Among the most common aesthetic skin concerns are wrinkles, sagging, and certain types of scarring. In recent years, dermal filler treatments have become one of the most widely preferred non-surgical options for improving these concerns. Depending on the product type and clinical indication, fillers may be temporary (most common) or longer-lasting. With proper patient selection and medical planning, filler treatments can help improve facial balance and skin texture in many different ways.
Over time, the skin gradually loses structural support: collagen fibers, elastic tissue, and subcutaneous fat layers tend to decrease. As a result, signs such as fine lines, deeper folds, and soft tissue sagging may become more noticeable-especially in the mid-face and lower face and sometimes the neck area. Dermal fillers can be applied to various parts of the face and selected areas of the neck depending on needs and suitability.
For more information about the procedure and dermal filler costs, you can contact our clinic in Tekirdağ, Turkey, a location conveniently near Istanbul for both local and international patients.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers are administered using a very fine needle or cannula. The injectable material is placed beneath the skin to help:
- soften the appearance of wrinkles and folds by supporting the tissue from underneath
- restore volume loss that contributes to facial sagging
- enhance contour definition in selected areas
Common filler materials such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) may also promote collagen stimulation, which can contribute to improved skin quality over time. Even when the filler gradually breaks down naturally, the treated area may continue to look more supported and smoother compared to baseline, depending on skin biology and product choice.
How Long Do Fillers Last?
Filler longevity varies from person to person and depends on the type of filler, the treated region, and the individual's metabolism and lifestyle. In most patients, results last approximately 8 to 18 months.
While the filler material gradually dissolves, some patients report that the aesthetic benefit may persist beyond the visible volume effect. With regular treatments at medically appropriate intervals, results may be maintained for a longer period.
Side Effects and Safety (What You Should Know)
In experienced medical hands, dermal fillers are generally considered a safe procedure. However, as with any injectable treatment, there are potential side effects and risks.
Common temporary effects include:
- mild redness
- swelling
- bruising
- short-lasting tenderness at injection points
Rare but important risks may include:
- herpes flare-up in predisposed individuals
- vascular occlusion (a serious but uncommon complication)
- skin infection
This is why dermal fillers should always be performed by a qualified physician with strong anatomical knowledge and an appropriate safety protocol.
What Should Be Considered Before the Procedure?
Before filler injections, it is important to inform the physician about:
- any chronic medical condition
- regular medications
- history of allergies
- prior cosmetic procedures
Medications and supplements that may increase bruising should be discussed. Certain blood-thinning medications, supplements, or herbal products may make bruising more likely. These should never be discontinued without medical guidance.
Examples that may increase bruising tendency include:
- green tea extract
- garlic supplements
- ginseng
- fish oil / omega-3
- echinacea
- vitamin C or vitamin E (in high-dose supplementation)
Can Dermal Fillers Ever "Not Work"?
Dermal fillers are expected to provide a noticeable improvement when the correct product and technique are used. However, outcomes may vary depending on the degree of aging and volume loss. Sometimes the issue is not that the filler is ineffective, but that the amount of filler required is underestimated.
For example:
- in many patients in their 40s, 1-3 syringes may be enough
- in older patients or those with advanced volume loss, higher volumes may be required for balanced correction
The quality of the filler product and the medical experience of the injector are also critical factors that directly affect both the outcome and safety.
Who Can Have Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients are usually advised to wait until after pregnancy and completion of breastfeeding.
Fillers may also be postponed if:
- there is active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- there is an open lesion on the skin
- there is known hypersensitivity to certain filler materials
For suitable candidates, dermal filler treatment can be repeated when the effect decreases, and in most cases it can be performed again without a long waiting period-based on medical evaluation.
Where Can Fillers Be Applied?
Dermal fillers can be used in multiple facial regions, including:
-
areas with skin sagging
- cheek / malar region (cheek filler)
- lips (lip filler)
- brow region (selected cases)
- fine lines around the mouth (perioral lines)
- glabellar area (between the eyebrows) in selected cases
- certain acne scars or depressed scars
- nose contouring (non-surgical rhinoplasty in selected cases)
- jawline definition
- chin contouring
- marionette lines (mouth corners to chin)
- nasolabial folds (nose to mouth lines)
In addition, fillers may also be used for more specific indications depending on facial anatomy and the medical evaluation.
Which Materials Are Used for Fillers?
Today, the most commonly used and widely studied dermal filler materials include:
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers
- Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) fillers
These are among the most trusted injectable materials in aesthetic medicine. They are often used to improve:
- cheek descent
- jawline irregularity
- facial hollowing and contour imbalance
- deeper folds and wrinkles
It is important to note that CaHA is not appropriate for lip enhancement. Lip fillers usually require specialized products designed specifically for the lip tissue.
The most suitable product is selected by the physician based on:
- skin type and elasticity
- area being treated
- degree of volume loss
- desired result (subtle vs. more defined)
When applied in proper proportions, dermal fillers can deliver natural-looking improvement while supporting facial harmony.
Procedure Process
Many patients also want to understand what the dermal filler injection process involves. The most frequently asked points can be summarized as follows:
- A dermal filler injection typically takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on the area treated.
- Before the procedure, the target area is numbed using a topical anesthetic cream.
- Thanks to local numbing, patients usually do not experience significant pain; at most, a mild pressure or brief stinging sensation may be felt.
- The effect of fillers often becomes noticeable immediately after the treatment, as volume support starts right away.
- However, the final result is usually seen after approximately 10-15 days, once the filler settles and any mild swelling subsides.
- Patients can typically return to daily life or work on the same day.
- After dermal fillers, there are generally no strict long-term restrictions that would significantly disrupt everyday routines, although short-term aftercare instructions should be followed.
Aftercare & Recovery
After a dermal filler injection, most patients experience minimal downtime. The following effects and recommendations are commonly discussed:
- Mild bruising, redness, or swelling may occur in the treated area.
- These effects are usually temporary and typically resolve within 1 to 5 days.
- Patients can generally return to work and daily activities immediately after the procedure.
- For the first few days, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise, as well as excessive facial expressions (strong repetitive mimics), especially when fillers are placed in mobile areas.
- It is usually advised to sleep in a face-up position (on your back) to minimize pressure on the treated area.
- Sun exposure should be avoided for the period recommended by the physician; direct sunbathing may increase redness and irritation in some individuals.
- For a short period, patients are often advised to avoid environments that involve high heat, such as solarium/tanning beds, sauna, and Turkish bath (hammam).
Can Dermal Fillers Be Combined with Other Skin Rejuvenation Treatments?
Many individuals prefer to address multiple aesthetic concerns at the same time, such as wrinkles, skin laxity, acne scars, or uneven texture. In selected cases, dermal fillers can be combined with certain skin rejuvenation procedures.
It may be possible to perform filler treatments after:
- laser skin procedures
- focused ultrasound (HIFU)
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
When planned correctly, combining treatments may help support overall improvement in:
- the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- mild to moderate sagging
- certain types of skin scarring
Important Note About Treatment Order
A key medical point is that hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are generally recommended after heat-based procedures. If fillers are performed before heat-generating treatments, the effect of the filler may reduce more quickly in some cases. For this reason, the sequence of aesthetic procedures should always be medically planned by the physician.
