Dermal Fillers: Types, Procedure, Results, and Side Effects
Updated: 5 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels placed just under the skin to smooth wrinkles, soften creases, and restore lost facial volume, most often around the eyes, mouth, nose, cheeks, and lips. Treatment usually takes under an hour, results often show right away and last months to years, and bruising or swelling typically fades within days. Sudden vision changes need emergency care. [1]
What the research says
Lip filler results fade gradually over a year. A meta-analysis of hyaluronic acid lip treatments found that 91% of people had fuller lips 2 months after injection, 74% at 6 months, and 46% at 12 months. Across 1,496 participants, most side effects were mild (tenderness, swelling, bruising); serious reactions such as angioedema occurred in about 0.3% (Czumbel et al., Frontiers in Surgery, 2021). [2]
Cheek (midface) fillers improve appearance without a rise in serious side effects. Pooling 5 randomized trials with 748 participants, people treated with hyaluronic acid filler were about 3.3 times more likely to be rated as improved than controls, with no significant increase in moderate-to-severe adverse events (Safia et al., Medicina, 2025). [3]
Rare eye-artery blockages are more severe after fat injections. In a national survey of 44 people who lost blood flow to the eye after facial filler injections, those treated with their own fat (22 people) had worse vision outcomes and more strokes than those treated with hyaluronic acid (13 people) (Park et al., JAMA Ophthalmology, 2014). [4]
Key takeaways
Dermal fillers are a nonsurgical cosmetic treatment injected just under the skin. [1]
The main types are hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, and your own fat. [1]
Results often appear right away and last from about 6 months to more than 2 years, depending on the filler. [1]
Most side effects are mild and fade in a few days. Vision problems or one-sided weakness after treatment are emergencies. [1]
Health insurance usually does not cover fillers because they are elective. [1]
What are dermal fillers and how do they work?
Dermal fillers are substances injected just under the skin to plump up wrinkles, smooth lines, and restore volume to the face. [1] They are a nonsurgical, elective cosmetic procedure.
As you age, your body makes less collagen, a protein that supports your skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissue. [1] Less collagen in the skin leads to thinner, looser skin that loses elasticity, sags, and loses volume. [1]
A filler adds volume back under a wrinkle or hollow area. This lifts the surface of the skin and smooths the line.
Why do people get dermal fillers?
People get dermal fillers to enhance facial features or look more youthful. [1] Common goals include:
Adding volume to sagging skin
Making facial features more symmetrical
Plumping up the lips and cheeks
Smoothing wrinkles and creases [1]
Some medicines used to treat medical conditions, such as HIV, can cause thinning of the face. Some people choose fillers to restore facial volume after taking these medicines. [1]
Dermal fillers are very common. More than 3 million people in the United States get them every year. [1]
What are the different types of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers fall into two groups: ready-made fillers made from synthetic materials or substances found naturally in the body, and fat taken from your own body. [1]
Filler type | What it is | Typically used for | How long results last |
Hyaluronic acid (HA) | A natural acid in your skin that adds volume and keeps skin hydrated | Lines, lips, and volume loss | About 6 months to 1 year |
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) | A substance also found in your bones | Deeper wrinkles | Around 1 year |
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) | A substance that helps your body make its own collagen | Deep facial wrinkles | 2 years or more |
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) | Collagen plus tiny beads that stay under the skin | Adding volume and firmness | Beads remain under the skin |
Fat grafting (autologous fat) | Fat removed from another part of your body, purified, and injected | Restoring facial volume | Not stated; requires a liposuction step |
Source: [1]
Your body makes less hyaluronic acid as you age, which is one reason HA fillers are widely used. [1] Your healthcare provider will review the options, recommend the right type for you, and help you set realistic goals. [1]
What happens before a dermal filler procedure?
Before dermal fillers, you have a consultation where your healthcare provider examines your face, asks about your goals, and reviews your medical history. [1] Many people see a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin. [1]
During the consultation, your provider may:
Mark the areas to be treated with a pen
Take photos of your face
Recommend a specific filler or combination of fillers
Explain possible side effects and recovery time [1]
Tell your provider about any medicines you take, because some drugs can raise the risk of complications. [1] Also tell them if you have:
Allergies
A history of bruising or bleeding after similar procedures
Neurological (nerve or brain) problems
Skin conditions [1]
What happens during a dermal filler procedure?
During a dermal filler procedure, your provider cleans your skin, may apply a numbing cream, and injects small amounts of filler under the skin with a thin needle. [1]
Where it's done: a healthcare provider's office or a medical spa (a clinic that offers cosmetic procedures in a spa-like setting) [1]
How it feels: the needle may pinch or sting, but most people don't feel much pain [1]
How long it takes: from a few minutes up to an hour, depending on how many areas are treated [1]
What happens after a dermal filler procedure?
After the injections, your provider cleans your skin and may give you an ice pack to ease pain and swelling. [1] You may have mild bruises, swelling, or discomfort that usually goes away within a few days. [1]
Many people see results right away. How quickly results appear, and how long they last, depends on the type of filler and other factors. [1]
How is facial fat grafting different from other fillers?
Facial fat grafting uses your own fat instead of a ready-made filler, so it adds an extra step and a longer recovery. [1]
Your provider removes fat from another part of your body with liposuction.
The fat is purified.
The fat is injected into your face. [1]
This is usually an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day. [1] After liposuction and fat grafting, you may need to rest for up to two weeks. [1]
What is the recovery time after dermal fillers?
