Dermal Fillers: Restore Volume and Youthful Contours

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These fillers are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin, or other biocompatible materials. Dermal fillers are popular for their ability to rejuvenate the face without the need for surgery, offering immediate and natural-looking results.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Dermal fillers work by adding volume beneath the skin, filling in wrinkles, fine lines, and hollow areas. They can also be used to enhance facial features like the lips, cheeks, and jawline. The results are immediate, with the fillers lifting and smoothing the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Dermal fillers are versatile and can be used in various areas of the face and body, including:

• Marionette Lines: Reduces lines that run downward from the corners of the mouth.

• Cheeks: Restores volume to sunken cheeks, creating a fuller, more youthful contour.

• Lips: Enhances lip shape, size, and symmetry for a fuller appearance.

• Jawline and Chin: Defines and sculpts the jawline and chin for improved facial harmony.

• Under-Eye Hollows: Fills in the tear troughs to reduce the appearance of dark circles and tired eyes.

• Hands: Rejuvenates the hands by restoring volume and reducing the appearance of veins and tendons.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers:

- Immediate Results: Visible improvement in facial volume and contour right after the treatment.

- Non-Surgical: Minimally invasive with no need for incisions or stitches.

- Natural-Looking Results: Enhances your natural beauty without an "overdone" appearance.

- Customizable: Treatments can be tailored to your specific needs and desired outcomes.

- Little to No Downtime: Most people can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.

- Long-Lasting Effects: Depending on the type of filler used, results can last from 6 months to 2 years.

What types of Dermal Fillers are there?

Although there are many brands of dermal fillers on the market, there are mainly 4 types of fillers common in the Aesthetic industry.

- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Such as Restylane, RHA, Versa, Juvederm, and Belotero, are the most common and are known for their natural-looking results and ability to be dissolved if needed.

- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Found in fillers like Radiesse, this substance provides volume and stimulates collagen production. It is considered more of a bio-stimulatory filler due to it’s ability to promote collagen.

- Poly-L-Lactic Acid: Found in Sculptra, this filler gradually stimulates collagen production and elastin in the dermis for a more subtle, long-term improvement.

- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): A more permanent option found in fillers like Bellafill, used for deeper wrinkles and scars.

What to Expect During the Treatment

- Consultation: A thorough consultation with one of our Jules practitioner to discuss your goals, assess your facial structure, and choose the right filler is the first step. At Jules, we do a full facial assessment and one year treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

- Procedure: The procedure appointment is about 30-60 min long depending on the area of treatment. We like to take our time and ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire process. Filler procedures depending on the area being treated may use a needle or a cannula. A cannula is a blunt tip causing pressure, but little to no pain.

- Aftercare: Your provider will discuss your specific aftercare instructions after your customized procedure. Most patients return to their daily activities immediately with little to no downtime.

Common Side Effects:

Dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by a qualified medical provider, but common side effects can include:

- Swelling and Bruising: Most common and usually temporary, lasting a few days.

- Redness: May occur at the injection site with needle or cannula.

- Lumps or Bumps: Rare, but possible; these can often be massaged out or dissolved with an enzyme. If you experience bumps or lumps, make sure to inform your medical provider.

- Infection: Very rare, but important to choose a reputable provider to minimize risks. At Jules, we have a particular screening and scheduling process to minimize this risk even further.

- Asymmetry: No one is perfectly symmetrical naturally. Therefore, filler procedures can improve balance, but rarely asymmetry.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are suitable for adults looking to:

- Restore lost facial volume

- Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines

- Enhance facial contours (e.g., lips, cheeks, jawline)

- Improve facial symmetry

- Rejuvenate aging hands

It’s important to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if dermal fillers are right for you and to ensure that the treatment aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Dermal Filler & Lip Filler Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dermal fillers last?

The longevity of dermal fillers depends on the type of filler used, the area treated, and your individual metabolism. Most hyaluronic acid fillers last 6–12 months, while thicker fillers or structural fillers can last 12–24 months.

Are dermal filler results permanent?

No. Hyaluronic Acid based dermal fillers provide temporary yet long-lasting enhancement. Over time, the body gradually metabolizes the product. Routine maintenance appointments help preserve your results and keep your facial contours looking refreshed and natural.

Can dermal fillers be reversed or removed?

Yes, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, RHA, and Versa can be safely dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This allows for adjustments or full reversal if needed. Other filler types (CaHA, PLLA, PMMA) cannot be dissolved and require alternative management, so choosing an experienced provider is essential.

How soon will I see results?

While the results appear immediately, the final outcome is revealed after you are fully healed from your procedure. Mild swelling and bruising are normal and typically subsided within a few days, revealing your final outcome.  Areas like the lips may appear fuller for the first 48–72 hours due to swelling, then settle into their true shape.

Do dermal fillers hurt?

Treatments are generally very tolerable. Most fillers contain lidocaine, a built-in numbing agent. In addition to the built in lidocaine, a provider may use topical numbing cream to maximize comfort. You may feel pressure, minor pinches, or a temporary stinging sensation, depending on the area treated.

What are the common side effects of dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are safe when administered by trained medical professionals. Common and temporary side effects may include:

• Swelling + Bruising (most common)

• Redness or tenderness at the injection site

• Small lumps or bumps, which often resolve on their own

• Mild asymmetry while swelling settles

Rare but serious complications include infection or vascular occlusion. Choosing an experienced provider who performs thorough assessments and follows safety protocols significantly minimizes risks.

How should I prepare for and care for my skin after fillers?

Before treatment, avoid blood-thinning supplements, alcohol, or NSAIDs for 24–48 hours (if medically appropriate). After treatment:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours

• Do not massage or apply pressure to treated areas unless instructed

• Avoid saunas, tanning, or extreme heat for 48 hours

• Sleep elevated the first night 

• Avoid makeup over the treated areas for 24 hours

Your provider will give personalized aftercare instructions based on your treatment plan.

Who is a good candidate for dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are ideal for adults looking to:

• Restore facial volume

• Reduce wrinkles and folds

• Enhance features like lips, cheeks, jawline, and chin

• Improve facial symmetry

• Rejuvenate hands or other areas of volume loss

A consultation is essential to ensure fillers align with your goals and that you are medically suited for treatment.

Dermal fillers offer a non-surgical, effective solution for restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial features. With minimal downtime and customizable options, they are a popular choice for those seeking to maintain or rejuvenate their youthful appearance. Always choose a qualified and experienced provider to ensure safe and satisfactory results.