Dermal Fillers: What to Expect
Dermal fillers restore volume, support contours, and soften selected folds or lines.
Before
- Facial proportions, expression, skin quality, prior fillers, and vascular danger zones are assessed.
- Cold sore history, immune status, pregnancy/breastfeeding, active infection, and allergies must be disclosed.
- Facial symmetry or naturalness goals are visualised with photos.
- Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners increase bruising risk; do not stop medication without clinician guidance.
- Product and depth are selected based on anatomy and patient goals, not a standard package.
During
- Treatment takes 30–45 minutes; cannula or needle choice depends on area and safety plan.
- Lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, chin, jawline, and tear trough require different product density and depth.
- Aspiration and slow-injection protocol is applied in vascular danger zones.
- Hyaluronidase (antidote) is kept ready.
- Product lot and dose are recorded in the patient file.
After
- Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and a feeling of asymmetry can be expected for 24–48 hours.
- For 48 hours avoid massage, intense exercise, alcohol, sauna, and heat; do not massage unless instructed.
- Results are usually visible immediately; final shape settles within 1–2 weeks.
- HA fillers often last 6–12 months depending on area and metabolism; longer-lasting products differ.
- A check visit corrects asymmetry; dissolution with hyaluronidase is possible if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does filler last?
- HA fillers often last 6–12 months depending on area, product, and metabolism.
- Can it be reversed?
- Hyaluronic-acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase when appropriate; this is available for emergencies.
- What if a lump forms?
- Most lumps resolve with massage or hyaluronidase; persistent ones are evaluated further.
- From what age can fillers be done?
- For adults 18 and over; expectations in younger candidates are evaluated with particular care.
Risks
- Vascular occlusion (rare, requires emergency management)
- Tyndall effect (superficial placement)
- Granuloma or inflammatory nodule
- Asymmetry
- Late-onset nodule or biofilm
This guide does not replace a personal examination and treatment plan. Base all medication, surgery, or travel decisions on your clinician's written recommendation.