Here is a comparison of the different fillers (hyaluronic acid, collagen, lactic acid and autologous fat) in terms of their properties, effects and areas of application: 1. Hyaluronic acid filler
– Origin: Synthetically or biotechnologically produced hyaluronic acid, which corresponds to the body’s own substance.
– Mode of action: Binds water and provides volume build-up and moisture.
– Areas of application:
– Wrinkle treatment (e.g. nasolabial folds, marionette lines)
– Lip volume and contour
– Cheek augmentation
– Chin and jaw contouring
– Advantages:
– Immediate effect
– Biocompatible and degradable
– Relatively low risk as it is reversible (hyaluronidase enzyme can dissolve the filler)
– Shelf life: 6-18 months (depending on the product, treatment site and metabolism).
– Side effects: Possible swelling, redness or hematomas, rarely allergic reactions.
2. collagen filler
– Origin: Usually made from animal collagen (e.g. bovine collagen) or biotechnologically produced.
– Mode of action: Stimulates the body’s own collagen production and fills tissue deficits.
– Areas of application:
– Superficial wrinkle treatment
– Lip contouring
– Treatment of scars (e.g. acne scars) – Benefits acne scars)
– Advantages:
– Good compatibility with modern products
– Light structure, ideal for fine wrinkles
– Shelf life: 3-6 months (depending on product and area of application).
– Side effects:
– Higher risk of allergies (especially with animal products, so prior allergy testing is often necessary).
3. polylactic acid filler (Sculptra)
– Origin: Synthetically produced lactic acid, a biodegradable substance.
– Mode of action: Stimulates the body’s own collagen production and leads to long-term volume build-up.
– Areas of application:
– Deep wrinkles (e.g. nasolabial folds)
– Loss of volume (e.g. cheeks or chin area) cheeks or chin area)
– Advantages:
– Long-term effect due to collagen formation
– Very suitable for larger volume losses
– Durability: Up to 2 years (effect starts after a few weeks as it stimulates collagen production).
– Side effects:
– Delayed onset of effect
– Possible lump formation (if used incorrectly).
4. autologous fat (lipofilling)
– Origin: Body fat (e.g. from the abdomen, thighs or hips) is aspirated, processed and injected.
– Mode of action: Fat cells are used as a filler and partially integrate into the tissue.
– Areas of application:
– Volume augmentation (e.g. cheeks, lips, hands) Cheeks, lips, hands)
– Filling of deep wrinkles
– Scar correction
– Advantages:
– Natural filler without foreign substances
– Potentially permanent results (part of the fat is permanently retained)
– No allergy risks
– Durability: Permanent (depending on how much fat is integrated by the body; around 30-70% of the injected fat is retained in the long term).
– Side effects:
– More complex treatment (incl. fat removal)
– Possible swelling and hematomas
– Partial resorption of the fat (may require follow-up treatments).5. Radiesse (calcium hydroxyapatite)
– Origin: Synthetically produced calcium hydroxyapatite, a material found naturally in the body (similar to that in bones and teeth).
– Mode of action: Radiesse has a dual effect: it immediately fills the tissue (volume effect) and at the same time stimulates the body’s own collagen production. – Areas of application: – Deep wrinkles (e.g. nasolabial folds, marionette lines) – Contouring and volume build-up (e.g. cheeks, chin, jawline) – Rejuvenation of the hands – Benefits:
– Immediately visible effect and long-lasting effect
– Collagen stimulation for long-term volume build-up
– Very stable and well suited for structural contouring
– Durability: Up to 18 months (the collagen build-up ensures longer-lasting results). – Side effects: – Temporary swelling, redness or hematoma – If used incorrectly: risk of lump formation or migration of the filler Comparison of all fillers: Filler Duration of action Onset of action Advantages Disadvantages
Hyaluronic acid 6-18 months Immediate Natural result, reversible Relatively short shelf life, Depending on concentration
Collagen 3-6 months Immediate Fine wrinkle treatment Higher allergy risk
Polylactic acid Up to 2 years Delayed (weeks) Long-term collagen stimulation Lump formation possible
Autologous fat Permanent (partial) Delayed (weeks) Natural, allergy-free Complex treatment
Radiesse Up to 18 months Immediate + long-term Immediate effect & Collagen stimulation Lump formation possible When is Radiesse particularly suitable? – If you want a combination of immediate filling and long-term collagen stimulation. – Ideal for deeper wrinkles and contouring, especially for jaw or cheek augmentation. – Less suitable for very fine areas such as lips or around the eyes, as Radiesse is thicker than hyaluronic acid. Due to Radiesse’s unique collagen stimulation, it can achieve a more natural and longer lasting result, especially for larger volume loss.