Dermal Fillers
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are advanced injectable treatments designed to restore facial volume, smooth static lines, and enhance natural contours. The majority of modern fillers are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the skin that binds water and helps maintain elasticity and hydration.
With age, the skin loses collagen, elastin, and underlying fat, while bone resorption also occurs. These changes can create hollowing, sagging, and deeper folds. Dermal fillers replace or support this lost structure, achieving a restored, balanced, and rejuvenated appearance without surgery.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Fillers are gel-like substances that vary in density, viscosity, and elasticity. The choice of filler depends on the treatment area and the desired outcome:
High-density fillers (firmer gels) are used for structural support and contouring in areas such as the cheeks, chin, and jawline. These are injected at deeper levels (supraperiosteal or subcutaneous planes) to mimic bone or replace deep fat pads.
Medium-density fillers are suitable for softening folds and lines (e.g., nasolabial or marionette lines) and restoring moderate volume loss. Placement is typically in the mid-dermis to deep dermis.
Low-density / soft fillers (more fluid gels) are ideal for hydration, fine lines, and delicate areas such as the lips or under-eyes. These are placed superficially (mid to superficial dermis) to blend seamlessly with natural tissues.
This layering approach allows treatments to be highly customised—supporting facial structure at deeper levels while refining and hydrating the surface.
Results are usually visible immediately and can last between 6–18 months, depending on the product used, treatment area, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle.
Treatment Areas
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Cheek fillers restore mid-face volume, replace deep fat pad loss, and enhance cheekbone definition. High-density filler is placed onto the bone (supraperiosteal plane) for long-lasting lift and structure, often combined with softer products in more superficial layers to create a smooth, natural contour.
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Chin fillers improve profile balance, projection, and definition of the lower face. Treatment is performed with high-density filler placed directly onto the bone (supraperiosteal plane). This deep placement mimics bone, ensuring structural support, stable results, and natural proportions.
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Lip fillers are highly customisable and tailored to the individual’s natural shape. Softer, hydrating fillers are often chosen to restore smoothness and definition, while slightly firmer products can enhance structure or add subtle volume. Placement may vary from the vermillion border (to define contour) to the body of the lip (to restore fullness).
One advanced method is the Russian Lip technique. Unlike traditional lip filler, which increases horizontal volume, the Russian style focuses on creating a lifted, heart-shaped appearance. Filler is placed in small, precise vertical columns to heighten the Cupid’s bow and enhance projection rather than outward fullness. The result is lips that look elevated, elegant, and structured, often without a significant increase in size.
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The temples are one of the first areas to lose volume as we age, leading to a hollow appearance and flattening of the outer face. This can make the eyes and brow look heavier. Treatment involves placing a medium to high-density filler either close to the bone for deep structural support, or more superficially under the skin to smooth contour. Restoring volume here helps to create a gentle lift of the brow and a more youthful, balanced transition between the forehead and cheeks.
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The under-eye area often develops hollows or shadows over time, which can give a tired appearance even when well-rested. The tear trough is treated using a very soft, low-density filler designed specifically for delicate areas. The filler is placed with precision just beneath the skin to blend smoothly. A fine cannula (a blunt-tipped instrument) is often used instead of a needle in this area, which allows for gentle placement of filler through a single entry point, reducing trauma, bruising, and swelling while improving safety.
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These folds, running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, deepen with age due to loss of mid-face support and skin elasticity. Treatment typically uses a medium-density filler, placed within the fold to soften its appearance and in the surrounding tissues for support. A cannula may be used here to allow filler to be distributed smoothly and evenly, minimising the risk of bruising and ensuring natural-looking results.
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Marionette lines run downward from the corners of the mouth toward the chin and can create a downturned expression. A medium-density filler is placed in the supporting tissues at the corners of the mouth and along the line itself. In many cases, a cannula is used to place the filler precisely and safely, reducing discomfort and downtime. This restores a smoother contour, reduces shadowing, and helps lift the corners of the mouth for a balanced, refreshed appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Only CE-marked, medical-grade dermal fillers from well-established and reputable manufacturers are used in the clinic. This ensures treatments are performed with products that meet strict safety, quality, and regulatory standards in the UK.
