate skin envelope exists to contain and display the added volume.

The desired duration of results factors into product selection. Patients seeking temporary enhancement for a specific event might prefer products with shorter duration, whilst those desiring sustained improvement benefit from longer-lasting formulations. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last six to eighteen months depending on the specific product, treatment area, and individual metabolism. Collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra offer results extending beyond two years but require multiple treatment sessions and gradual result development.

Individual patient factors, including age, lifestyle, and metabolic rate, influence filler longevity and appropriate product choice. Younger patients with robust metabolic activity may metabolise fillers more quickly than older individuals. Active lifestyles and frequent facial animation can accelerate filler breakdown in mobile areas. Previous treatment history also guides selection, as patients who have responded well to particular products may benefit from continued use of those formulations.

Bio-compatible fillers must be selected with consideration of potential interactions with previous treatments. Patients who have received permanent fillers or other aesthetic procedures require careful evaluation to ensure compatibility and avoid complications. The presence of previous filler material may influence product choice and injection technique, necessitating detailed treatment history documentation.

Budget considerations, whilst important, should not compromise treatment quality or safety. Premium bio-compatible fillers from established manufacturers offer superior consistency, safety profiles, and clinical outcomes compared to less expensive alternatives. The cost-effectiveness of treatment depends not only on initial price but also on result longevity, naturalness, and the need for revision procedures. Investing in quality products administered by experienced practitioners typically provides better value than pursuing bargain treatments that may require correction.

The practitioner’s expertise and experience with specific products significantly impacts treatment outcomes. Skilled injectors develop familiarity with the handling characteristics, injection techniques, and expected results of particular filler brands. This experience enables precise product selection and optimal placement, maximising the likelihood of achieving desired aesthetic goals whilst minimising complication risks.

Comprehensive consultation represents the foundation of appropriate filler selection. During this process, practitioners assess facial anatomy, discuss aesthetic goals, review medical history, and explain treatment options. This collaborative approach ensures that product selection aligns with patient expectations whilst remaining realistic about achievable outcomes. Advanced imaging or simulation technology may assist in visualising potential results, facilitating informed decision-making.

Ultimately, choosing the right bio-compatible filler involves balancing multiple considerations within the context of each patient’s unique circumstances. The availability of diverse formulations with precisely calibrated properties enables highly individualised treatment approaches. When combined with expert assessment and skilled injection technique, appropriate product selection forms the cornerstone of successful aesthetic enhancement, delivering natural-looking results that enhance rather than alter fundamental facial characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is hyaluronic acid and why is it used in dermal fillers?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found throughout the human body, particularly in the skin, joints, and eyes. It possesses a remarkable ability to attract and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it essential for maintaining skin hydration, volume, and elasticity.

In dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid is used because it is biocompatible with human tissue, meaning the risk of allergic reactions is exceptionally low. When injected beneath the skin, it immediately restores volume whilst attracting moisture to the treated area, creating a plumping effect that smooths wrinkles and enhances facial contours. As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid levels decline by approximately 50% by age fifty, which is why supplementing it through fillers proves so effective for facial rejuvenation.

The hyaluronic acid used in medical-grade fillers is typically produced through bacterial fermentation rather than animal sources, ensuring consistency and safety. It undergoes cross-linking processes that transform it from a liquid into a gel, allowing it to resist rapid breakdown by the body’s natural enzymes and provide results lasting six to eighteen months depending on the specific formulation.

Are dermal fillers safe for facial enhancement?

Yes, dermal fillers are considered safe for facial enhancement when administered by qualified practitioners using approved products. Extensive clinical research spanning decades, combined with rigorous regulatory oversight, has established their safety and efficacy profile.

