Dermal Fillers
What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances made from hyaluronic acid, a natural component of your skin that helps keep it hydrated and plump. These fillers smooth out fine lines, restore volume, enhance facial features, and boost skin hydration while supporting cell renewal. Over time, the body naturally breaks down the filler, causing results to gradually fade. Depending on the specific product used and an individual’s metabolism, effects typically last between 6 to 18 months.
-
Before your dermal filler treatment, you will have a thorough consultation to ensure your safety and to tailor the treatment to your needs. During this time, we will review your medical history and discuss any health concerns to confirm that dermal fillers are suitable for you. We will also explore your aesthetic goals—whether that involves restoring volume, smoothing lines, or enhancing your natural features. Based on this information and an assessment of your facial structure, we will develop a personalised treatment plan designed specifically for you.
Additionally, please inform us if you have any of the following conditions:
An autoimmune disorder
Are currently taking antibiotics
Have a severe metabolic or systemic disorder
Regularly take anticoagulant medications
Have Myasthenia Gravis syndrome or Eaton Lambert syndrome
Have previously experienced any sensitivity to Botulinum Toxin Type A
Have an active infection at the treatment site
Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
Are prone to keloid scarring
-
After your dermal filler treatment, it's normal to experience some temporary side effects. Common reactions include redness and tenderness for up to 48 hours, swelling and bruising which may last up to a week, and small lumps in the area. These lumps can take up to 6 weeks to fully settle as the filler integrates with your skin.
For the first 24 hours after treatment, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help the hyaluronic acid work effectively. Use gentle skin care products—preferably soothing, non-active formulations. Applying a cold compress gently can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
-
Dermal filler results are typically visible immediately after treatment, providing an instant boost in volume and shape. However, the full effect develops over 2 to 6 weeks as swelling subsides and the product integrates with your skin. As your body naturally metabolises the filler over time, results will gradually fade. While top-up treatments can help maintain your look, we will always assess together whether additional filler is appropriate to avoid looking overfilled and to ensure your results remain natural and balanced.
-
To reduce the chance of bruising or bleeding, we recommend avoiding certain medications and supplements that thin your blood, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen), fish oil and other omega-3 supplements, and vitamin E supplements. Please stop taking these about one week before your appointment, but always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medications or supplements.
-
While serious complications are uncommon, side effects and risks can occur with any injectable treatment. Possible side effects and complications include:
Mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness around the injection area
Slight unevenness or asymmetry in results
Small lumps or nodules under the skin
Localised skin infection
Breakouts resembling acne
Redness, itching, or irritation at the treatment site
Tissue damage or skin injury, which in rare cases may result in scarring
Vascular compromise, which can lead to skin blanching, tissue necrosis, or, in very rare cases, vision problems including blindness
We are extensively trained to manage any complications should they arise. If you experience severe pain, throbbing, blanching (whitening) of the skin, or grazes around the treated area, please contact us as soon as possible. Early detection is key to preventing further complications.