What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels used in medical aesthetics to restore volume, enhance facial features, and smooth lines and wrinkles. Most modern dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps keep skin hydrated and plump.
What areas can be treated?
Dermal fillers may be used to:
- Restore volume in the cheeks
- Enhance and define lips
- Smooth lines around the mouth (e.g. nasolabial folds, marionette lines)
- Improve under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
- Enhance jawline and chin shape
- Restore volume in the temples
- Improve facial symmetry
- Improve skin hydration and texture (skin boosters)
Our Specialist Nurse Prescriber will advise which treatments are suitable for you.
How do dermal fillers work?
Dermal fillers add volume beneath the skin and can also stimulate hydration. This helps:
- Smooth wrinkles and folds
- Restore lost facial volume
- Enhance facial contours
- Improve overall facial balance
Results are temporary and gradually break down naturally in the body.
What to expect during treatment
- Treatment usually takes 20–45 minutes
- A fine needle or cannula may be used
- Most fillers contain a local anaesthetic to improve comfort
- You may feel pressure or mild stinging during injections
- You can usually return to normal activities the same day
When will I see results?
- Results are usually visible immediately
- Mild swelling or bruising may temporarily affect appearance
- Final results are typically seen after 1–2 weeks
- Results last between 6–18 months, depending on the product used, area treated, and individual factors
Possible side effects
Common and temporary side effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Firmness or small lumps at injection sites
These usually resolve within a few days to two weeks.
Less common side effects may include:
- Asymmetry
- Infection
- Prolonged swelling
- Delayed inflammatory reactions
Rare but serious complications include:
- Vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessel)
- Skin damage
- Vision impairment
Although rare, these risks will be discussed with you during your consultation. Immediate medical attention is required if you experience severe pain, colour changes to the skin, or visual disturbance.
Who should NOT have dermal filler treatment?
You should not undergo dermal filler treatment if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an active skin infection or inflammation at the treatment site
- Have a known allergy to any filler ingredients
- Have certain autoimmune or connective tissue disorders (unless cleared by a medical professional)
- Are unwell on the day of treatment
Please inform your practitioner of:
- All medical conditions
- Medications and supplements
- Previous aesthetic treatments
Aftercare advice
For the first 24–48 hours:
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area (unless advised)
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid excessive heat (saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds)
- Avoid facial treatments
You may be advised to use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Are dermal fillers reversible?
Most hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if medically necessary or if the result is unsatisfactory.
Are results permanent?
No. Dermal fillers are temporary and naturally break down over time. Maintenance treatments are required to maintain results.
Consent and safety
Dermal fillers are medical treatments and should only be performed by a trained and qualified practitioner. A full consultation and informed consent are required. Individual results vary, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.