What are fillers?

Dermal filler injections are a nonsurgical cosmetic treatment where fillers are gel-like substances (usually made of hyaluronic acid, which our skin naturally has) that doctors inject under the skin to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial features.

Why Are Dermal Fillers Used?

As we age, the body naturally produces less collagen — a key protein found in skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues.

Less collagen means skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and begins to sag, leading to wrinkles and volume loss.

They can:

• Plump thin lips

• Lift sagging cheeks

• Smooth out lines around the nose and mouth

• Improve under-eye hollows

• Contour jawline or chin

Think of fillers as “volume boosters” for areas that look sunken, flat, or lined.

Types of Fillers

There are many kinds of dermal fillers available today. Broadly, they can be divided into:

• Off-the-shelf fillers – made from synthetic (manmade) materials or substances that naturally occur in the body.

• Autologous fat grafting – where fat is taken from one part of your body and injected into your face to restore volume.

Common Off-the-Shelf Fillers

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

  • A natural substance found in the skin that keeps it hydrated and plump.

  • With age, HA production decreases, leading to volume loss.

  • Results last 6 months to 1 year.

• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

  • A mineral-like substance found in bones.

  • Best for deeper wrinkles and folds.

  • Results last around 1 year.

• Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)

  • Stimulates the body to produce its own collagen.

  • Used for deep wrinkles and volume restoration.

  • Results can last 2 years or more.

• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

  • Contains collagen and tiny microspheres that stay under the skin.

  • Provides long-lasting volume and firmness.

  • Your Dermatologist will discuss which filler is best for your needs, your goals, and what kind of results you can realistically expect.

Derma Filler Treatment Details

What Happens Before a Dermal Filler Procedure?

• Consultation: You’ll meet with a dermatologist or qualified provider.

• Assessment: They’ll examine your face, ask about your goals, and identify areas to enhance.

• Marking & Photos: Your provider may mark injection sites and take photos for before-and-after comparison.

• Recommendations: They’ll suggest the most suitable filler(s), explain side effects, and outline recovery time.

• Medical History Review: Share all relevant details, especially if you have:

  • Allergies

  • History of bruising or bleeding.

  • Neurological conditions.

  • Skin conditions.

  • Current medications (some may increase risk of side effects).

What Happens During a Dermal Filler Procedure?

• Location: Usually performed in a doctor’s office or medical spa.

• Preparation: Your skin is cleaned, and a numbing cream or lotion may be applied.

• Injection:

  • A thin needle injects small amounts of filler under your skin.

  • You may feel a pinch or sting, but pain is typically minimal.

  • Multiple small injections may be given, depending on the treatment area.

• Duration: The procedure takes a few minutes to up to an hour.

What Happens After a Dermal Filler Procedure?

• Cleansing & Cooling: Skin is cleansed; an ice pack may be provided to reduce swelling.

• Common Side Effects:

  • Mild swelling.

  • Bruising

  • Tenderness or discomfort (usually fades in a few days).

• Your provider may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or excessive heat (like saunas or hot yoga) for 24–48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising.

• Results:

  • Many people see results immediately.

  • How long results last depends on:

    • Type of filler.

    • Treatment area.

    • Individual body response.

Tips Before Getting Fillers

• Choose a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon (not salons or spas).

• Be clear about the look you want -natural vs. dramatic.

• Don’t take blood-thinning meds (like aspirin) right before, to reduce bruising.

• Plan ahead if you have an event -give at least a week for swelling to settle.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider After Dermal Fillers?

While mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness is normal after dermal filler injections, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Persistent bleeding or severe pain at the injection site.

• Signs of infection, such as:

  • Increasing redness.

  • Warmth and swelling.

  • Fever or chills.

• Allergic reaction symptoms, including:

  • Itching or hives.

  • Sudden swelling of the face or throat.

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea).

These symptoms may signal a complication that needs urgent medical attention. Don’t wait—seek care right away if they occur.

How long do fillers last?

Most fillers last 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type and area treated.

Recovery Time

• Recovery from dermal fillers is usually quick, but it can vary from person to person. Factors that affect recovery include:

  • Number of areas treated

  • Type of filler used

  • Your overall health

  • Continue with your normal daily activities — no need to take time off work.

Safety

• FDA-approved fillers are safe when done by trained professionals

• Results are temporary and reversible (hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed)

Do fillers hurt?

You’ll feel a small pinch, but numbing cream or anesthesia is usually used. Most people say it’s very tolerable.

Do fillers look fake?

Only if overdone or done by untrained hands. With a good doctor, fillers look natural and subtle — people may just think you look well-rested or refreshed.

Common Myths About Fillers

• Myth: Fillers and Botox are the same.

  Fact: Botox relaxes muscles to soften wrinkles. Fillers add volume. They often complement each other but aren’t the same.

• Myth: Fillers stretch or damage your skin.

  Fact: When done correctly, fillers integrate naturally and even stimulate collagen. Skin goes back to normal once the filler dissolves.

• Myth: Fillers last forever.

  Fact: They’re temporary. Your body slowly absorbs them over months to years.

• Myth: Once you start fillers, you can’t stop.

  Fact: You can stop anytime. The treated area will just gradually return to its natural state.

• Myth: Fillers always make people look “puffy” or fake.

  Fact: That happens only with overfilling. A skilled injector keeps results balanced and natural-looking.

• Myth: Fillers are unsafe.

  Fact: FDA-approved fillers, when used by trained professionals, are very safe. Most issues happen when people go to unqualified providers.

• Myth: Only women get fillers.

  Fact: Men also use fillers to look fresher — especially for jawline definition or under-eye hollows.

• Final Thought:

  Fillers are like a little “volume boost” for your face — quick, safe, and natural-looking when done right.

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.