Dermal Filler Faqs

This does depend on the type of filler used, where it is used, how much dermal filler is used, and the speed in which the body breaks the filler down. A general guide is approximately 12 months, but some fillers can last more than 24 months.

Yes they are safe, but, as with virtually anything, there are risks of side effects.

To put things into perspective dermal fillers have been used in Europe since 1996.  Most dermal fillers use naturally occurring ingredients and no long term negatives have been reported from the ingredients. Thankfully, side effects are rare, and extreme side effects are extremely rare. The vast majority of reported side effects are due to poor technique, poor infection control procedures, and the use of inferior, unregulated products. 

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (sugar), and is a naturally occuring substance found in the body. It is an important component of the skin.

The price of dermal fillers at The Doctors Laser Clinic start at £200. The price you pay will depend on how much you need and the area you wish to treat.

The dermal fillers we use at The Doctors Laser Clinic are composed of hyaluronic acid (see below). This is the most common type. Other dermal fillers can contain less common, but still naturally occurring substances such as Poly L lactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite.

In general, 1ml of dermal filler will do one area of the face. Most lips for example, if the top and bottom lips are filled, will only require 1ml of filler in total. Nose fillers usually require 1ml or less. When dermal fillers are used in the temples the amount tends to range between 1 and 2mls. This will obviously vary from case to case.

Dermal fillers are not recommended for expectant mothers. Dermal fillers are probably safe with regards to the health of the baby due to the fact they do not migrate around the body. They are potentially unsafe for the mother. This is due to the fact pregnancy hormones fluctuate and may interfere with blood flow, make changes to the skin, and possibly be the cause of certain swelling. No definitive studies involving pregnant women have been made, making it impossible to give an exact answer, so it’s best to be cautious.

Dermal filler movement, or migration is extremely rare but it has happened. It is almost always due to inexperience, poor technique, or over-filling. An example of this is the duck lips you may have seen on social media where the filler has migrated away from the lips to the area around them. 

No negative interactions are known but if you are unwell you should avoid having dermal fillers. This is especially important if you have an infection close to the proposed injection site.

No. Dermal fillers have been around for a long time now and, in the case of hyaluronic acid fillers, contain a biocompatible, naturally occurring substance. There is no known scientific reason to suspect dermal filler could cause cancer.

Most aesthetic doctors recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours before exercising.

An HA filler is a dermal filler that contains hyaluronic acid.

There have been no long term negative results reported specifically due the filler itself. There have been side effects reported, however, these are rare.

Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid are dissolvable using an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is used to correct a variety of situations where a HA filler has been used incorrectly, or over injected by an inexperienced injector.

Due to the fact that alcohol can thin the blood, it is advised to wait 48 hours before consumption. Some experts suggest longer. The reason is that the thinning of the blood caused by alcohol can prolong any possible swelling and bruising that may be present after the procedure. 

We suggest avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and sunbeds for at least a week or 2 after having dermal fillers, especially if you have any bruising. Always use a high-SPF sunscreen when exposed to the sun.

Yes, results will be noticeable immediately, but the full effects may take up to 2 weeks to show fully.

It is normal for dermal fillers to take up to 1-2 weeks to fully settle, maybe a little longer in some cases, but sometimes less than a week, depending on the filler used, where it is used and lifestyle factors.

At least 2 weeks before the treatment, we recommend you stop taking any over-the-counter supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the site of the injections. These include medications such as St. John’s Wort and Ginko Biloba. Please consult with the clinic if you are on any prescribed blood thinning medication. Ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided for 48 hours before the appointment. Retinoids should not be taken for a few days prior to the dermal fillers treatment too.  Arnica, an over the counter herbal medicine, is recommended to be taken up to two weeks prior to the dermal filler appointment. On the day of your appointment remove all makeup and any other products from your skin.

*Please see below for important Covid vaccine information*

Please postpone your dermal filler appointment if you have had a Covid-19 vaccination in the 3 weeks prior to your dermal filler appointment. It is not recommended to have the vaccine for at least 2 weeks after the dermal filler treatment.

• Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours post treatment.
• Avoid most facial treatments for 2 weeks. (Please check with the clinic if unsure)
• Avoid oil based makeup for 1 day.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for 1-2 days after the treatment.
• Avoid sunbeds, saunas and steam rooms (or any intense heat)
• Do not use AHA, Retinol based creams, or Vitamin C treatments for the first 24 hours.
• Try to avoid touching the area where possible for 24 hours.

1. Drinking plenty of water will help the fillers to last longer.
2. Apply a cold compress to the area, regularly on the first day.
3. Take paracetamol if you experience any pain.
4. Consult the aftercare advice you have been given by the clinic.