Two product lines are offered to suit individual needs and treatment goals:
1. Standard Range – Revolax
Manufacturer: Across Co. Ltd (South Korea).
About: Revolax is a high-purity hyaluronic acid filler that has become one of the most widely used brands worldwide. It is known for its safety, consistent results, and excellent value.
Features: Monophasic structure for smooth integration, strong cross-linking for longevity, and a versatile range suitable for lips, nasolabial folds, and general contouring.
Regulation: CE-marked and fully registered for use in the UK.
2. Premium Range – Teosyal®, Neauvia®, Stylage®
Teosyal® (by Teoxane Laboratories, Switzerland): A premium line of hyaluronic acid fillers designed for precision, natural integration, and long-lasting results. Particularly known for its RHA® collection, which adapts to facial movement for natural expression.
Neauvia® (by MatexLab, Italy/Switzerland): An advanced filler line using PEG-crosslinked hyaluronic acid for improved biocompatibility and safety. Neauvia also incorporates additional ingredients such as amino acids to support tissue health.
Stylage® (by Laboratoires Vivacy, France): A comprehensive range of fillers offering different densities for fine lines, deep folds, volume restoration, and skin hydration. Some products include antioxidants (mannitol or sorbitol) to protect against free radicals and support longevity.
Regulation: All premium products are CE-marked and approved for use in the UK.
Safety & Regulation
In the UK, dermal fillers are classified as medical devices and must carry a CE marking to confirm compliance with European and UK quality standards. The clinic only sources products from official, regulated distributors, ensuring authenticity and patient safety. Treatments are carried out in line with UK best practice and patient safety regulations.How long do dermal fillers last?
The longevity of dermal fillers depends on the product used, the treatment area, and individual metabolism.
Revolax: Generally lasts 6–12 months, most commonly used for lips, nasolabial folds, and mid-face contouring.
Teosyal®: Premium range with advanced cross-linking — results typically last 9–18 months, depending on the specific product (e.g., RHA® for lips vs. Ultra Deep for structural contouring).
Neauvia®: Known for stability and biocompatibility — effects last around 12–18 months, particularly effective in structural areas like cheeks, chin, and jawline.
Stylage®: Lasts 9–18 months, with antioxidant-enriched formulations helping to prolong results in areas such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lips.
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Dermal filler prices vary depending on the product range and the area being treated. At the clinic, only CE-marked, medical-grade fillers are used, with two ranges available:
Revolax (Standard Range): £140 per 1 ml
Premium Range (Teosyal®, Neauvia®, Stylage®): £220 per 1 ml
Russian Lip Technique: £240
Filler Packages are also available for patients looking to treat multiple areas in the same appointment. Packages allow for a more comprehensive approach to facial balancing and offer better value than booking individual syringes separately. Pricing is discussed fully at consultation, with treatment tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
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Most patients experience very little downtime after dermal filler treatment. You can usually return to normal daily activities straight away.
Common short-term effects include:
Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites (usually resolves within 24–48 hours).
Bruising, which can occur in around 20–25% of patients and may take up to a week to fully fade.
Lips and tear troughs may remain slightly swollen for a few days due to the delicate nature of these areas.
Aftercare advice to reduce downtime:
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or hot baths for 24 hours.
Do not apply makeup to treated areas for at least 12 hours.
Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated the first night to minimise swelling.
Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (unless prescribed) for 24 hours to reduce bruising risk.
Most filler results are visible immediately, but the final outcome is best assessed after 2 weeks, once any swelling has settled.
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Most patients find dermal filler treatments very tolerable. The procedure is carried out using fine needles or cannulas, and most fillers used in the clinic (Revolax, Teosyal®, Neauvia®, Stylage®) already contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic that helps to minimise discomfort during treatment.
To make the procedure as comfortable as possible:
A topical numbing cream is usually applied before treatment.
For areas such as the lips, which can be more sensitive, additional measures may be used to reduce discomfort.
