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EDUCATION7 April 2026Publish date: 2 April 2026
Latest update: 7 April 2026

Dermal Fillers

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Duration

30-60 minutes

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Cost

700-1000$

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Setting

Outpatient

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Downtime

No downtime

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Lasts for

6 months - 2 years

Overview

Dermal filler is a substance injected beneath the skin to replace fat loss in the face. Fillers can augment specific features, such as the lips, cheeks, and jawline, offering natural-looking results with minimal invasiveness.

How Do Fillers Work?

Fillers can address aging signs through different mechanisms: 

  • Volume replacement: Substances such as hyaluronic acid, fat, and polymethylmethacrylate add bulk beneath the skin to smooth folds or enhance contours. 
  • Collagen stimulation: Fillers like CaHA and PLLA work by triggering the body’s natural collagen production. Results develop more gradually but often last longer.

Common misconception - Fillers are the same as Botox

Many people mistake Botox with fillers.  

  • Dermal fillers: Can restore volume to the face and make deeper wrinkles less noticeable;
  • Botox: Can only improve wrinkles by relaxing the muscles without adding any volume to the skin. 

Benefits by Area

Lips

Most suitable filler: Hyaluronic acid Czumbel, L. M., Farkasdi, S., Gede, N., Mikó, A., Csupor, D., Lukács, A., Gaál, V., Kiss, S., Hegyi, P., & Varga, G. (2021). Hyaluronic Acid Is an Effective Dermal Filler for Lip Augmentation: A Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Surgery, 8, 681028. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2021.681028 V, B., A, N., N, S., V, L., & J, H. (2021). Subject and partner satisfaction with lip and perioral enhancement using flexible hyaluronic acid fillers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13956

Expected benefits

Natural symmetric size boost for thin lips  

Undesired outcomes

Expected Benefit

Undesired outcome

Cheeks (midface)

Most suitable fillers: Hyaluronic acid, Poly-L-Lactic Acid, Fat Elrosasy, A., Abo Zeid, M., Hindawi, M. D., Cadri, S., Ismeal, A. A. A., Eldeeb, H. A., Aldemerdash, M. A., & Abdelghany, A. E. M. (2024). Efficacy and safety of different hyaluronic acid fillers on cheek volume augmentation: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Archives of Dermatological Research, 317(1), 152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03567-z Nikolis, A., Bertucci, V., Humphrey, S., Beleznay, K., Bernstein, S., & Prygova, I. (2024). Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid fillers for cheek augmentation using a treatment guide to choose between products. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 23(11), 3525–3531. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16451

Expected benefits

Higher cheek prominence and improved facial symmetry 

Undesired outcomes

  • Chipmunk cheeks (overfilling) 
  • Asymmetry 

Expected benefit

Undesired outcome

Nasolabial folds & marionette lines 

Most suitable fillers: Hyaluronic acid, Calcium Hydroxypatite, Polymethylmethacrylate  Stefura, T., Kacprzyk, A., Droś, J., Krzysztofik, M., Skomarovska, O., Fijałkowska, M., & Koziej, M. (2021). Tissue Fillers for the Nasolabial Fold Area: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 45(5), 2300–2316. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02439-5

Expected benefits

Smoothing out deeper folds that can’t be fixed with other treatments (e.g Botox)  Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025

Undesired outcomes

  • Lumps along the fold 
  • Uneven filling 
  • Overcorrection causing unnatural bulge 

Expected benefit

Undesired outcome

Under eye (tear trough) 

Most suitable filler: Hyaluronic acid 

Expected Benefits

Smooth and less tired appearance under eyes

Undesired outcomes

Expected benefit

Undesired outcome

Jawline & Chin 

Most suitable fillers: Hyaluronic acid, Calcium Hydroxypatite, Poly-L-Lactic acid  Marcus, K., Moradi, A., Kaufman-Janette, J., Ablon, G., Donofrio, L., Chapas, A., Kazin, R., Rivkin, A., Rohrich, R. J., Weiss, R., & George, R. (2022). A Randomized Trial to Assess Effectiveness and Safety of a Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Chin Augmentation and Correction of Chin Retrusion. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 150(6), 1240–1248. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000009733

Expected benefits

  • More defined jawline
  • Augment weak chin
  • treats receding chin 

Undesired outcomes

  • Over projection in chin 
  • Uneven contouring  
  • Overfilling  

Expected benefit

Temples

Most suitable filler: Hyaluronic acid  Montes, J. R., Hooper, D., Jones, D., Biesman, B., Baumann, L., Beer, K., Yoelin, S., Leung, K., & Chawla, S. (2025). Improvement in Temple Hollowing with VYC-20L Hyaluronic Acid Filler: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Safety and Effectiveness. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 156(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011957

Expected benefits

Smooth fuller temples and rounded forehead 

Undesired outcomes

  • Overfilling and bulging 
  • Visible filler under the skin 

Expected benefit

Non-FDA approved uses

Picking your Filler

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

  • currency icon700-750$
  • clock icon6-12 months

Common brand name: Juvederm (Ultra, Voluma, Volbella), Restylane (Lyft, Silk, Refyne), Belotero)

Safety: Natural substance, very safe and can be reversible. Baumann, L., Narins, R. S., Beer, K., Swift, A., Butterwick, K. J., Few, J., Drinkwater, A., & Murphy, D. K. (2015). Volumizing Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Midface Volume Deficit: Results After Repeat Treatment. Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et Al.], 41 Suppl 1, S284-292. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000541 Hong, J. K., Park, S. J., Seo, S. J., Park, K. Y., & Youn, C. S. (2022). Quantitative Evaluation of Volume Augmentation and Durational Changes in the Anteromedial Cheek with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Using Three-Dimensional Measurement: 2-Year Results from a Comparative Split-Face Study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 150(1), 87e–91e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000009244

Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA)

  • currency icon900$
  • clock icon12-18 months

Common brand name: Radiesse 

Safety: Natural, safe, but can’t be reversible  McCULLOUGH, J. L., & Kelly, K. M. (2006). Prevention and Treatment of Skin Aging. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1067(1), 323–331. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1354.044

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)

  • currency icon900-1000$
  • clock icon+2 years

Common brand name: Sculptra 

Safety:  Synthetic, generally safe, not reversible and requires multiple sessions of injection Ganceviciene, R., Liakou, A. I., Theodoridis, A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 308–319. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22804

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

  • currency icon+1000$
  • clock icon2-4 years

Common brand name: Bellafill 

Safety: Synthetic, not reversible, associated with more complications because of its long-lasting effect.  Ganceviciene, R., Liakou, A. I., Theodoridis, A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 308–319. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22804

Fat transfer

  • currency icon+3000$
  • clock iconPermanent

Safety: Natural substance, associated with surgical risks (infection, anesthesia…)  Ganceviciene, R., Liakou, A. I., Theodoridis, A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 308–319. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22804

Risks

Dermal filler injections are safe with only a few mild complications that usually go away within days. Chiang, Y. Z., Pierone, G., & Al-Niaimi, F. (2017). Dermal fillers: Pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of complications. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV, 31(3), 405–413. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.13977 Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025 Kyriazidis, I., Spyropoulou, G.-A., Zambacos, G., Tagka, A., Rakhorst, H. A., Gasteratos, K., Berner, J. E., & Mandrekas, A. (2024). Adverse Events Associated with Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection for Non-surgical Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review of High Level of Evidence Studies. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 48(4), 719–741. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03465-1

Some potential complications may include:

Complication

Rate

Bruising

10-20% (common) Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025 Clark, N. W., Pan, D. R., & Barrett, D. M. (2023b). Facial fillers: Relevant anatomy, injection techniques, and complications. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 9(3), 227–235. https://doi.org/10.1002/wjo2.126 Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2013). Dermal fillers in aesthetics: An overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 6, 295–316. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S50546

Swelling

~15% Cohen, J. L. (2008). Understanding, avoiding, and managing dermal filler complications. Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et Al.], 34 Suppl 1, S92-99. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.34249.x Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025

Pain (mild)

8-14% Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025

Skin redness

~5-10% Clark, N. W., Pan, D. R., & Barrett, D. M. (2023b). Facial fillers: Relevant anatomy, injection techniques, and complications. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 9(3), 227–235. https://doi.org/10.1002/wjo2.126 Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025

Infection

1-3% Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2013). Dermal fillers in aesthetics: An overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 6, 295–316. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S50546 Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025

Accidental injection into nerves or vessels (causing potential blindness)

~0.3% (very rare) Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2013). Dermal fillers in aesthetics: An overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 6, 295–316. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S50546 Janovskiene, A., Chomicius, D., Afanasjevas, D., Petronis, Z., Razukevicius, D., & Jagelaviciene, E. (2025a). Safety and Potential Complications of Facial Wrinkle Correction with Dermal Fillers: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina, 61(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010025 Witmanowski, H., & Błochowiak, K. (2020). Another face of dermal fillers. Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 37(5), 651–659. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2019.82859 Clark, N. W., Pan, D. R., & Barrett, D. M. (2023b). Facial fillers: Relevant anatomy, injection techniques, and complications. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 9(3), 227–235. https://doi.org/10.1002/wjo2.126

Migration of filler material Chiang, Y. Z., Pierone, G., & Al-Niaimi, F. (2017). Dermal fillers: Pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of complications. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV, 31(3), 405–413. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.13977

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Who Should Avoid Dermal Fillers?

Common misconception - Fillers will make my face look fake and unnatural  

Fillers provide natural-looking results when applied in the right amount by a qualified specialist. Overfilling, which is more common with non-specialists, can lead to an unnatural appearance


Chapter references

  1. 1
    Czumbel, L. M., Farkasdi, S., Gede, N., Mikó, A., Csupor, D., Lukács, A., Gaál, V., Kiss, S., Hegyi, P., & Varga, G. (2021). Hyaluronic Acid Is an Effective Dermal Filler for Lip Augmentation: A Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Surgery, 8, 681028. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2021.681028
  2. 2
    V, B., A, N., N, S., V, L., & J, H. (2021). Subject and partner satisfaction with lip and perioral enhancement using flexible hyaluronic acid fillers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13956
  3. 3
    Coppini, M., Caponio, V. C. A., Mauceri, R., Pizzo, G., Mauceri, N., Lo Muzio, L., & Campisi, G. (2024). Aesthetic lip filler augmentation is not free of adverse reactions: Lack of evidence-based practice from a systematic review. Frontiers in Oral Health, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2024.1495012
  4. 4
    Elrosasy, A., Abo Zeid, M., Hindawi, M. D., Cadri, S., Ismeal, A. A. A., Eldeeb, H. A., Aldemerdash, M. A., & Abdelghany, A. E. M. (2024). Efficacy and safety of different hyaluronic acid fillers on cheek volume augmentation: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Archives of Dermatological Research, 317(1), 152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03567-z
  5. 5
    Nikolis, A., Bertucci, V., Humphrey, S., Beleznay, K., Bernstein, S., & Prygova, I. (2024). Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid fillers for cheek augmentation using a treatment guide to choose between products. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 23(11), 3525–3531. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16451
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