Recovery time after dermal fillers is usually minimal, and most people return to normal activities right after treatment. [1] Your provider may suggest avoiding hard exercise or strenuous activity for a day or two. [1]
Your recovery depends on:
How many areas were treated
The type of filler used
Your overall health [1]
What are the benefits of dermal fillers?
The main benefits of dermal fillers are quick results, a short procedure, and little downtime. [1]
Benefit | What it means for you |
Fast results | Many people see a change right away |
Short treatment | Usually under an hour, done in the office |
Minimal recovery | Nonsurgical, so most people resume activities the same day |
Lasting effect | Months to years; some fillers last more than 2 years |
Lower cost than surgery | Typically less expensive than elective cosmetic surgery |
Source: [1]
What are the risks and side effects of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers carry risks like any cosmetic procedure, but serious complications are rare and some side effects are only temporary. [1] Possible side effects include:
Uneven (asymmetrical) appearance
Bleeding, bruising, redness, pain, and swelling
Skin damage that can cause scars
Infection, which in severe cases can lead to death of the infected skin (necrosis)
Lumps or bumps under the skin
Numbness
Pimples that look like acne
Rash and itching [1]
Rarely, filler can block a blood vessel. Severe pain, or skin that turns pale, blue or blotchy near the injection site, needs urgent same-day care, and vision problems after filler injections are an emergency. [1] If you have eyesight problems along with weakness, discomfort, or pain on one side of your body, get emergency medical help immediately. [1]
When should you call a doctor after dermal fillers?
Call your healthcare provider right away after dermal fillers if you have bleeding or pain, signs of infection, or symptoms of an allergic reaction. [1]
Symptom | What to do |
Vision problems, or weakness, discomfort, or pain on one side of the body | Get emergency medical help immediately [1] |
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath (possible anaphylaxis) | Get emergency medical help immediately |
Fever, or redness and swelling at the injection site | Call your provider right away [1] |
Bleeding or pain | Call your provider right away [1] |
Mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness that improves day by day | Usually normal; mention it at follow-up |
For more detail on approved filler products and safety, see this overview of dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers) and this patient guide to dermal filler procedures.
Conclusion
Dermal fillers are a common, nonsurgical way to smooth wrinkles and restore facial volume. Results often appear right away and can last from months to more than two years, depending on the filler you choose.
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Still, knowing the rare warning signs, especially vision changes or one-sided weakness, can protect you. A careful consultation, an honest talk about your goals, and a qualified provider are the best starting points.
Planning a consultation? Save or share this guide and bring it to your appointment so you can ask about filler types, expected results, and recovery. For related reading, explore our guides on wrinkles and acne scars, and visit our health library for more clear, evidence-based explainers.
FAQ
What are dermal fillers made of?
Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, or fat taken from your own body. Your provider will recommend the material that best fits your goals and the area being treated. [1]
How long do dermal fillers last?
Dermal fillers last from about 6 months to more than 2 years, depending on the type. Hyaluronic acid usually lasts 6 months to a year, calcium hydroxylapatite about a year, and poly-L-lactic acid 2 years or more. [1]
Do dermal filler injections hurt?
Most people don't feel much pain during dermal filler injections, though the needle may pinch or sting. Your provider may apply a numbing cream first to make treatment more comfortable. [1]
How long does it take to recover from dermal fillers?
Most people return to their usual activities right after dermal fillers. Your provider may suggest skipping hard exercise for a day or two; recovery after fat grafting can take up to two weeks. [1]
What are the common side effects of dermal fillers?
The most common side effects of dermal fillers are bruising, swelling, redness, pain, and discomfort at the injection site. These are usually mild and go away within a few days. [1]
Can dermal fillers cause vision problems?
Dermal fillers can rarely cause vision problems. If you notice eyesight changes, especially with weakness or pain on one side of your body, get emergency medical help immediately. [1]
Does insurance cover dermal fillers?
Health insurance generally does not cover dermal fillers because they are an elective cosmetic procedure. Ask your provider about the full cost before treatment. [1]
When should I call my doctor after getting fillers?
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have bleeding, pain, fever, redness and swelling at the injection site, or signs of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing. [1]
Can dermal fillers be reversed?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. Other filler types cannot be easily reversed, so ask your provider before treatment.
Who should inject dermal fillers?
Choose a licensed, trained provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who uses FDA-approved fillers. Avoid needle-free filler pens and unlicensed injectors, which the FDA has warned can cause serious injury.
Related Reading
Treatments to Reduce Wrinkles: Options, Recovery and Results explains treatments to reduce wrinkles.
Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty (Liquid Nose Job): Uses, Results and Risks explains nonsurgical rhinoplasty with fillers.
Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening: Benefits, Results and Risks explains radiofrequency skin tightening.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Dermal Fillers: What They Are, Types, Benefits & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated April 6, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22667-dermal-fillers
Czumbel LM, Farkasdi S, Gede N, et al. Hyaluronic acid is an effective dermal filler for lip augmentation: a meta-analysis. Frontiers in Surgery. 2021;8:681028. PMID 34422892. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2021.681028
Safia A, Abd Elhadi U, Merchavy S, et al. Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid fillers for midface augmentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025;61(10):1823. PMID 41155810. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101823
Park KH, Kim YK, Woo SJ, et al. Iatrogenic occlusion of the ophthalmic artery after cosmetic facial filler injections: a national survey by the Korean Retina Society. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2014;132(6):714-723. PMID 24676334. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.8204
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your individual situation before any cosmetic procedure. If you have vision changes, one-sided weakness, or trouble breathing after a filler injection, seek emergency care immediately.
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