Using a cannula in some areas not only improves safety but also tends to be gentler, with less pain and bruising compared to multiple needle injections.
Patients typically describe the sensation as a slight pinch or pressure, rather than pain. Any tenderness afterwards is usually mild and settles within a few days.
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Every treatment is carried out with patient safety and comfort as the highest priority. A typical filler appointment includes the following steps:
Consultation – Your goals, concerns, and expectations are discussed in detail. The practitioner explains what can realistically be achieved and whether fillers are the right option for you.
Assessment – A full medical history is taken to check for any contraindications. Your face is assessed carefully, including skin quality, facial balance, and areas of volume loss.
Informed Consent – The risks, benefits, and alternatives are explained. You will have the chance to ask questions, and written consent is obtained before treatment begins.
Before & After Photos – Clinical photographs are taken before and after treatment. These are an essential part of your medical record, used to monitor results and ensure treatment accuracy. Images are stored securely in line with data protection regulations and are never shared without your written permission.
Preparation & Anaesthesia – The skin is cleansed thoroughly. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to minimise discomfort, and most fillers also contain lidocaine for added numbing during the procedure.
Treatment – Filler is placed with fine needles or cannulas, depending on the area treated. The technique and density of filler are chosen specifically for your anatomy and goals.
Post-Care Guidance – After treatment, you will be given detailed aftercare advice, including what to avoid in the first 24–48 hours, when to expect final results, and how to contact the clinic if you have any concerns.
Appointments usually take 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.
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Not everyone is suitable for dermal filler treatment. Patient safety and natural results are always the priority, and treatment may be declined if there are contraindications or if it would not be in the patient’s best interest.
Treatment is not carried out if:
Medical contraindications are present, such as:
Active skin infection in the treatment area.
Uncontrolled diabetes or certain autoimmune conditions.
Bleeding disorders or current use of anticoagulants (case by case).
Known allergy to filler ingredients (e.g., lidocaine, hyaluronic acid).
Allergy to hyaluronidase or previous reaction — because hyaluronidase is the emergency reversal agent used to dissolve fillers in case of complications, fillers cannot be safely administered if a patient cannot receive this treatment.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding – fillers are not recommended as safety has not been established.
Recent dental or surgical procedures – fillers may need to be delayed to reduce the risk of infection.
Treatment may also be declined if:
The patient lacks capacity to consent – in an aesthetic setting, this could mean:
Being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or significant emotional stress at the time of consultation.
Feeling pressured by others to undergo treatment rather than choosing freely.
The patient is already overfilled or requests results that would not look natural. In these cases, dissolving or alternative approaches may be advised before considering further filler.
There are signs of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or if the treatment requested is unlikely to improve the patient’s concern safely.
Upcoming travel or holiday within 48 hours–1 week after treatment, as patients must be available for follow-up care in case of rare complications such as vascular occlusion.
Every patient is assessed individually, and if treatment is not appropriate, this will be explained clearly during the consultation. Alternative options or referrals may also be recommended if necessary.
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Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers (including Revolax, Teosyal®, Neauvia®, and Stylage®) can be safely dissolved if required. This is done using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down the filler quickly and naturally. Dissolving may be recommended in rare cases of over-correction, migration, or if a patient simply wishes to reverse their treatment.
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Dermal fillers are considered safe when performed with medical-grade products by a trained practitioner, but as with any injectable treatment, complications can occur. These are usually temporary and mild, but more serious issues are possible in rare cases.
Common, short-term side effects (very frequent):
Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site — occurs in up to 30–40% of patients, usually settling within a few days.
Bruising — occurs in 20–25% of patients, depending on the area treated and technique.
Small lumps or unevenness — seen in less than 10%, often resolving as the filler settles or with gentle massage.
Less common complications (uncommon, <1%):
Allergic reactions — extremely rare with hyaluronic acid fillers such as Revolax, Teosyal®, Neauvia®, and Stylage®.
Infection — reported in less than 0.1–0.2% of cases when proper sterile technique is used.
Migration of filler — uncommon, most often associated with lips or tear troughs, estimated at <1%.
