Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. The most widely used fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) — a substance naturally found in the body that attracts and retains water, providing immediate plumping and hydration.
Unlike anti-wrinkle injections which relax muscles, dermal fillers physically add volume to areas that have lost it through ageing, or enhance features such as lips, cheeks, and jawline. Results are immediate and can last anywhere from 9 to 18 months depending on the product used and the area treated.
Dermal fillers are one of the most versatile aesthetic treatments available. Common treatment areas include:
Hyaluronic acid fillers are fully reversible using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This makes them one of the safest injectable treatments available — but they must still be administered by a qualified, anatomy-trained prescriber.
Hyaluronic acid fillers work by physically occupying space beneath the skin, providing immediate volume and structure. HA is highly hydrophilic — it attracts water molecules, which helps maintain the plumping effect over time. Different filler products have varying consistencies (rheologies), making some better suited to deep structural work and others to fine surface lines or delicate areas like the lips.
The treatment typically takes 30–60 minutes. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand, and most modern fillers also contain lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) to minimise discomfort during injection. Results are visible immediately, with any swelling or bruising settling within 1–2 weeks.
Results from dermal fillers are immediate. You will see the change as soon as the treatment is complete, though the final result is best assessed 2 weeks later once any swelling has fully resolved. Well-placed filler should look completely natural — enhancing your features rather than changing them.
Longevity varies by area and product: lip filler typically lasts 6–12 months, while cheek and jawline filler can last 12–18 months or longer. Metabolism, lifestyle, and the volume of product used all influence how long results last.
In the hands of a qualified, anatomy-trained prescriber, dermal fillers are a safe and well-established treatment. However, they carry risks that are significantly higher than anti-wrinkle injections, and must be taken seriously:
Dermal fillers are prescription-only medicines in the UK. They must only be administered by a qualified prescriber (doctor, dentist, or nurse prescriber) who has completed appropriate training in facial anatomy and emergency management of complications including vascular occlusion.
The single most important factor in dermal filler safety and results is the skill and qualifications of your practitioner. Look for:
Prices vary significantly by area, practitioner, and product. As a general guide:
Be wary of very cheap filler offers. The cost of the product itself, the practitioner's time, and the clinical environment all contribute to a fair price. Cutting corners on cost often means cutting corners on safety.
If you are looking for volume restoration without injectables, or want longer-lasting results, consider these alternatives: