Filler Finder: Choosing the Right Filler for Clients

Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, can target a multitude of areas on the face and neck and have risen considerably in popularity over the last few years. There are a variety of dermal filler products on the market, which makes picking the right option for clients of the utmost importance.

The most important question to ask before choosing a dermal filler, is “what is my client’s goal?” Once the skin care professional has a firm understanding of what it is the client is trying to accomplish, the skin care professional can examine the different categories of filler to determine which product’s capabilities align with the client’s goal. Generally speaking, there are three different categories of filler to choose from that target specific problem areas on the face: lifting, smoothing, and intermediate filler, or a combination of lifting and smoothing fillers.

LIFTING FILLER

Lifting filler is typically very firm and has a thick consistency, with the goal of lifting and tightening clients’ skin. This type of filler is designed to go deep into the tissue and sits right on the bone and muscle of the face. If a client has hollow temples, use lifting filler to bring the skin forward and address the hollowed appearance of the face. A skin care professional can also use lifting filler on a client with sallow, sagging cheeks or for someone who is looking for more definition in the jawline, but does not want a chin implant. Essentially, if looking to lift and add volume to the face, this is the go-to.

SMOOTHING FILLER

Smoothing filler is used to mitigate fine lines and wrinkles on the face. This category of injectable is much lighter and sits right underneath facial folds and lines. Use this type of filler for a client with the smoker’s lines surrounding the mouth or fine lines around the eyes.

INTERMEDIATE FILLER

The last category to choose from is a combination filler that includes both lifting and smoothing properties. This type of filler can be used for deep-set wrinkles and grooves on the face, such as the nasolabial fold, for which a mild lifting effect and smoothing effect is required to achieve the desired look. Combination fillers can also be used on the lips in some cases, in order to smooth fine lines and aging skin on and around the lips, while also enhancing the shape.

In conclusion, while there are many fillers to choose from. Navigating the options is a fairly easy task, as long as the skin care professional knows what the client wants from the treatment, and the result they are trying to achieve.