Your Complete Guide to Dermal Fillers

Learn how gel injections restore volume, soften creases, and smooth fine lines.

Video: See How Dermal Fillers Work

Our educational videos are directed by Aesthetics HQ founder and certified physician assistant Melissa Singleton – an experienced injector and top Galderma national trainer.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Price

Dermal fillers are a cost-effective way to achieve a more youthful appearance without invasive surgery.

Versatility

In addition to enhancing volume in sagging skin, fillers create symmetry in facial features and increase lip fullness.

Convenience

Filler sessions typically last less than an hour, and recovery time is minimal compared to many other procedures.

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Dermal Fillers: Everything You Need to Know

What they are, what to expect, and info on different types of fillers.

Medically reviewed by
Audrey Coleman | Certified Physician Assistant

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. It’s a cost-effective way to achieve a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime.

There are various filler options, including synthetic materials, substances naturally found in the body, and fat from your own body.

For your safety, only use FDA-approved, brand-name fillers administered by a licensed medical provider.

Why use dermal fillers?

As we age, our body has less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are vital components of skin, muscle, bone, and connective tissue. That depletion leads to skin laxity, volume loss, thinning, decreased elasticity, and sagging.

People opt for dermal fillers to address various concerns:

Enhance volume in sagging skin.
Look more refreshed and less tired.
Improve their facial message.
Create symmetry or definition in facial features.

Increase fullness in lips and cheeks.
Minimize wrinkles and creases on the face.
Address cellulite concerns.
Restore youthfulness in aging hands.

Pros

Immediate results.
Quick procedure: Typically less than an hour.
Minimal recovery time.
Results can last months to years.
Less expensive than elective surgical procedures.
Some dermal fillers are reversible.
Products age with your tissue leading to more natural results over time.

Cons

Unable to entirely correct natural facial asymmetries.
Asymmetrical appearance.
Bleeding, bruising, redness, pain and swelling.
Skin, leading to scars.
Infection, potentially causing necrosis.
Lumps or bumps under the skin.

What to Expect

Here’s what happens during a treatment:

Consultation with healthcare provider before procedure.
Discussion of medical history and medications.
Examination of face and discussion of goals.
Injection areas are marked on the face.
Recommendation of specific filler type.
Review of possible side effects and recovery time.
Pre-procedure skin cleaning.
Application of numbing cream (optional).

Injection of fillers under skin with thin needle or cannula.
Possible mild pain or discomfort during injections.
Post-procedure skin cleaning.
Use of ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
Bruising, swelling, and discomfort may occur post-procedure
Results may be immediate but vary based on the type of product used.

Facial fat grafting procedures are more involved and invasive as they involve liposuction to remove fat from the body.

Purified fat is then injected into the face.
This is an outpatient procedure, with recovery taking weeks to months.

Recovery

It’s best to leave the area alone after treatment — no touching, rubbing, or putting pressure on it. This helps ensure the filler stays in place and prevents any issues.

You should also hold off on dental work, facials, or massages for the first two weeks. This will give the treated area time to settle and heal.

As for working out, take it easy for the first 24-48 hours.

If you experience mild swelling, bruising, or redness, a cold pack should help. Avoid aspirin and alcohol, as they can make bruising worse.

Remember that too much sun and heat can make swelling or discomfort more noticeable. Try to stay out of the sun, but if you need to go out, use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the area.

Lastly, carefully follow your healthcare provider’s aftercare instructions for the best results. Looking for a provider? Check out our directory!

Types of Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA): A naturally transpiring acid in the skin that provides volume and hydration. The body produces less hyaluronic acid as we age. Results from HA injections typically last between six months and two years. Restylane, Juvederm, RHA, Versa and Belotero are prevalent HA filler variants that support loss in the fat pads and dermis.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA): This filler uses a substance present in bones. Healthcare providers often use this treatment to address deeper wrinkles. The effects of such fillers generally last about a year. Radiesse is one example of a CaHA filler.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): A substance that facilitates the body’s collagen production. PLLA is frequently employed by healthcare providers to mitigate deep facial wrinkles, with results potentially lasting two years or more. Sculptra is a common PLLA filler option.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): Fillers containing collagen and minuscule spheres that remain beneath the skin post-injection. These spheres contribute to enhancing skin volume and firmness. Bellafill is a notable PMMA filler variant.
Fat grafting: Autologous fat grafting is a process where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected into the face. This technique allows for a more natural enhancement.
Renuva fillers: Autologous fat grafting is a process where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected into the face. This technique allows for a more natural enhancement.
Fat grafting: Generally performed in addition to a surgical lift. This type of volume restoration uses fat from the patient’s body.

Your provider will review the pros and cons of dermal filler options and guide you through the decision process.

Safety Profile

The risks associated with dermal fillers depend on the type and how permanent they are. Fillers that are FDA-approved in the United States have a strong safety profile. The most common side effects include bruising, tenderness at injection sites, redness, temporary firmness of the filler, and transient discomfort.

Rare complications include acne-like skin eruptions, asymmetry, scarring, infection, and nodules.

In severe rare cases, the filler may be unintentionally injected into a blood vessel, leading to possible skin necrosis and even blindness.

It’s essential to address any concerns or questions with your provider, especially about any complications that might need immediate attention.

While most people are happy with their results, it’s good to remember that perfect results aren’t guaranteed. Because of the potential risks, ensure your treatment is done by a qualified provider who knows what they’re doing and can handle any issues.

Your Complete Guide to Dermal Fillers

Video: See How Dermal Fillers Work

Our educational videos are directed by Aesthetics HQ founder and certified physician assistant Melissa Singleton – an experienced injector and top Galderma national trainer.

Find a Provider

Ready to take the next step? Browse our directory to find a provider and book a consultation.