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What are dermal fillers?
Dermal filler treatment involves injections intended to add volume or structural support, adjust contours or address volume loss in selected facial areas. Many commonly used temporary fillers contain hyaluronic acid.
Not every facial line is caused by a lack of volume. Muscle movement, skin quality or changes in tissue position may be involved. Understanding the change comes before deciding whether a filler is appropriate.
For planning, aftercare and risks specific to the lips, see the lip filler page.
Which areas may be assessed?
The lips, midface, cheek area, chin, jawline, facial volume loss and asymmetry may be considered. This does not mean that the same plan is suitable for everyone.
For the lips, proportions, movement, borders and the profile matter alongside volume. A change in one facial area is assessed in relation to neighbouring areas.
Is a smaller amount always better?
A measured approach matters, but using a small amount alone does not ensure a good result. The product needs to be placed in the appropriate tissue and depth for a clear purpose. Sometimes a small adjustment is enough; sometimes the desired change is not suited to filler treatment.
I aim to respect the face’s own proportions. If a plan could change your expression or unnecessarily weigh down existing tissue, I prefer to discuss that openly.
Choosing a product
Fillers differ. Movement in the area, skin and underlying tissue thickness, the support required and the intended result influence product choice. A filler suited to the lips may be unsuitable for the jawline or midface.
We discuss the product’s composition, expected duration, authorised uses and alternatives. Suitability for your needs comes before a brand name.
What I assess at the first consultation
- The whole face: proportions and movement, from the front, in profile and during expression.
- Medical history: medicines, allergies, previous fillers and procedures, recent infections and dental treatment.
- Expectations: the concern you want addressed, realistic changes, treatment limits and other options.
Treatment and aftercare
The area is cleaned, and a needle or cannula may be used according to the plan. Volume changes can be visible early, but swelling contributes to the initial appearance. This is particularly relevant to the lips; swelling should settle before judging the result.
Tenderness, redness, swelling and bruising may occur in the first few days. Aftercare varies by area. Unusual pain or colour changes should not be dismissed as ordinary swelling.
When extra care is needed
Mention pregnancy or breastfeeding, active infection or inflammation, bleeding disorders, serious allergies and regular medication. The type and location of previous fillers also matter. Existing permanent filler requires particular assessment before further treatment.
Important safety information
Unintentional injection into a vessel, or pressure on a vessel, can impair the blood supply. Although uncommon, vascular occlusion can cause tissue loss, visual problems and other serious consequences requiring urgent action.
Unusually severe pain, whitening of the skin, grey-blue discolouration or visual changes during or after treatment require immediate contact with the treating doctor and emergency medical services when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can filler make a face look unnatural?
An obvious or unnatural appearance may result from excessive volume or a plan that does not fit the rest of the face. My aim is to address support or proportion in a measured way when appropriate.
When does the result settle, and how long does it last?
Volume is seen early, but initial swelling can distort the appearance. Many areas are better assessed after one to two weeks. Hyaluronic acid filler effects generally last around 6–18 months; duration may be shorter in mobile areas such as the lips and longer in some less mobile areas.
Can hyaluronic acid fillers be dissolved?
They may be reduced with an enzyme called hyaluronidase when appropriate. Dissolving is not a simple undo button; it requires its own assessment and carries risks.
Are swelling and asymmetry normal after treatment?
Early swelling, tenderness and small bruises can occur. The early lip appearance is not the final result. Marked pain, increasing discolouration or unexpected changes warrant contact with your doctor rather than waiting.
Can filler move over time?
Migration outside the intended area is possible. Product choice, anatomical placement, amount and repeat-treatment frequency matter. Later swelling or contour changes should be examined.
Are botulinum toxin and filler the same?
No. Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces muscle activity; fillers are used for volume, support or contour. Neither is the answer to every line or every type of volume loss.
