Dermal Fillers: How Are Facial and Lip Fillers Planned?
Key takeaways
- A dermal filler treatment is the injection, by a doctor, of a hyaluronic acid based material into facial areas with volume loss or areas planned for support.
- The lips, cheeks, jawline and under-eye area are commonly planned regions; which area is treated, and how much is used, is determined by the doctor's assessment.
- The effect of a filler lasts a number of months depending on the product and the area; because the body gradually breaks down hyaluronic acid, the effect fades over time.
A dermal filler treatment is the application of a hyaluronic acid based gel, through a fine injection, to facial areas that have lost volume or whose appearance is planned to be supported. The lips, cheeks, jawline and under-eye area are the most commonly planned regions. The duration of effect is expressed in months and depends on the product and the area.
At Max Hair, dermal fillers are performed by a doctor and planned under doctor supervision at our clinic in Istanbul, Türkiye. Which area is treated, at what depth and in what amount is decided after assessing your facial structure and expectations. Results vary from person to person.
What is a hyaluronic acid based filler?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin and, by binding water, helps maintain the moisture and fullness of the tissue. In fillers, this molecule is prepared as a gel and used to provide volume support in the area where it is applied.
With age, the fat tissue and supporting structures of the face may lose volume, which can show up as hollowness or pronounced shadows in some areas. A filler is an injection treatment aimed at supporting the appearance of these areas.
The body naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid over time. The effect of a filler therefore fades gradually, and its duration is expressed in months depending on the product, the treated area and individual characteristics.
Which areas are fillers most often planned for?
Several areas can be addressed in the same plan; in that case the order and amount are determined by the doctor with the overall proportions of the face in mind.
The following areas come up frequently; however, whether each area is suitable and how it is planned is determined by the doctor's assessment:
- Lips: defining the lip contour, adding volume support or balancing the upper and lower lip can be planned.
- Cheeks: treatment aimed at supporting the appearance of volume loss around the cheekbones can be planned.
- Jawline: treatment aimed at supporting the harmony of the chin and jawline with the facial profile can be planned.
- Under-eye area: it may be considered for hollowness caused by volume loss; not every dark under-eye appearance is suitable for filler.
How is a filler treatment planned and performed?
The aim of planning is to target a natural, balanced look by considering the face as a whole rather than focusing on a single area. For this reason, facial expressions, proportions and symmetry between both sides are assessed together at the first consultation.
A filler treatment usually takes 30-45 minutes, and a topical anaesthetic cream is used for comfort. The duration may vary with the number of planned areas. The process follows these steps:
- Doctor assessment: facial structure, skin condition, medical history, current medications and expectations are discussed.
- Planning: the areas, depth and amount are determined by the doctor with the overall proportions of the face in mind.
- Preparation: the treatment area is cleansed and a topical anaesthetic cream is applied.
- Treatment: the doctor injects the filler into the planned areas with a fine injection.
- Review and briefing: symmetry and appearance are reviewed with the doctor, and aftercare recommendations are explained.
- Follow-up appointment: once any early swelling has settled, the result is reviewed together; the doctor decides whether an additional application is needed.
What is taken into account when planning each area?
Each area differs in anatomy, skin thickness and mobility, so planning also varies by area. The table below summarises factual information only; it contains no outcome or superiority claims.
The information in the table is a general framework. The individual plan is made by the doctor after assessing your facial structure and medical history.
| Area | Considered in planning | Expected after treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Lips | Lip proportions, symmetry, contour and the expectation of a natural look | Temporary swelling, tenderness and bruising may occur; the final look is assessed once swelling has settled |
| Cheeks | Volume loss around the cheekbones, overall facial proportions and balance between both sides | Temporary tenderness and mild swelling may occur in the area |
| Jawline | Harmony of the chin and jawline with the facial profile, facial structure | Temporary tenderness and mild swelling may occur; symmetry is assessed at the follow-up appointment |
| Under-eye area | The cause of the hollowness (volume loss, pigmentation or puffiness) and the thinness of the skin | Because the skin is thin, bruising and swelling may be more visible; doctor follow-up is important |
When is the effect of a filler visible and how long does it last?
The change in volume can be noticed after the treatment; however, swelling in the first days may affect the appearance. The final assessment is therefore made at the follow-up appointment once the swelling has settled.
The duration of effect is expressed in months depending on the product and the treated area. Because the body gradually breaks down hyaluronic acid, the effect fades over time; whether a repeat treatment is needed is assessed together with the doctor. Results vary from person to person.
What should be considered in the first days after a filler?
Aftercare recommendations are given by the doctor according to the area and the person. The points below are general information and do not replace individual instructions:
- Unless the doctor advises otherwise, avoiding pressure on the treated area and not rubbing it.
- Applying cold compresses for swelling and tenderness as recommended by the doctor.
- Staying away from strenuous exercise, saunas and very hot environments for a short period.
- Asking the doctor when make-up can be used again.
- Informing the clinic if an unexpected sign is noticed, and attending the follow-up appointment.
Who may fillers not be suitable for?
Fillers may not be suitable for everyone and are postponed in some situations. The following should be shared with the doctor during the planning consultation:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area (for example, an active cold sore on the lip).
- A bleeding disorder or the use of blood-thinning medication.
- A known allergy to the filler ingredients or to the anaesthetic cream.
- Another aesthetic treatment recently performed or planned in the same area.
- Unrealistic expectations of the treatment; these are also part of the suitability assessment.
What are the possible side effects of fillers, and why are they performed by a doctor?
Temporary redness, mild swelling, bruising and tenderness may occur after a filler. These signs are usually temporary and are assessed at the follow-up appointment.
Rarely, small lumps (nodules) or complications related to blood vessels may develop in the treated area. Because the course of blood vessels in the face varies from area to area, fillers are performed by a doctor who knows facial anatomy.
If severe or increasing pain, paleness or a change in skin colour is noticed after the treatment, the clinic should be informed without delay. Individual instructions always take priority over general information.
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This article is for general information only and is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Suitability is determined by a doctor's assessment; results vary from person to person.