Dermal Fillers

About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are gels injected under the skin to restore lost volume, support areas that have flattened with age or refine contours. Common areas include the cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, the folds from nose to mouth, the chin and the jawline.

Most clinics use hyaluronic-acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, the effect wears off gradually and, if needed, it can usually be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Permanent fillers are generally avoided because complications can be difficult to treat.

Who it may be suitable for

• Volume loss in areas such as the cheeks, temples or under the eyes
• Wanting subtle support or contouring rather than a large change
• No history of reaction to filler in the area to be treated
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding, and no active skin infection or cold sore in the area

These are general points only. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided by the treating clinician after examining you in person and reviewing your medical history and current medication.

How it works

1. 01

   Photo review

   You share photos and a short description of what bothers you. The clinician gives a first view of which options may help and which are unlikely to.

2. 02

   In-person assessment

   The clinician examines your face and skin, goes through your medical history and explains the expected effect, its limits and the risks before you consent.

3. 03

   Treatment

   After cleaning the skin, the clinician injects the filler with a fine needle or a blunt cannula, checking symmetry and the overall balance of the face as they go.

4. 04

   Check and aftercare

   You receive written aftercare instructions and a contact for questions. A review is arranged in person or by photos, depending on how long you stay.

What to expect and aftercare

1. First 24 hours

   Avoid touching or massaging the treated area unless the clinician tells you to, and skip make-up, alcohol, strenuous exercise, saunas and hot baths.

2. Days 1–7

   Swelling, tenderness and bruising usually settle within a week. The area may feel firm or slightly uneven while the filler settles.

3. Weeks 2–4

   The result can be judged once swelling has gone. Small adjustments, if needed, are made at this stage.

4. Months 6–18

   The filler is gradually broken down by the body. How long it lasts depends on the product, the area and the person.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Risks and considerations

• Redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising at the injection points are common and usually settle within days.
• Rarely, filler can block a blood vessel (vascular occlusion). This is an emergency that can damage the skin and, very rarely, affect vision, so it must be treated straight away by the clinic.
• Infection, lumps and delayed inflammatory reactions are uncommon but possible, sometimes weeks or months later.
• Results vary between people, are temporary and cannot be guaranteed. Maintenance treatments are needed to keep the effect.
• Report sudden severe pain, skin that turns pale or dusky, or any change in vision straight away, as these can be signs of a blocked vessel.

Common questions