How are suitable candidates for dermal fillers determined?

Table of Contents

• What Is Dermal Filler?
• Who Are the Suitable Candidates for Dermal Fillers?
• Which Conditions Make Dermal Filler Unsuitable?
• What Does the Doctor Evaluate at the Examination Before Filler?
• What Are the Types of Fillers?
• How Is Dermal Filler Applied?
• What Should Be Expected After Filler?
• What Are the Risks of Dermal Filler?
• How Should You Prepare Before Filler?
• How Long Does Filler Last and How Can It Be Extended?
• What Should Be Considered When Getting Filler?
• What Is the Difference Between Filler and Botox?
• What Does the Price of Filler Depend On?
• Is It Possible to Dissolve Filler?
• When Should You See a Dermatologist About Dermal Filler?
• What Are the Main Areas Where Filler Is Applied and What Should Be Considered?
• Which Principles Matter in Filler for a Natural Look?
• Why Are Check-Ups and Follow-Up Important After Filler?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Dermal Filler?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin. The most commonly used type is hyaluronic acid fillers; they are a laboratory-made form of the hyaluronic acid naturally found in the body and add volume thanks to their water-holding property. Fillers are used to correct folds, volume loss and facial contours.

Filler is not a surgical procedure; however, it is an injection-based medical procedure and has risks. Determining who is a suitable candidate is therefore very important for safety.

Who Are the Suitable Candidates for Dermal Fillers?

A suitable candidate is an adult who has volume loss, folds or a need for shape correction on the face, is in good general health, understands the limits of the procedure and has realistic expectations. For example, filler can be considered in areas such as nasolabial folds, cheek volume loss, lip volume or the jawline.

The decision on suitability is made only by examination. For the same complaint, filler may be more suitable in one person and botox, laser or surgery in another. An approach of "filler for everyone" is therefore not correct.

Which Conditions Make Dermal Filler Unsuitable?

Filler should not be done or should be postponed in pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infection, cold sores or skin disease in the treatment area, known allergy to the product, bleeding disorders or blood thinner use, active autoimmune diseases and people with unrealistic expectations.

Careful evaluation is also needed in areas where permanent filler was previously done and in people whose skin has recently had laser or a peel. This information must be given to the doctor completely.

What Does the Doctor Evaluate at the Examination Before Filler?

The doctor evaluates the face structure, skin quality, the location and degree of volume loss, facial expressions and the person's goals. Health history, medications used, past skin procedures and allergies are asked about.

If needed, photos are taken and what the procedure can and cannot correct is clearly explained. A good examination prevents unnecessary fillers and supports natural results.

What Are the Types of Fillers?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are used with different products for fine lines, deep folds or volume depending on their density, and can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if needed. Fillers such as calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid have tissue-renewal-stimulating properties and are harder to reverse.

The product is chosen according to the area, the goal and the skin structure. Using licensed, original products of known source is essential for safety.

How Is Dermal Filler Applied?

The area is cleansed and, if needed, a numbing cream is applied. The filler is applied to the determined points with a fine needle or cannula. The procedure takes 20-45 minutes depending on the area. After application the area may be gently shaped.

The doctor must work with the appropriate technique and depth, taking the vascular structure into account. Knowledge of emergency management (for example having hyaluronidase available) is important.

What Should Be Expected After Filler?

Swelling, redness, mild pain and bruising may last a few days. It is recommended to avoid massage, pressure and intense exercise on the area for the first 24 hours, to stay away from sauna, steam bath and excessive heat, and to keep the head slightly raised.

The final result usually settles within a few days to two weeks. A check-up and touch-up can be done if needed. The duration of effect varies with the product and area.

What Are the Risks of Dermal Filler?

Common effects are swelling, bruising, tenderness and asymmetry. More rarely, nodules, infection, allergic reaction and the Tyndall effect (bluish reflection) may be seen. The most serious risk is tissue damage as a result of the filler blocking a vessel and, very rarely, loss of vision.

