What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable materials used to add volume in selected areas, support facial contours or soften the appearance of certain lines. They may also be described as facial fillers or lip fillers. [6]
Fillers are not all the same. The material, intended area and individual expectations need to be considered together. The aim is to plan a result that suits the person's existing facial features. [2, 3]
What Are Dermal Fillers and What Do They Do?
Filler treatment uses a selected material to provide volume or contour support in a particular area. Defining the lip border, assessing volume loss in the cheeks and softening certain facial lines are different goals. They do not all require the same product or approach. [1, 3]
Using more filler does not automatically create a more natural appearance. The plan should suit the person's facial anatomy and expectations. [2]
What Types of Dermal Fillers Are There?
Filler products differ in composition, how they behave in tissue and how long their effects last. The following groups are a general classification; products within the same group are not identical either. [3, 4]
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid can bind water. In fillers, it is used in gel form and is gradually absorbed by the body. [4]
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
This group contains mineral particles suspended in a carrier gel. Suitability depends on the particular product and intended area. [3, 4]
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
This biostimulatory group supports a collagen response. Results can develop gradually, following a different course from gels that provide volume directly. [3]
Which Facial Areas May Be Considered for Fillers?
Areas that may be assessed include the lips, cheeks, chin and nasolabial folds, which run from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth. Depending on the area, the goal may relate to volume, shape or the appearance of a line. [6]
Lips
Volume, the lip border and shape are assessed together. [6]
Cheeks
Volume distribution in the cheeks and facial contours are assessed. [6]
Nasolabial folds
The appearance of the folds extending from the sides of the nose towards the mouth corners is assessed. [1]
Chin
The chin contour is considered in relation to overall facial proportions. [1]
Are Fillers and Botox the Same Thing?
Dermal fillers
They are primarily considered for volume and contour support. [6]
Botulinum toxin (Botox)
It temporarily reduces the activity of selected muscles to soften certain expression lines. [5]
These are different procedures. The suitable approach depends on the cause of the line or the appearance being addressed. [5, 6]
What Is Assessed Before Filler Treatment?
The consultation should cover the intended area, expectations, medical history and previous procedures. The practitioner should be told about: [7]
- Medicines and supplements being taken.
- Known allergies and previous reactions.
- Previously injected products and earlier procedures.
- Recent health problems or signs of infection in the intended area.
Treatment may be postponed if the area has an active infection or inflammation. [1]
Filler injection is a medical procedure. Product selection and assessment should be undertaken by a suitably trained and experienced healthcare professional who is authorised to perform the procedure. [2]
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
There is no single duration that applies to all fillers. The material, product characteristics and treatment area influence longevity. Absorbable fillers and permanent materials need to be considered differently. [4]
Are results visible immediately?
Some fillers produce an early change in volume. Biostimulatory products may develop their effects over time. Swelling immediately after the procedure can also affect appearance, so results should be assessed through follow-up appropriate to the particular product. [2, 3]
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Fillers?
Swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising can occur. Infection, nodules, allergic reactions or unwanted contour changes are also possible. One rare but serious complication is accidental injection into a blood vessel, which can lead to tissue damage and loss of vision. [1]
Which symptoms need immediate attention?
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermal Fillers
Can the result look natural?
Suitable patient selection, a conservative plan and the practitioner's experience are important. Added volume that does not suit the facial structure can produce an unwanted result. The same appearance cannot be promised for every person. [2]
Can every filler be dissolved?
No. For hyaluronic acid fillers, a doctor may be able to consider options to reduce the filler. Other materials cannot be reversed in the same way. Permanent fillers in particular may be difficult to remove and can require additional procedures. [1]
Is aftercare the same for everyone?
Advice varies with the product and the area. For details such as whether the area should be massaged, follow the treating doctor's instructions for your particular product. [2]
More Information About Skin Care
Daily skin care and professional cosmetic care have different aims from filler treatment. You can also explore our pages on these topics.
Sources
- FDA — Dermal Fillers: uses and risks
- American Academy of Dermatology — Fillers: FAQs
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Types of Dermal Fillers
- FDA — Materials used in dermal fillers
- American Academy of Dermatology — Botulinum toxin overview
- American Academy of Dermatology — Fillers overview
- American Academy of Dermatology — Fillers preparation