What Is Calcium Hydroxylapatite Filler? How It Differs From Hyaluronic Acid and Where It Is Used
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral compound that is also found in the structure of bones and teeth. In the form used as a filler, very small microspheres of this substance are suspended in a carrier gel. This filler both provides volume support and stimulates collagen production in the tissue; for this reason, it is classed as a biostimulatory filler. This article explains how calcium hydroxylapatite filler works, how it differs from hyaluronic acid filler and what its limits are.
How Does It Work?
Immediately after the injection, the carrier gel adds volume to the area. The gel is gradually absorbed by the body; the remaining microspheres stimulate the formation of new collagen around them, and the support continues through this new tissue. The microspheres are also broken down by the body over time. The result is therefore not permanent; how long it lasts depends on the area treated, the amount and the person.
How It Differs From Hyaluronic Acid Filler
- Content: Hyaluronic acid filler is a gel made from a substance found naturally in the body; calcium hydroxylapatite filler contains mineral microspheres.
- How it works: Hyaluronic acid works mainly through volume support; calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates collagen production in addition to providing volume support.
- Reversibility: Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if necessary; calcium hydroxylapatite filler cannot be dissolved with this enzyme. For this reason, treatment planning is done with particular care.
- Depth of injection: Calcium hydroxylapatite is mostly injected into deep tissue, in areas that need structural support.
Where Is It Used?
The main areas of use are the cheek and cheekbone area, the chin and jawline, marked nasolabial folds and volume loss on the back of the hands. It is generally not preferred for the lips or the under-eye area, where the risk of lumps and irregularity is higher. Which filler is suitable is decided at the examination, taking into account the facial structure and expectations.
The Procedure and Afterwards
The procedure is usually performed with an anaesthetic cream or local anaesthesia; some products also contain a local anaesthetic. The filler is placed in deep tissue with a fine needle or cannula. Swelling, redness and bruising may occur for a few days after the procedure. In the first days, it is recommended not to press on the area and to wait for the period recommended by the doctor before saunas and intense exercise; the doctor's instructions should be followed on whether or not to massage the area. Blood thinners or other regular medicines should not be stopped without asking a doctor, and the doctor performing the procedure should be told about them beforehand.
Possible Risks
Swelling, bruising and tenderness are usually temporary. Less commonly, infection, palpable firmness or nodules, irregularity, asymmetry and an allergic reaction may occur. A rare but serious risk is the filler material blocking a blood vessel; because this filler cannot be dissolved with an enzyme, assessing this risk in advance is particularly important. If increasing pain, whitening or purplish discolouration of the skin, or a vision disturbance is noticed, a doctor should be contacted immediately. Calcium hydroxylapatite can be visible on imaging such as X-rays and CT scans; if imaging is planned in the future, it should be mentioned that this filler has been used. For more information, see our face filler and hand filler pages.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın