Understanding Dermal Fillers and Their Uses
Not all fillers are the same. Each family of fillers has its own technology, firmness, and purpose. Some are designed to lift, contour, and support, while others are softer and blend more easily to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. One of the ways we measure these differences is through the G-prime, which refers to how firm a filler is and how well it holds its shape.
A filler with a high G-prime provides structure and contour, making it best for areas like the cheeks, jawline, and chin. A filler with a lower G-prime is more flexible, making it a better option for lips or smile lines since these areas are constantly moving. Using the wrong type of filler in the wrong area can lead to complications and/or disappointing results. A high G-prime filler injected into the wrong area can cause visible lumps, irregularities, or a stiff appearance that does not move naturally with the face. A low G-prime filler placed where structure is needed will not hold up, leaving results that may feel like they “melted away” or never gave the results the patient expected. This is why choosing the right product for the right area is so important.
Restylane
Restylane Family is one of the longest-standing filler lines. It uses two technologies: NASHA, which produces firmer gels for lift and support, and XpresHAn, which creates more flexible gels that move with facial expression.
- Restylane Lyft provides lift and contour in the cheeks, chin, and jawline.
- Restylane Contour was designed specifically for the cheeks, giving shape and definition while still moving with expression.
- Restylane Defyne and Restylane Refyne are flexible fillers used in areas of movement such as smile lines and marionette lines. Defyne provides slightly more structure, while Refyne is softer.
- Restylane Kysse is formulated for lips, giving natural enhancement without stiffness.
- Restylane Silk is a very soft filler, often used for subtle lip definition and fine lines around the mouth.
- Restylane Eyelight is designed for the under-eye area, where skin is thin and requires a filler that blends naturally without puffiness.
- Classic Restylane is versatile and can be used in multiple areas, from folds to moderate contouring.
RHA Collection
The RHA Collection is often called the “dynamic filler” because it was designed for areas of movement. These gels are designed to stay soft and flexible, allowing them to adapt naturally when you talk, smile, or make expressions.
- RHA 2 is commonly used for lips and fine lines around the mouth.
- RHA 3 works well for moderate wrinkles such as smile lines, marionette lines, lips, and corners of the mouth.
- RHA 4 provides support in the cheeks and jawline, but still looks natural when the face moves.
- RHA Redensity is extremely soft and designed for very fine lines such as smoker’s lines around the mouth, under the eyes, and tech neck lines on the neck.
RHA fillers are ideal for expressive areas of the face, delivering results that adapt seamlessly as you smile, talk, and express yourself.
Evolysse
Evolysse is one of the newest filler families available in the U.S. It currently comes in two main types: Firm and Smooth. Evolysse fillers are made using a cold-press process that keeps the hyaluronic acid more intact. Because of this, the filler blends more smoothly into the skin and usually causes less swelling after treatment.
- Evolysse Firm is designed for contour and structure in areas like the cheeks, chin, and jawline.
- Evolysse Smooth is softer and used to restore natural volume in the midface, temples, and sometimes lips.
Evolysse offers a balance of structure and softness, making it useful for both definition and volume restoration.
Juvederm Family
Juvederm is made with Vycross technology, which blends different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for a smooth, durable gel.
- Juvederm Volux is the firmest in the Juvederm line, formulated specifically for the chin and jawline. It provides strong definition and contour in the lower face and lasts up to 18–24 months.
- Juvederm Voluma is one of the firmest fillers. It provides long-lasting structure when injected on the bone in the cheeks, chin, and jawline. When injected more superficially, it is designed to move naturally with the face.
- Juvederm Vollure has medium firmness, making it a good choice for nasolabial folds and areas where some flexibility is needed.
- Juvederm Volbella is very soft and integrates smoothly into delicate areas such as lips and under-eye hollows. It would not be effective in areas needing lift or contour because of its low firmness.
There are countless filler brands available overseas, with more than 150 in Asia and Europe that are not FDA-approved in the United States. While the options may seem endless, only a select few meet the standards required here.
Choosing the Right Filler
The best filler depends on your goals and the area being treated.
- For structure and lift, high G-prime fillers like Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft, and Radiesse are the go-to choices.
- For flexibility in areas that are constantly moving, fillers like the RHA Collection or Restylane Refyne and Defyne are better suited.
- For delicate refinements, softer fillers such as Restylane Kysse, Restylane Silk, RHA Redensity, and Juvederm Volbella are ideal.
Using the wrong type of filler in the wrong area can cause complications. A product that is too firm may look unnatural, while one that is too soft will not give the lift or contour you want. That is why it is essential to work with an experienced provider who understands how to match each filler to the right area.
Final Thoughts
Many patients do not realize how different fillers can be, and it is important to know what is being injected into your face. Each product is created with a specific purpose, whether it is lifting, adding soft volume, or stimulating collagen for gradual improvement. The goal is always to select the right product for the right area so that results look natural, balanced, and tailored to you.
At Dr. Olga Zilberstein Medical Aesthetics, we use a wide variety of dermal fillers, including Restylane, RHA, Evolysse, and Juvederm, to create results that are customized to each patient in Brooklyn, NY, and Long Island, NY.
📅 Schedule a consultation today!