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Dermal Filler Treatments
Also known as: facial fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers
Dermal fillers are one of several non-surgical treatments that can help restore facial volume, soften lines and enhance facial balance.
What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?
Dermal fillers are gel-like injections placed beneath the skin to restore volume, smooth lines and enhance facial contours. Hyaluronic acid is the most common type of filler used today. It is a naturally occurring substance in the body that binds water, keeps skin hydrated and youthful, and adds structure to the tissue beneath the surface. Because it already exists in your body, the substance is well-tolerated, and allergic reactions are rare.
Dermal fillers are not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The type of filler used, the amount required and the areas treated are all determined during your consultation, taking into account your facial anatomy, skin quality and desired outcome. The aim is to achieve balanced, natural-looking results rather than changing your unique appearance.
Depending on your individual treatment plan, dermal fillers may be used to:
- replace lost volume in cheeks and lips
- soften nose-to-mouth lines
- support sagging corners of the mouth
- gently reshape facial contours without surgery
Depending on the product used and the treatment area, some dermal fillers may also support collagen production over time, helping maintain skin quality. Dermal fillers provide immediate results after treatment – visible effects are instant, though the final appearance typically settles after 7-14 days once any minor swelling has resolved.
Results typically last between 6 and 18 months depending on the product used, the area treated and individual factors such as metabolism. Some fillers can last up to 2 years depending on the product and where they are placed. Many filler products include lidocaine to reduce pain during injection, and if you are unhappy with any result, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase by a qualified clinician.
Why choose a dentist for your dermal filler injections?
Dentists have an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and routinely perform precise injections around the mouth and lower face as part of everyday clinical practice. With additional training in facial aesthetics, they combine technical expertise with a detailed knowledge of facial balance to deliver natural-looking results in a regulated clinical environment.
Every treatment begins with a personalised consultation. Your clinician will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality and treatment goals before recommending the most appropriate approach. While dermal fillers may be suitable for many patients, they may also recommend an alternative treatment or a combination of procedures to achieve the best outcome.
Safety is central to every stage of your care. Your clinician will explain the treatment in detail, discuss the products being used, answer any questions and provide clear aftercare guidance. They are also trained to recognise and manage potential complications, ensuring you receive appropriate support throughout your treatment journey.
Dermal fillers can also be combined with cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers or smile makeovers to enhance overall facial harmony, creating results that complement both your smile and your natural facial features.
Please call to enquire about the price
Before the procedure
Every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation. Your clinician will review your medical history, current medications, allergies and previous facial aesthetic treatments before assessing your facial anatomy both at rest and in movement. Together, you’ll discuss your concerns, expectations and desired outcome before deciding whether dermal fillers are appropriate. If another treatment, or a combination of treatments, is likely to achieve a better result, this will also be discussed before any treatment takes place.
During the procedure
The skin is cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic cream or dental local anaesthetic may be applied depending on the area being treated. A trained clinician uses a fine needle or cannula to place the filler slowly and precisely into the targeted areas. Most patients feel only mild pressure or a subtle stinging sensation. The entire process normally takes around 20-45 minutes, and you can feel relaxed throughout.
After the procedure
Immediately after
Mild swelling and redness are common after dermal filler treatments, along with small bruises at injection sites. These typically settle over a few days. Avoid heavy exercise, saunas and facial massages for 24-48 hours to allow the filler to stabilise. A cool pack wrapped in a cloth can help reduce any swelling.
Longer-term
A follow-up appointment at around two weeks lets your dentist review results, adjust if necessary and plan future treatments. Maintaining good skincare, avoiding smoking and wearing daily SPF can all help prolong your results and keep you looking refreshed.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial consultation
Meet with one of our experienced clinicians to discuss your concerns, medical history and aesthetic goals. We’ll assess your facial anatomy and determine whether dermal fillers are the most appropriate treatment or whether another option may better achieve the results you’re looking for.
Facial assessment
Your clinician will assess facial volume, skin quality, facial proportions and movement to create a personalised treatment plan. The type of filler, treatment areas and amount used will be tailored to your individual features and desired outcome.
Treatment
If you decide to proceed, your skin will be cleansed and, where appropriate, a topical anaesthetic cream or local anaesthetic may be used. Dermal filler is then carefully placed using a fine needle or cannula. Most treatments take around 20-45 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
You can usually return to your normal routine the same day. Mild swelling, redness or bruising may occur but typically settles within a few days. You’ll receive personalised aftercare advice to help optimise your results.
Review appointment
A follow-up appointment may be arranged around two weeks after treatment to review your results, answer any questions and discuss whether any adjustments or future treatments are appropriate.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
FAQs
Dermal fillers are one of several non-surgical treatments that can help restore facial volume, soften lines and enhance facial balance. At your consultation, your clinician will take the time to understand your concerns, assess your facial anatomy and discuss your goals before recommending a personalised treatment plan. Dermal fillers may form part of that plan, although some patients may benefit from alternative or complementary treatments depending on their individual needs.
Most modern dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps keep the skin hydrated and supports facial volume. When carefully placed, fillers can restore volume, refine facial contours and soften deeper lines while maintaining a natural appearance. Treatments are performed in a clinical environment with minimal downtime, and most appointments take around 20-45 minutes.
Yes. Dermal fillers are safe when administered by qualified dentists who have completed specific facial aesthetics training and who practice in a regulated, clinical environment with emergency protocols in place.
Depending on your assessment and treatment goals, dermal fillers may be recommended for areas including:
| Area | What It Achieves |
| Lips | Add volume, correct asymmetry, enhance shape and plump the lip border |
| Cheeks | Restore mid-face fullness, lift and enhance facial contours |
| Nasolabial folds | Soften deep facial lines running from nose to mouth |
| Marionette lines | Smooth creases at the corners of the mouth so you no longer look tired |
| Tear troughs | Reduce the appearance of hollowing beneath the eyes |
| Jawline | Refine contours and support sagging tissues along the jaw |
The 8-point facelift uses multiple filler injections across these zones for a comprehensive, full-face rejuvenation. A typical UK practice might start lip filler treatments from a few hundred pounds per 1 ml syringe, with cheek or multi-point packages costing more. Many practices offer finance options to spread the cost. Appointments normally last 20–40 minutes including consent and aftercare.
Results are visible straight away but look most natural after swelling has settled. Well-placed fillers rejuvenate without drastically changing your unique features – the goal is smoothness and balance, not an overfilled appearance. Maintenance appointments every 6-18 months help keep results consistent.
Most patients return to their normal routine immediately. Any redness or swelling is usually mild enough to manage with makeup if needed.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, giving you a helpful safety net that protects against unwanted outcomes.