Dermal Fillers
Restore volume and smooth lines with injectable hyaluronic acid
What is Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. According to the NHS, most dermal fillers used in the UK contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin that maintains hydration and plumpness. The NHS notes that these fillers are not permanent—results typically last 6 to 18 months, after which your body gradually breaks down the filler naturally. The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) classifies dermal fillers as an 'amber' category treatment, meaning they require qualified practitioners working under appropriate clinical governance.
Who is it for?
Dermal fillers suit adults looking to address age-related volume loss or enhance their natural features. Save Face, the government-approved register of accredited practitioners, notes that treatment is popular among people seeking subtle rejuvenation without surgery. The JCCP recommends that all patients undergo a thorough consultation to assess suitability before treatment.
Common concerns addressed:
- Hollow cheeks or temples
- Nasolabial folds (nose-to-mouth lines)
- Marionette lines (mouth-to-chin lines)
- Thin lips seeking subtle enhancement
- Under-eye hollows
- Loss of facial definition
How does it work?
Your practitioner injects small amounts of hyaluronic acid gel into targeted areas using fine needles or cannulas. According to NHS guidance, the gel integrates with your tissue, adding immediate volume whilst attracting and retaining water for ongoing hydration. The JCCP notes that different filler consistencies suit different areas—thicker gels for structural support in cheeks and jawline, softer formulations for lips and delicate periorbital areas. The hyaluronic acid gradually breaks down through your body's natural metabolic processes over several months.
What to expect
The procedure
Treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the areas treated. According to Save Face guidelines, your practitioner should cleanse your skin thoroughly and may apply topical anaesthetic for comfort. They will mark injection points and carefully place the filler, moulding it to ensure smooth distribution. You'll see immediate results, though the NHS advises that some initial swelling is normal and expected.
Recovery
The NHS states that most people return to normal activities immediately, though you may experience swelling, redness, or bruising for a few days. Save Face recommends avoiding intense exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for 24-48 hours post-treatment. Any lumps usually settle within two weeks as the filler integrates with your tissue. The JCCP advises patients to sleep with their head slightly elevated on the first night.
Results
You'll notice immediate improvement in volume and contour, with final results visible once swelling subsides after 1-2 weeks. According to NHS information, hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6-18 months depending on the area treated, your metabolism, and lifestyle factors. The lips tend to metabolise filler faster than cheeks due to increased movement and blood flow.
Safety considerations
The NHS strongly advises choosing a medically qualified practitioner registered with a professional body such as the GMC, GDC, or NMC. Save Face emphasises that in the UK, anyone can currently inject fillers regardless of training—verification of qualifications is therefore essential. The JCCP notes that hyaluronic acid fillers have an excellent safety profile because they can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if complications occur. Both NHS and JCCP guidance state you should avoid treatment during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have active skin infections. Vascular occlusion, whilst rare, is a serious complication requiring immediate treatment—the JCCP mandates that all practitioners must carry emergency medication and know how to recognise and manage this complication.
Questions to ask your practitioner
Before booking your treatment, make sure your practitioner can answer these questions:
- 1What are your medical qualifications and where are you registered? (Save Face recommends checking the practitioner register)
- 2Which filler brand will you use, and why is it suitable for my concerns?
- 3Can you show me before-and-after photos of similar treatments you have performed?
- 4Do you carry hyaluronidase for emergencies? (JCCP requirement)
- 5What aftercare support do you provide, and how can I contact you if I have concerns?
- 6How will you assess whether I am suitable for treatment?
Frequently asked questions
Are dermal fillers painful?
According to Save Face, most people find the treatment comfortable, especially with numbing cream applied beforehand. Many modern fillers also contain lidocaine (local anaesthetic) to minimise discomfort. You may feel pressure or a slight stinging sensation, but it's generally well-tolerated.
Can dermal fillers be reversed?
Yes. The NHS confirms that hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This reversibility is one of the key safety advantages of HA-based products. If you're unhappy with results or experience complications, a qualified practitioner can reverse the treatment.
How much do dermal fillers cost in the UK?
Prices typically range from £200-£400 per syringe (1ml), with most treatments requiring 1-3 syringes depending on the area and desired outcome. Save Face advises always prioritising practitioner qualifications over price—significantly cheaper treatments may indicate unqualified practitioners or counterfeit products.
What's the difference between fillers and Botox?
According to the NHS, dermal fillers add volume and smooth static lines by filling space under the skin, while Botox (botulinum toxin) relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movement. They work through entirely different mechanisms and are often used together for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Sources
- • NHS - Dermal fillers guidance
- • Save Face - Government-approved register of accredited practitioners
- • JCCP - Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners treatment standards