Filler treatments use hyaluronic-acid-based products to adjust volume and contour in the facial features. For nose fillers, see the Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty with Fillers page.

Which areas are fillers applied to?

Most often in the lips, cheekbones/cheeks, chin, chin tip, nasolabial folds (the line between the nose and the lips) and the under-eye area (tear trough). Hyaluronic-acid-based fillers are used with products of different density depending on the area, to add volume or define contour.

Who are they suitable for, and who are they not suitable for?

They are a suitable option for patients with structural features such as age-related volume loss, naturally thin lips or less prominent cheekbones, who want a reversible, non-surgical solution. They are not used where there is an active skin infection, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in patients with a known allergy to the filler material. In patients with unrealistic expectations, or who are overly preoccupied with a small asymmetry, I prefer to talk through those expectations first.

How is it done, is it painful?

Before the procedure a strong anaesthetic cream is applied to numb the skin, then the filler is injected with a fine needle or cannula. Most patients describe the procedure not as uncomfortable but as a feeling of mild pressure. It takes about 20–30 minutes in total, and you can return to daily life straight away.

How long does it last?

Longevity varies with the area treated and the product used — generally 6–12 months in mobile areas such as the lips, and up to 12–18 months in steadier areas such as the cheekbones. As the effect fades, the treatment can be repeated.

What are the risks and what should you watch for?

The most common side effects are mild swelling, redness or bruising lasting a few days after the procedure — these resolve on their own. A rare but serious risk is the injection entering a blood vessel; that is why it is important that filler is done by an experienced physician who knows the anatomy of the area well. If after the procedure you notice a sudden, increasing pain or a change in skin colour, you should contact the physician who performed the treatment without delay.