Dermal Fillers: Your Complete Guide Before You Decide

What Is a Filler and How Does It Work?

A filler is a substance injected beneath the skin to fill hollow areas, add volume, or smooth lines. The most widely used material today is hyaluronic acid — a substance that occurs naturally in your body, where it retains water and gives skin its fullness. After injection, the material is gradually absorbed and broken down by the body naturally.

Fillers are completely different from Botox: Botox works by stopping muscle movement to soften expression lines, while fillers add volume and fullness to specific areas. The two treatments complement each other and neither replaces the other.

Where Are Fillers Used?

• Lips: To increase volume and improve shape — commonly known as lip filler.
• Nasolabial folds: The lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
• Tear troughs: To reduce the appearance of dark circles and hollowness under the eyes — an area that requires a high level of expertise.
• Cheeks: To restore projection or fullness lost with age.
• Chin and jawline: To refine facial features and improve overall balance.
• Forehead and temples: To fill sunken or hollow areas.

Each area has its own technique and injection depth, which is why a specialist doctor is the one who determines the most appropriate approach for each individual case.

What Are Realistic Expectations From a Session?

Results are visible immediately after injection, but they go through stages: during the first 48–72 hours, mild swelling and bruising may occur — this is normal. The final result becomes clear after approximately two weeks, once the swelling subsides and the material settles.

How long a filler lasts varies depending on the area and your body's response: some areas may need refreshing every 6–9 months, while others can last a year or more. To get a sense of when your next session might be due, try the Botox & Filler Touch-Up Planner.

Filler Risks: What You Need to Know

Filler is a medical procedure, not a simple cosmetic treatment, and there are risks you should be aware of:

• Swelling and bruising: The most common side effects, and typically temporary.
• Nodules or lumps: Can occur if the material is not injected correctly.
• Asymmetry: Addressed with a follow-up adjustment session.
• Vascular occlusion: A rare but very serious complication that occurs if filler accidentally enters a blood vessel — a key reason why choosing a qualified specialist matters.
• Infection or inflammation: Rare, but possible if proper sterility protocols are not followed.

One advantage of hyaluronic acid is that it is reversible: an enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler in the event of complications.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor Immediately?

Certain situations require urgent attention within hours of your session:

• Sudden whitening or blanching of the skin around the injection site — a possible sign of vascular occlusion.
• Unusually severe pain or increasing redness after two days.
• Any visual disturbances following injections around the eye or nose area — seek help immediately.
• Increasing swelling and warmth in the area after 48 hours.

Do not wait or hesitate — these symptoms require prompt assessment.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Before proceeding with any treatment, these are the key questions to ask your doctor:

1. What type of filler will be used? And what are its ingredients?
2. How many sessions will I need? And when will I need a top-up?
3. What is the plan if I am not happy with the result? Can the filler be removed?
4. What are the before and after-care instructions? Are there any medications I need to stop?
5. Who will perform the procedure? A specialist doctor or a technician?

A specialist doctor examines you, assesses your face as a whole, and recommends the right plan — rather than simply carrying out your request without clinical judgment. Book a consultation to discuss your options properly.