May 5, 2025 | By Dr. Motahareh Abdullahi

A Complete Guide to Dermal Fillers: Restore, Enhance, Rejuvenate

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are advanced, non-surgical injectables designed to restore lost facial volume, smooth out fine lines, and subtly enhance facial contours. As the skin naturally loses collagen, fat, and elasticity with age, areas like the cheeks, under-eyes, and lips can begin to appear sunken or hollow.
Fillers work by replenishing volume beneath the skin’s surface, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance. Some also promote collagen regeneration, offering lasting improvements in skin tone and texture.
Common filler materials include:

  • Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A hydrating sugar molecule naturally found in the body.
  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CAHA): A mineral-based substance.
  • Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA):a biostimulatory agent that triggers collagen growth.
  • Autologous Fat: Purified fat transferred from your own body.

Popular Types of Fillers & Their Uses

Different goals call for different filler types. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: HA is a skin-plumping powerhouse. These fillers add volume, hydrate from within, and smooth wrinkles instantly. Common brands include Juvederm, Teosyal, and Belotero. Ideal for lips, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and cheeks.
  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers: Thicker and longer-lasting than HA, CaHA fillers like Radiesse are excellent for deeper wrinkles, contouring the jawline, and rejuvenating volume in the hands. They also stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production.
  • Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers: Known for gradual but long-lasting results, Sculptra is a PLLA filler that rebuilds the skin’s structural support over time. Best for larger volume loss in areas like the temples and mid-face.
  • Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Injections): In this method, fat is taken from your body, often from the abdomen or thighs and injected into facial areas needing volume. While results can be long-lasting, the procedure is more invasive and involves downtime.

How Dermal Fillers Work

When injected into specific layers of the skin, dermal fillers instantly restore lost volume and structure. Hyaluronic acid, for instance, binds to water in the skin, delivering a hydrated and plump effect.
Other fillers stimulate your body’s collagen-building response over time, helping to naturally rejuvenate your appearance from within.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

  • Smooths fine lines & wrinkles especially around the mouth, eyes, and forehead.
  • Restores lost facial volume in cheeks, under-eye hollows, and temples.
  • Enhances facial features including lips, chin, jawline, and nose.
  • Boosts collagen production for firmer, more elastic skin over time.
  • Minimal downtime quick treatments with fast recovery.

Are You a Good Candidate for Fillers?

You might be an ideal candidate if you:

  • Are in good general health.
  • Want to refresh your appearance without surgery.
  • Have mild to moderate volume loss, wrinkles, or facial asymmetry.
  • Do not have active skin infections or severe allergies.

What to Expect: The Filler Procedure

Before Your Appointment

A personalized consultation will help define your aesthetic goals. Your practitioner will examine your facial structure, discuss filler options, and advise on any necessary precautions (like avoiding blood thinners before treatment).

During the Procedure

  • The area is cleansed thoroughly.
  • A numbing cream or lidocaine-containing filler ensures comfort.
  • A fine needle or cannula is used to precisely inject the filler.
  • Treatment takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the areas treated.

After the Procedure

You might experience:

  • Mild swelling or redness (typically fades within a day or two).
  • Bruising (resolves in a few days).
  • Immediate results in most cases.

You’ll be advised to avoid:

  • Strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.
  • Direct sun exposure or saunas.
  • Pressing or massaging the area unless instructed.

Recovery & Results

Most patients return to work or regular activities immediately. Visible improvements can be seen right after the session, with final results settling within a few days.
Longevity of results varies by filler type:

  • HA Fillers – 6 to 12 months
  • CaHA or PLLA Fillers – 12 to 18 months
  • Fat Transfer – potentially permanent (with some fat reabsorption over time)
  • Touch-up sessions help maintain optimal results.

Are There Any Risks?

Dermal fillers are considered safe when administered by trained professionals. However, like any cosmetic procedure, some risks include:

  • Temporary redness, bruising, or swelling
  • Lumps or irregularities if not injected properly
  • Allergic reactions (rare)
  • Infection (extremely rare with proper hygiene)
  • Vascular occlusion – a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention

Ready for a Fresh Look?

At Nightingale Polyclinic, we offer customized filler treatments using premium brands and advanced injection techniques. Our aesthetic specialists take pride in enhancing your features with a natural approach, so you still look like you, only more refreshed.