The safety of modern fillers stems from several key factors:

  • Biocompatible ingredients: Most fillers use substances identical to or highly compatible with human tissue, such as hyaluronic acid, significantly reducing the risk of adverse reactions
  • Regulatory approval: Products available through reputable clinics have undergone extensive testing and received approval from bodies like the FDA or CE marking in Europe
  • Reversibility: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed, providing an important safety mechanism
  • Temporary nature: Most fillers are gradually metabolised by the body over months to years, ensuring effects are not permanent

Common side effects are typically mild and temporary, including swelling, bruising, or tenderness at injection sites that resolve within days. Serious complications are rare when treatments are performed by experienced practitioners who possess detailed anatomical knowledge and employ proper injection techniques. Patient selection through thorough consultation further enhances safety by identifying any contraindications before treatment.

What are the different types of dermal fillers and how do they work?

Dermal fillers are categorised based on their primary active ingredient, with each type working through distinct mechanisms to address specific aesthetic concerns. Understanding these differences enables practitioners to select the most appropriate product for individual treatment goals.

Hyaluronic acid fillers (such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero) work by immediately adding volume beneath the skin whilst attracting water to enhance the plumping effect. They integrate with existing tissue and are gradually broken down by natural enzymes over six to eighteen months.

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers (such as Radiesse) provide immediate volume through calcium-based microspheres whilst simultaneously stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. This dual action creates results that can extend beyond the presence of the filler itself.

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers (such as Sculptra) function as biostimulators, working gradually over several months to trigger collagen synthesis rather than providing immediate filling. Results develop progressively and can last two years or more.

Polymethylmethacrylate fillers contain tiny synthetic microspheres that remain permanently in place, creating a framework for the body’s own collagen development. These are reserved for specific indications requiring long-term correction.

The mechanism also varies by injection depth: superficial placement addresses fine lines and skin quality, whilst deeper injection provides structural volume restoration and facial contouring.

Are dermal fillers FDA approved and what does this mean?

Yes, numerous dermal fillers have received FDA approval in the United States, whilst in the UK and Europe, products carry CE marking indicating compliance with medical device regulations. These approvals signify that products have undergone rigorous evaluation demonstrating both safety and efficacy.

FDA approval requires manufacturers to submit extensive clinical trial data showing that the product performs as intended and maintains an acceptable safety profile across diverse patient populations. This process includes:

  • Controlled clinical studies evaluating effectiveness for specific indications
  • Long-term follow-up data monitoring for delayed adverse effects
  • Manufacturing quality control documentation ensuring product consistency
  • Post-market surveillance to identify any safety concerns that emerge with widespread use

Popular FDA-approved filler brands include Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and Sculptra, each approved for specific treatment areas and indications. In the UK, dermal fillers are regulated as medical devices, and whilst they don’t require the same pre-market approval as in the US, CE marking ensures products meet European safety and performance standards.

Patients should always verify that their chosen clinic uses genuine, approved products sourced from authorised distributors. Reputable practitioners can provide documentation of product provenance and will only use products with appropriate regulatory approval for the intended treatment area.

What are the most popular brands of dermal fillers available?

Several premium dermal filler brands dominate the aesthetic medicine market, each offering distinct formulations designed for specific facial areas and treatment goals. The most widely recognised and trusted brands include:

Juvéderm (manufactured by Allergan) utilises Vycross technology combining different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. The range includes Voluma for cheek augmentation, Volbella for subtle lip enhancement, Volift for moderate wrinkles, and Vollure for nasolabial folds, with results lasting nine to twenty-four months depending on the specific product.

Restylane (produced by Galderma) employs NASHA technology creating highly biocompatible formulations. The family includes Restylane Lyft for robust lifting, Restylane Refyne and Defyne for natural movement in dynamic areas, Restylane Kysse for lip enhancement, and Restylane Skinboosters for overall skin quality improvement.

Belotero (from Merz Aesthetics) features Cohesive Polydensified Matrix technology enabling seamless tissue integration, making it particularly suitable for fine lines and delicate areas where other fillers might create visible irregularities.

Radiesse (also from Merz) is a calcium hydroxylapatite filler offering immediate correction plus collagen stimulation, particularly effective for hand rejuvenation, jawline definition, and deeper facial folds.

Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) works gradually over several months to stimulate collagen production, providing subtle, natural-looking volume restoration that can last two years or more.

Each brand offers multiple formulations with varying viscosities, cross-linking densities, and lifting capacities, allowing experienced practitioners to select products precisely matched to individual treatment requirements and anatomical considerations.

How do I choose the right dermal filler for my specific needs?

Choosing the appropriate dermal filler requires careful consideration of your aesthetic goals, facial anatomy, and individual characteristics. The selection process should always begin with a comprehensive consultation with an experienced practitioner who can assess your unique needs.

Key factors that influence filler selection include:

  • Treatment area: Delicate regions like under-eyes require specialised low-viscosity fillers, whilst cheeks and jawline benefit from firmer, more cohesive formulations
  • Desired outcome: Subtle fine line correction needs different products than significant volume restoration or facial contouring
  • Skin characteristics: Thin skin may show irregularities more readily, necessitating products with superior tissue integration
  • Result duration: Some fillers last six to nine months, whilst others provide effects extending eighteen months or longer
  • Age and metabolism: Younger patients with robust metabolic activity may metabolise fillers more quickly than older individuals

Your practitioner will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic objectives, review your medical history, and recommend specific products based on their expertise with different formulations. The most successful outcomes result from customised treatment plans that may combine different filler types strategically placed to achieve harmonious, natural-looking enhancement.

It’s important to prioritise quality over cost, as premium bio-compatible fillers from established manufacturers offer superior consistency, safety profiles, and clinical outcomes. The expertise of your practitioner is equally crucial, as skilled injectors develop familiarity with specific products’ handling characteristics and can optimise placement for your individual anatomy.

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Dr. Kristy Lau, Medical Director of Rejuva London

Dr. Kristy Lau

Medical Director & Founder

Aesthetic Clinic London

MBBS Imperial College London •
GMC Registered •
30+ Years Medical Experience

Dr. Kristy Lau is the founder and Medical Director of

Rejuva London Clinic
, an

Imperial College London

graduate with over 10 years of comprehensive medical expertise. Specializing in dermatology and medical aesthetics, Dr. Lau combines rigorous medical training with advanced aesthetic technologies to deliver personalized, natural-looking treatments.

At Rejuva London’s prestigious Harley Street location, Dr. Lau ensures all procedures are performed exclusively by highly experienced doctors, maintaining the highest standards of safety and excellence in aesthetic medicine. Her doctor-led approach has successfully treated over 20,000 clients since establishing the clinic in 2018.

Medical Specializations:

Injectable Treatments
  • Anti-wrinkle Injections (Botox)
  • Dermal Fillers
  • Facial Contouring
Advanced Technologies
  • Picosure Pro Laser
  • Thermage RF
  • Ultherapy
Medical Dermatology
  • Skin Health Assessment
  • Medical Aesthetics
  • Laser Skin Treatments

Professional Qualifications & Credentials:

  • Medical Degree
    MBBS, Imperial College London
  • Professional Registration
    GMC Registered Medical Practitioner
  • Specialization
    General Practice (GP) Certification
  • Advanced Training
    Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine Specialization

About Rejuva London

Established in on prestigious Harley Street,
Rejuva London has served over 20,000 clients through our doctor-led approach to aesthetic medicine.

Aesthetic Clinic London:
15 Harley Street
London
W1G 9QQ
United Kingdom

20,000+Clients Treated
6+Years of Excellence
100%Doctor-Led

Treatment Philosophy:

“My approach to aesthetic medicine centers on enhancing natural beauty while prioritizing patient safety.
Every treatment at Rejuva London is tailored to the individual, combining medical expertise with artistic
vision to achieve results that look naturally refreshed, never overdone.”
– Dr. Kristy Lau

Professional Memberships & Affiliations:

  • General Medical Council (GMC)
  • British College of Aesthetic Medicine
  • British Association of Cosmetic Doctors

Consult with Dr. Lau in Aesthetic Clinic in London:

Experience the Rejuva London difference with a personalized consultation