The Complete Guide to Dermal Fillers — What to Expect

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Dermal fillers have revolutionised the world of aesthetic medicine, offering a non-surgical solution to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. At Axiom Aesthetics, we believe that understanding your treatment options is the first step towards achieving natural, beautiful results. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dermal fillers, from the science behind them to what you can expect during and after your treatment.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances designed to add volume beneath the skin’s surface. Unlike Botox, which relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles, fillers physically fill in areas that have lost volume due to ageing, genetics, or lifestyle factors. The most common type of filler used today is hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts and retains moisture, giving skin its plump, hydrated appearance.

As we age, our natural production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin decreases. By the time we reach our mid-thirties, most people have lost approximately 1% of their facial volume per year. Dermal fillers work to counteract this gradual loss, restoring a youthful, refreshed appearance without the need for surgery.

Types of Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

The gold standard in aesthetic medicine, HA fillers include brands such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero. These fillers are highly versatile, with different formulations designed for specific treatment areas. They are also reversible — an enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler if needed, providing an important safety net for patients.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Marketed as Radiesse, this filler uses calcium-based microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. It provides immediate volume while also stimulating the body’s own collagen production. CaHA fillers are particularly effective for deeper facial folds and volumising the cheeks and jawline.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)

Known commercially as Sculptra, this biostimulatory filler works differently from traditional fillers. Rather than providing immediate volume, PLLA stimulates collagen production over time, with results developing gradually over several months. It is ideal for patients seeking subtle, progressive improvement.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Bellafill is the most well-known PMMA filler. It contains tiny microspheres that remain permanently under the skin, providing a scaffold for collagen growth. Because of its permanence, it is typically reserved for experienced patients who are certain about their desired results.

Common Treatment Areas

• Lips: Adding volume, defining the vermillion border, and correcting asymmetry. Lip fillers remain one of the most popular treatments, with results lasting 6-12 months.
• Nasolabial Folds: The lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Fillers soften these creases for a more youthful appearance.
• Cheeks: Restoring midface volume that naturally diminishes with age. Well-placed cheek filler can lift the entire face.
• Under Eyes (Tear Troughs): A delicate area requiring an experienced practitioner. Filler here reduces dark circles and hollow appearance.
• Jawline and Chin: Creating definition, improving profile, and addressing jowls. This treatment has become increasingly popular with both men and women.
• Temples: Often overlooked, temple hollowing is one of the earliest signs of facial ageing. Filler here restores a smooth, convex contour.
• Hands: The hands often betray our age before our face. Filler restores volume and reduces the visibility of tendons and veins.

The Treatment Process

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation, where your practitioner will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and create a personalised treatment plan. At Axiom Aesthetics, we use advanced facial mapping techniques to ensure precise, symmetrical results.

On the day of treatment, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area 20-30 minutes before the procedure. Most modern fillers also contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, to enhance comfort during injection. The procedure itself typically takes 15-45 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.

Your practitioner will use either a needle or a cannula (a blunt-tipped instrument) to inject the filler. Cannulas are increasingly preferred for many treatment areas as they reduce the risk of bruising and provide smoother results.

Recovery and Results

One of the greatest advantages of dermal fillers is the minimal downtime involved. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, and extreme heat for 24-48 hours post-treatment.

Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection sites. These typically resolve within 3-7 days. Results are visible immediately, though the final outcome is best assessed after two weeks, once any swelling has fully subsided.

“The best filler treatment is one that nobody notices. Our goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not to change who you are. When people say you look refreshed and well-rested, that’s the perfect result.” — Dr. Alexandra Hart, Lead Aesthetic Practitioner

How Long Do Fillers Last?

The longevity of dermal fillers depends on several factors, including the type of filler used, the treatment area, your metabolism, and your lifestyle. As a general guide:

• Lip fillers: 6-12 months
• Cheek and midface fillers: 12-18 months
• Jawline fillers: 12-24 months
• Tear trough fillers: 9-12 months
• Biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra): Up to 2 years

Cost Considerations

The cost of dermal fillers varies depending on the type and quantity of product used, the complexity of the treatment, and the experience of your practitioner. At Axiom Aesthetics, treatments typically range from £250-£500 per syringe. Most patients require 1-3 syringes per session, depending on their goals.

We believe in transparent pricing and will always provide a detailed quote during your consultation. We also offer flexible payment plans to make treatments more accessible. Remember, when it comes to aesthetic treatments, expertise and safety should always take priority over price.

Choosing the Right Practitioner

Perhaps the most important decision you will make is choosing your practitioner. Look for someone who is medically qualified (doctor, dentist, or nurse prescriber), has specific training in facial aesthetics, and can show you a portfolio of their work. At Axiom Aesthetics, all our practitioners are GMC/NMC registered and have completed advanced training in facial anatomy and injectable techniques.

Ready to explore what dermal fillers can do for you? Book a consultation with our expert team and take the first step towards a more confident you.