Fillers 101: Which Dermal Filler Is Right For You?

Dermal fillers are a popular trend that was once considered taboo for women outside of Hollywood. Before it became trendy, many women hadn’t even heard of dermal fillers, apart from Botox, which also carried a heavy stigma. But when reality star Kylie Jenner debuted her full lips on social media, women of all races flocked to cosmetic professionals to get “the look.”

What Are They?

Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, which the body produces naturally. It binds to water molecules in the body to hydrate and plumps your skin, but hyaluronic acid levels decrease as we age, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers are safe to use when they’re FDA-approved and administered by a licensed professional. They can serve many purposes, from reducing a gummy smile to correcting a botched nose job.

Black Women and Dermal Fillers

Many Black women are hesitant to receive them because of the stigma surrounding cosmetic enhancements in the Black community. There’s a common misconception that all Black women have full lips, button noses, and other common Black features. While this is true for many Black women, it’s not true for all.

Some Black women have thin lips and may want to try these shots for added volume. And others who have pointed noses may consider fillers to correct a hump on the bridge. Whatever the reason, Black women have a right to experiment with their looks just as much as anyone else.

Getting dermal fillers can be a scary experience for many women. There are so many types of fillers that it can be challenging to decide which to use. Not to mention, the horror stories of dermal fillers gone wrong make choosing even harder. Let’s take a look at six common uses for dermal fillers and which ones are the best at addressing your cosmetic concerns:

Lip Fillers

Juvederm and Restylane are the two most common options for dermal lip fillers. They’re made from hyaluronic acid and have a lower risk for adverse side effects such as bleeding or tenderness at the injection site.

The difference: Juvederm is the more popular choice because it’s more durable, with results lasting up to one year. Restylane filler only lasts up to 10 months before tapering off.

Also, patients who opt for Juvederm typically notice its effects immediately, whereas Restylane may take several days to appear in the lips.

Pro Tip: If you, like many Black women, have full lips, it’s best to start with a half or whole syringe of filler. Decide if you want to go bigger after allowing it to settle. Then ask your technician to add another syringe until you’ve reached your desired results.

It’s always best to start small instead of injecting multiple rounds of fillers at once, which can result in overly plumped, unnatural-looking lips.

Cheek Fillers

Cheek fillers are a popular trend gaining steam on social media. As we age, we lose elasticity in our skin, resulting in a thinner, more hollow facial appearance. So for plump, youthful cheeks like your favorite celebrities, try filling them with Voluma.

Juvederm Voluma is an FDA-approved injectable also made from hyaluronic acid that’s great for adding volume to the cheeks. Its gel-like texture is thick enough to fill and lift the cheek yet pliable enough to give you a soft, pillowy feel.

Pro Tip: For a more subtle, natural look, opt for Sculptra. Sculptra is made from the active ingredient Poly-L-Lactic Acid, a synthetic compound that encourages your body to increase collagen production. It’s effective, with results lasting up to two years. However, because of its natural effect, you may need to wait several months to notice a change.