Symptoms such as severe pain, whitening or purple color of the skin and blurred vision require urgent intervention. The procedure must therefore be performed by an experienced doctor.

How Should You Prepare Before Filler?

In the days before the procedure, the doctor should be told that aspirin, blood thinners and some supplements may increase bruising. Allergy and cold sore history should be shared. The procedure should not be done right before an important event; allow time for swelling and bruising.

It is recommended to come to the procedure without makeup and to allow enough time.

How Long Does Filler Last and How Can It Be Extended?

The effect of hyaluronic acid fillers can last from months to more than a year depending on the area and product. In mobile areas (for example the lips) the duration may be shorter. Sun protection, avoiding smoking and regular skin care help the result last longer.

When the effect wears off it needs to be repeated. Fillers advertised as "permanent" are not recommended because they carry a risk of serious and late complications.

What Should Be Considered When Getting Filler?

Make sure the person performing the procedure is a doctor, that the product is licensed, that the package is opened in front of you and that the product information (brand, lot) is recorded. Hygiene and sterile conditions are essential.

Overfilling can lead to an "artificial" look. A small and natural result is safer in the long run.

What Is the Difference Between Filler and Botox?

Filler fills volume loss and folds; botox softens expression lines by reducing muscle movement. In some facial rejuvenation plans the two can be used together.

The indications and risks of the two procedures differ; which is suitable is determined after examination.

What Does the Price of Filler Depend On?

The price varies with the brand and amount of the product used, the area and the doctor's experience. It is not correct to give a single price. When getting an offer, ask for the name of the product, the amount (mL) and the scope of the check-up/touch-up.

An extremely low price may raise questions about product safety and the practitioner's experience.

Is It Possible to Dissolve Filler?

Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase. This is an important safety advantage in managing unwanted results or complications. This option does not exist or is limited with other types of filler.

The dissolving procedure must also be done by a doctor; do not intervene on your own.

When Should You See a Dermatologist About Dermal Filler?

If you want to learn which method suits your folds, volume loss or shape change, it is important to have an examination. If severe pain, color change of the skin, vision problems, fever or increased swelling occur after filler, seek help without delay.

Your face structure is evaluated in the examination by Dermatologist Specialist Dr. Melda Özekinci; whether filler is suitable and in which areas it will be used are planned individually. You can visit our contact page for information.

What Are the Main Areas Where Filler Is Applied and What Should Be Considered?

The lips, nasolabial fold, cheeks, chin and jawline, tear trough and temples are the areas where filler is most often done. Each area has different risks; areas such as the tear trough, nose and glabella (between the brows) are considered riskier in terms of blood vessels.

In these areas the choice of product, depth and amount are very important. Especially in risky areas, work should be done by experienced doctors who master anatomy.

Which Principles Matter in Filler for a Natural Look?

For a natural result, facial proportions, symmetry, skin quality and the person's expression must be evaluated together. Excess volume can spoil the face's natural expression. Starting with small amounts and adding more at the check-up if needed is safer.

The goal should not be "to look like someone else" but to balance the strengths of one's own face.

Why Are Check-Ups and Follow-Up Important After Filler?

The check-up done about two weeks after filler is important for evaluating the result and making small corrections if needed. Asymmetry, nodules or unexpected hardness can be noticed during this period.

Attending the follow-up appointment is also critical for the early detection and management of possible complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does filler hurt?

It is mostly tolerated thanks to the numbing cream and the local anesthetic in the product; a stinging and pressure sensation may be felt.

Is filler permanent?

No. Hyaluronic acid fillers are absorbed over time. Permanent fillers are not recommended.

Does bruising occur after filler?

It may. It usually resolves within a few days; the risk increases in those using blood thinners.

What should I pay attention to before getting filler?

A licensed product, an experienced doctor, a sterile environment and clear information are essential.

Can filler be done during pregnancy?

No. Filler is not done during pregnancy and breastfeeding.