Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to restore volume, smooth lines and folds, and add fullness to areas such as the lips and cheeks. Results show right away for most types and last from a few months to a few years. The FDA has approved them for specific areas of the face and the back of the hands in adults aged 22 and over.
This guide covers what dermal fillers are, the main types, what treatment involves, and the risks to understand before you decide.
What dermal fillers are used for
The body loses collagen with age. Cleveland Clinic explains that this leaves skin thinner, less elastic and lower in volume. Fillers are used to:
- add volume to areas that have hollowed;
- smooth wrinkles and creases;
- plump the lips and cheeks;
- make facial features more symmetrical.
The FDA’s approved uses are moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, and adding volume to the lips, cheeks, chin and back of the hands.
Types of dermal fillers
| Type | Example | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid | Restylane | 4 to 12 months |
| Calcium hydroxylapatite | Radiesse | 6 months to 1 year |
| Poly-L-lactic acid | Sculptra | 1 to 3 years |
| PMMA | Bellafill | Permanent |
Durations are the American Academy of Dermatology’s typical ranges; brand examples are from Cleveland Clinic. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used. Poly-L-lactic acid works by helping the body build its own collagen, so its effect develops gradually.
What happens during treatment
Cleveland Clinic describes the usual steps. At a consultation, your provider examines your face, asks about your goals and medical history, and recommends a type of filler. On the day:
- the skin is cleaned and a numbing cream may be applied;
- small amounts of filler are injected under the skin with a thin needle;
- the visit takes from a few minutes up to an hour.
Afterwards you may have bruising, swelling or discomfort, which is usually mild and settles in a few days.
Risks of dermal fillers
The FDA lists bruising, redness, swelling, pain and tenderness as common. Less common risks include raised bumps under the skin, infection and allergic reaction. Side effects can appear weeks, months or years after injection.
The most serious risk is accidental injection into a blood vessel. The FDA says the chance is low, but it can cause tissue death, vision problems including blindness, and stroke.
Removal is not always possible. The FDA warns that it “may be difficult or impossible to remove” fillers that are not made of hyaluronic acid, especially permanent ones.
Where fillers should not be used
The FDA recommends against using fillers for body contouring, including the breasts and buttocks. It also recommends against injecting the area between the eyebrows, the nose, around the eyes, the forehead and the neck. Its approval of permanent fillers is limited to smile lines and cheek acne scars.
Choosing a provider
The FDA advises that you:
- choose a licensed health care provider who is trained in filler injections;
- treat it as a medical procedure, not a cosmetic one;
- never inject yourself or buy fillers online;
- ask which areas the product is approved for.
Tell your provider about allergies, medicines, skin conditions and any history of bruising or bleeding after procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Are dermal fillers the same as Botox?
No. Fillers add volume. Botox relaxes muscles. See our guide to Botox, Xeomin and Dysport.
Do dermal fillers hurt?
Cleveland Clinic says the needle may pinch or sting, but most people do not have much pain. A numbing cream is often used.
Can fillers be dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are the type that can be reversed. Others may be difficult or impossible to remove.
Next step
You can read about dermal fillers at Beauté Medical Aesthetics, or book a consultation to discuss which type suits your goals.
Fillers are also used on the backs of the hands. Our older post on hand rejuvenation with fillers covers that use.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers).
- Cleveland Clinic. Dermal Fillers.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Fillers: FAQs.
- Go BC, Frost AS, Friedman O. Using injectable fillers for chin and jawline rejuvenation. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2023;9(2):131.
Double Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Beauté Medical Aesthetics
