What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore lost volume, soften certain lines and enhance facial contours. They are often chosen by people who want a non-surgical way to refresh or rebalance facial features, whether that means adding structure to the cheeks, definition to the jawline or subtle volume to the lips.

At Numie, dermal fillers are tailored to the individual, with treatment based on facial anatomy, skin condition and the result you are hoping to achieve. This page explains what dermal fillers are, how they work, which areas can be treated and what to expect if you are considering them.

What are dermal fillers and how do they work?

Most dermal fillers used in aesthetic practice are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid attracts water, which helps create volume and hydration in the treated area. When placed carefully into specific parts of the face, fillers can restore fullness, improve contour and soften certain lines or hollows.

Unlike skincare products, which work on the surface of the skin, dermal fillers are designed to create structural support beneath the skin. This is why they are often used where there has been volume loss or where extra definition is wanted.

What areas can be treated with dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers can be used in a range of facial areas, depending on the treatment goal and whether the area is suitable for filler.

• Lips
• Cheeks
• Jawline
• Chin
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Under-eye area in selected cases

The right approach depends on your facial structure and what you are trying to improve. In some cases, dermal fillers may be used alone. In others, a practitioner may advise that another treatment or combination approach would be more appropriate.

How long do dermal fillers last?

The longevity of dermal fillers varies depending on the area treated, the product used and the individual. In many cases, results last somewhere between 6 and 18 months, although this can vary.

Areas with more movement, such as the lips, may metabolise filler more quickly than areas such as the cheeks. Your practitioner should explain what is realistic for the area you are considering and whether maintenance treatment is likely to be needed.

Are dermal fillers safe?

When carried out by a properly qualified and experienced practitioner, dermal fillers are generally considered safe. However, they are still a medical treatment, which means proper consultation, suitable product choice and safe injection technique are all essential.

It is important to understand that safety is not just about the product itself. It also depends on whether the treatment is appropriate for you, whether the area is suitable and whether the practitioner has the anatomical knowledge to inject safely.

Do dermal fillers hurt?

Most people find filler treatment manageable. A numbing cream may be applied before treatment, and many filler products also contain a local anaesthetic to improve comfort during the procedure.

Some areas can feel more sensitive than others, but discomfort is usually brief. Your practitioner should talk you through what to expect before treatment begins.

What are the risks of dermal fillers?

As with any injectable treatment, there are possible side effects and risks. Common short-term effects include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Temporary unevenness while the area settles

There are also rarer but more serious risks, including vascular complications. This is why it is so important that treatment is carried out by a suitably qualified professional with the knowledge to assess risks properly and respond appropriately if needed.

Can dermal fillers be dissolved?

Yes, if the filler used is hyaluronic acid based, it can usually be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This may be considered if there is a complication, if the filler has moved or if the result is not what was intended.

Not every type of filler is dissolvable in the same way, which is another reason why it is important to understand exactly what product is being used and why.

How much do dermal fillers cost in London?

The cost of dermal fillers in London varies depending on the area treated, the amount of filler needed and the experience of the practitioner. A subtle lip treatment may be priced differently from a treatment plan involving cheeks, jawline or multiple areas.

A consultation is the best way to receive accurate advice on likely cost, because it allows treatment to be planned according to your own face and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What to expect during a dermal filler consultation?

A consultation should include a full facial assessment, discussion of your goals and a clear explanation of what fillers can and cannot achieve. You should also expect a review of your medical history, discussion of product choice and a balanced conversation about risks, benefits and alternatives.

Good filler treatment is not just about adding volume. It is about understanding proportion, balance and whether filler is genuinely the right treatment for the concern you want to address. That is why a consultation is such an important part of the process.

Thinking about dermal fillers?

If you are considering treatment, you can explore Numie’s main dermal fillers page for treatment-specific details. If you would like personalised advice on suitability, likely results and the areas that may be appropriate for treatment, you can also book a consultation with Numie.