Dermal Fillers: How Dermal Fillers Work, Cost & Risks

Written by aesthetic content writer Catherine. Reviewed by Medical Director Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
Published on: July 10, 2024
Dermal Filler

Dermal Filler

Did you know that many noticeable signs of ageing are linked to losing volume? As facial tissues thin, lines show up around our mouth and nose, and our cheeks might look sunken. Dermal fillers can add back that lost volume, smoothing out wrinkles, making our lips fuller, and making us look younger again. Keep reading to learn more about the treatment – meaning, procedure, cost, risks & more.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal filler injections are a type of non-surgical cosmetic treatment. They help fill wrinkles & smooth lines and add volume to your face. People decide to get dermal fillers to make their faces look better or younger. The treatment usually takes less than half an hour and it doesn’t take long to recover. You can see the results right away, and they can last for months to years, depending on the type of filler and where it’s injected.

There are different types of dermal fillers; your doctor will talk to you about your choices & requirements. Like with any cosmetic treatment, there are risks, such as infection, bleeding & bruising. But, there are several benefits of dermal fillers that will help you look younger & fresh.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

As we age, our bodies produce less of the proteins that contribute to a youthful appearance, namely elastin and collagen. Dermal fillers operate by smoothing out deep facial lines which appear as wrinkles. This injectable treatment restores lost volume in these areas due to decreased elastin and collagen production. Consequently, dermal fillers enhance facial appearance by providing a ‘lift’.

  • First, you have to book an initial consultation to confirm if you’re suitable for the treatment. 
  • The dermal filler treatment may require multiple injections, depending on the individual’s needs. 
  • Before the injection, the specific area of the face is numbed with a topical numbing cream. 
  • The injection is then administered to the mid or deep layers of the skin.
  • After receiving a dermal filler injection, patients can go back to their daily routines, including applying makeup after 6 hours.
  • However, it’s advised that patients avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area of the face for a few days following the dermal filler treatment in London.

Why Are Dermal Fillers Used?

As you get older, your body makes less collagen and hyaluronic acid. Collagen is important for keeping your skin, muscles, bones, and other parts strong & firm. When you have less collagen, your skin starts to sag and lose volume. It becomes thinner & less elastic. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin. That’s why people use dermal fillers – to add volume and make their skin look hydrated and smoother. 

You might opt for dermal fillers to:

  • Increase hydration in dry skin.
  • Enhance volume and symmetry in your facial features.
  • Plump up your lips and cheeks, sculpt your nose and jawline and refresh under eye hollows.
  • Minimise wrinkles and lines on your face.

Note – Some health conditions like cancer and HIV can make your face look gaunt and thinner.  Dermal fillers to bring back the youthful fullness to their face.

What Are The Risks or Complications Of Dermal Fillers?

Like any cosmetic procedure, there are risks/complications of dermal fillers. They might include:

  • Bleeding, bruising, redness, pain, and swelling.
  • Bumps or lumps under your skin.
  • Feeling numb.
  • Pimple-like breakouts.
  • Rashes and feeling itchy.
  • Skin damage or infection that can lead to scars.
  • Vascular adverse events like infection, which in severe cases can cause skin death (necrosis), blindness or stroke.

Note – In rare cases, people may experience vision problems after dermal filler injections. If you notice changes in your eyesight and you feel weak, uncomfortable, or have pain on one side of your body, seek immediate medical attention.

How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?

On average, hyaluronic acid fillers such as Teosyal, Restylane and Juvéderm typically range from £450 to £750 per syringe. Ellanse falls between £650 and £750 per syringe, while Sculptra is approximately £700 per vial (most patients require 2-3 vials per session), and Profhilo costs around £450 per syringe. While the cost of dermal fillers can vary depending on your provider and location, it’s important to note that too low pricing may indicate potential risks to your safety or the effectiveness of the treatment.

In Conclusion 

Dermal fillers help reduce wrinkles and add volume to sagging skin. People opt for these injections because they see instant, stunning results and recover quickly. Like any cosmetic procedure, there’s a chance of side effects. Discuss with your doctor about the risks, benefits, and the most suitable type of fillers for you. If you experience bleeding, pain, swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction after the injections, contact your skin specialist immediately.

Note – Suffering with rosacea? Don’t fret! Know everything about rosacea including, its types, causes, symptoms, treatments & therapies and consult your doctor accordingly.

FAQ’s Related To Dermal Fillers

Q: How long do dermal fillers last?

A: Dermal filler treatments offer temporary results, typically lasting between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used and the quantity injected.

Q: Are dermal fillers painful?

A: Many clients wonder if getting fillers will be painful, which is understandable. However, you can be reassured that the procedure shouldn’t be painful. Before any injections are given, a numbing solution will be applied to the skin.

Q: How does my face look after fillers?

A: Fillers can enhance cheek volume which results in a fuller and more youthful appearance. Additionally, they aid in maintaining smoothness on the face, even when adding volume to the hollow areas of the cheeks.

Q: How many times can I have dermal fillers?

A: Dermal fillers last longer than wrinkle-relaxing injections, so you don’t need injections every few months. Usually, people only need maintenance treatments once or twice a year.

Let’s Connect Now

About the Author

Catherine

Expert Aesthetic Writer At Perfect Skin Studio Catherine is an expert content writer. Specialised in the aesthetic industry, she deeply understands aesthetic concepts and crafts informative and accessible content about them. At Perfect Skin Studio, Catherine's writings cover diverse skin, eyes, beauty, and aesthetic concerns, providing clear insights and practical solutions. She explores and addresses the latest trends, techniques, and treatments to keep our readers informed and engaged.

View all posts by Catherine

Related blogs

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

REQUEST A CALLBACK

Director, Perfect Skin Studio

Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over 24 years of experience in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is widely acknowledged as one of the most trusted and experienced practitioners in the UK. Her expertise, extensive training & compassionate approach have earned her the reputation as the preferred choice for patients seeking top-tier cosmetic treatments.

Dedicated to enhancing each patient’s natural beauty and instilling confidence at every age, Dr. Sabrina and her team customise treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.

Dr. Sabrina’s excellence has been recognised through prestigious awards like the UK Safety in Beauty Diamond Award for “Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2023” and the Aesthetic Award for “Highly Commended Consultant Surgeon 2022,” and “Best Consultant Surgeon 2021” & “Best Surgical Result 2021”. As a well-respected figure in aesthetics, she was honoured as one of the Global 100 Most Influential Aesthetic Practitioners of 2019 by the My Face My Body Awards.