Rare but serious complications (very rare, <0.05%):
Vascular occlusion (when filler blocks a blood vessel): estimated incidence is 1 in 5,000–10,000 treatments. Symptoms may include pain, blanching, or skin colour changes and require urgent treatment.
In extremely rare cases, untreated vascular occlusion can cause skin necrosis or visual disturbance. Reported risk of vision loss is around 1 in 40,000–100,000 injections worldwide.
How safety is managed in the clinic:
Only CE-marked, hyaluronic acid fillers are used, which can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if required.
Advanced techniques such as cannula placement are used in higher-risk areas (tear trough, nasolabial folds, marionette lines) to minimise risks.
Emergency protocols and reversal agents are always available in clinic to manage complications promptly and safely.
Every patient is provided with aftercare guidance and direct support should any concerns arise after treatment.
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At every filler appointment, the risks and benefits of treatment are explained in detail, including a discussion about vascular occlusion (VO). While VO is a rare complication, it is important for patients to be fully informed and know what to look out for.
What to Watch For
Patients are advised to contact the clinic immediately if they notice any of the following symptoms after treatment:
Severe or increasing pain near the treated area
Skin that becomes pale, blotchy, or dusky in colour
Coolness of the skin compared to surrounding areas
Rapidly developing, unusual bruising or mottled patches
Sometimes these changes may not indicate a full VO but rather a vascular compromise (reduced circulation rather than a complete blockage).
How It Is Managed
Mild vascular compromise may be managed initially with aspirin, warm compresses, and gentle massage to improve circulation.
If symptoms do not improve quickly, the emergency hyaluronidase dissolving protocol is carried out in clinic. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that safely breaks down hyaluronic acid filler (Revolax, Teosyal®, Neauvia®, Stylage®), restoring blood flow.
Emergency medication and reversal agents are always kept in clinic, and protocols are in place to act immediately if required.
Why Treatment Timing Matters
To ensure patient safety, it is advised not to book filler treatments if you are going on holiday within 48 hours, or ideally within a week. This ensures you remain available for assessment and treatment if any vascular complication arises. Prompt access to care is essential for the best outcome.
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Dermal filler treatments do not need to be repeated frequently. Most fillers last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the product used, the treatment area, and individual metabolism.
Revolax (standard range): usually lasts 6–12 months.
Premium fillers (Teosyal®, Neauvia®, Stylage®): typically last 9–18 months, with some structural fillers lasting longer.
Lip fillers (including Russian Lips): tend to break down a little faster due to movement and usually last 6–9 months.
Top-up treatments can be carried out once the filler starts to wear off, but areas should not be refilled too soon. It is generally recommended to wait at least 3–6 months between treatments in the same area to avoid overfilling and to allow tissues to settle.
During consultation, treatment intervals are personalised to your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals, with the emphasis on maintaining natural, balanced results rather than frequent re-treatment.
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Filler migration means that dermal filler has moved from where it was originally placed into a neighbouring area. It is most often discussed in relation to the lips but can occur elsewhere. Migration may cause puffiness, unevenness, or an unnatural look.
How common is filler migration?
With proper technique, correct filler choice, and appropriate spacing between treatments, migration is considered uncommon (<1–2% of cases).
The majority of migration cases reported are linked to the lip area, due to constant movement and thinner tissue.
Migration is much rarer in deeper, structural areas (cheeks, chin, jawline) where denser fillers are placed on or near bone.
Why can fillers migrate?
Overfilling – adding more product than the tissue can naturally hold.
Incorrect placement – injecting too superficially, especially with softer gels.
Frequent top-ups – re-treating too soon, before older filler has broken down (can create “stacking” and pressure that pushes filler outwards).
Filler properties – very soft, highly hydrophilic fillers are more prone to moving in areas with a lot of motion.
Anatomy and lifestyle – lips and tear troughs are more vulnerable due to thinner skin and constant movement.
Prevention and correction:
Migration is prevented by careful assessment, correct filler density selection, conservative volume, and spacing treatments at least 3–6 months apart.
If migration does occur, the safest solution is dissolving with hyaluronidase, followed by re-treatment once tissues have settled.