Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, also known as face fillers, are soft injectable gels containing hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers improve:
- Wrinkles
- Folds
- Sunken Facial Appearance By Restoring Volume
Our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid – a strong humectant that attracts water. Therefore, many popular dermal fillers (Juvederm® and Teosyal®) contain Hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers are also used for enhancing facial features.
Dermal fillers maybe used for anti-ageing (wrinkles and folds), as well as to enhance and define facial features.

Dermal Fillers
The effects of soft tissue fillers last between 9-12 months. However, this usually depends on the thickness of the dermal filler used.
- Lip fillers last between 6-12 months as the gels are softer to ensure a natural feel and appearance.
- Cheeks and jawline fillers are more tough gels that may last up to two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I look immediately after the Dermal Fillers?
The filling effect is visible after the procedure, and the treated area may be red and tender with swelling. As there is a risk of bruising, this may start to appear following the procedure.
What can I do to reduce bruising after the procedure?
Avoid alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, at least 2 days before your treatments.
You may take Arnica tablets or gel 2 days prior to treatment and continue it afterwards for 2-3 days.
Ice packs just after the procedure will reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels, reducing any further bruising.
You may also use warm compression after a couple of days if bruising has developed. This method will help to speed up the healing process.
Pineapple and papaya, topical and dietary vitamin C will also help the healing process as it helps build collagen around vessels.
You may also wear light mineral makeup to hide bruising and redness. However, it is not suitable to use makeup right after your treatment.
What are the potential complications?
Most dermal filler treatments usually have no side effects or risks. However, there may be initial swelling, redness and soreness that usually settle in a few days.
Uneven Results
An uneven (asymmetry) or unwanted result can be corrected using more dermal fillers.
Bumps or Lumps
Another rare side effect of dermal fillers is lumps or bumps. A firm massage during and after the procedure can smooth out their look.
If you continue to see these bumps, your doctor may use the dissolving enzyme (hyaluronidase) to break down the fillers.
Below is a list of rare but more severe side effects:
Tissue Necrosis
Injected filler can obstruct the blood supply to skin tissue causing ischaemia which can lead to necrosis. It may occur immediately after injection or hours later.
Granulomas
These are nodules that may appear months or years after treatment, and they are more common with permanent fillers. They arise when the body reacts to the filler material by flushing it out. Corticosteroid injections or excision are usually preferred to treat granulomas.
Infection
As with any cosmetic treatment, there is always a risk of infection. It is possible to reduce the risk by cleaning and disinfecting the treatment area.
It is also essential to use sterilised equipment for the procedure.
Furthermore, we also advise taking antibiotics as soon as possible to treat the infection.
How much is usually injected?
Hyaluronic acid fillers usually come in 0.5 and 1ml syringes. The volume of dermal fillers needed depends upon the area that needs volume.
Will the fillers feel lumpy?
After the procedure, the practitioner will massage the area to smooth any visible lumps. You may gently massage the lumps or bumps at home with the tips of your fingers.
Can the filler move after it has been injected?
It is important not to touch, rub or massage the treated area after your procedure. Moreover, you must also strictly follow the aftercare guidelines to avoid ‘filler migration’.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent such an event, such as:
Avoid lying down for 4-6 hours right after your treatment
Do not indulge in heavy exercise or workouts for the first few days.
Keep your head elevated when you sleep at night.
How often will I have to have fillers?
Everyone is different, and so the amount and frequency of dermal fillers treatment also vary. Most HA face fillers used last from 6 to 12 months.