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Facial Plast Surg 2015; 31(01): 029-034
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1544924
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Injectable Fillers: Review of Material and Properties

Natalie Huang Attenello
2   Department of Aesthetic and Facial Plastic Surgery, The Maas Clinic, San Francisco, California
,
Corey S. Maas
1   Department of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
2   Department of Aesthetic and Facial Plastic Surgery, The Maas Clinic, San Francisco, California
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 March 2015 (online)

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Abstract

With an increasing understanding of the aging process and the rapidly growing interest in minimally invasive treatments, injectable facial fillers have changed the perspective for the treatment and rejuvenation of the aging face. Other than autologous fat and certain preformed implants, the collagen family products were the only Food and Drug Administration approved soft tissue fillers. But the overwhelming interest in soft tissue fillers had led to the increase in research and development of other products including bioengineered nonpermanent implants and permanent alloplastic implants. As multiple injectable soft tissue fillers and biostimulators are continuously becoming available, it is important to understand the biophysical properties inherent in each, as these constitute the clinical characteristics of the product. This article will review the materials and properties of the currently available soft tissue fillers: hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-l-lactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, and autologous fat (and aspirated tissue including stem cells).

Keywords

soft tissue fillers - hyaluronic acid - calcium hydroxylapatite - poly-l-lactic acid - polymethylmethacrylate
 

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