A complete, clinic-ready guide from My Aesthetics Lounge — dermal filler treatments in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Dermal fillers are one of the most commonly requested non-surgical treatments in modern aesthetics. They restore volume, smooth lines, enhance contours and can subtly turn back the clock — all with minimal downtime. But if you’re researching “what are dermal fillers”, “how long do dermal fillers last” or “how much do dermal fillers cost”, it’s easy to find confusing or incomplete answers.
This long-form guide answers those questions clearly and practically. We cover what dermal filler is, the different products and treatment areas, expected longevity, how long dermal fillers take to settle, costs in the UK, safety rules (including rare but important complications), pain management, aftercare and what results you can realistically expect. If you’re near Newcastle upon Tyne and want a professional consultation, My Aesthetics Lounge offers dermal filler treatments delivered by qualified advanced aesthetic experts — book a consultation now.
Quick summary (if you’re skimming)
- What is dermal filler? Injectable gels (most commonly hyaluronic acid) used to restore volume, smooth lines and sculpt features.
- How long do dermal fillers last? Typically 6–24 months, depending on product, treatment area and individual factors. Longer-lasting stimulators can work for 2+ years.
- How long does it take for dermal fillers to settle? Expect swelling and initial changes to settle over 1–4 weeks, with final results often at 4 weeks.
- How much do dermal fillers cost (UK)? Per-syringe prices often range £200–£800+ depending on clinic, product and area treated; packaged pricing is common.
- Are dermal fillers safe? Generally safe when performed by trained medical professionals; serious complications are rare but include vascular occlusion and infection — clinics must be equipped to manage them.
What are dermal fillers? — The basics
When people ask “what are dermal fillers?” they usually mean injectable gels placed beneath the skin to replace lost volume or smooth surface folds. The majority of modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) — a molecule naturally present in skin that attracts and holds water, creating plumpness and hydration. Other filler types include calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which work differently and are chosen for specific indications.
Fillers can:
- Replace lost cheek or temple volume
- Smooth smile lines (nasolabial folds) and marionette lines
- Define the jawline and chin
- Plump and reshape lips
- Reduce under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
- Treat some body areas (hands, decolletage) in specialist hands
Why HA is most common: HA fillers are reversible (an enzyme, hyaluronidase, can dissolve them), predictable, and available in many formulations from soft, flexible gels for lips to firmer gels for structural lift.
Types of dermal fillers & when each is used
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) — versatile, reversible, available in multiple densities. Used across face (lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline) and for hand rejuvenation.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) — thicker, provides structural lift and stimulates collagen. Good for deeper volume restoration (cheeks, jawline) but is not reversible with hyaluronidase.
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) — gradual volumiser that stimulates the skin’s own collagen over months; often used when a longer-term, diffuse lift is desired.
- Permanent fillers — rare and higher risk; generally avoided in modern aesthetics because of complications and limited ability to reverse.
Your practitioner will choose the product based on the treatment area, skin quality, movement patterns and your goals.
How dermal fillers are injected — technique matters more than product
The skill and judgement of the injector often matters more than the brand of filler. Key technique points:
- Placement depth: superficial vs deep placement depends on the goal (surface smoothing vs structural lift).
- Cannula vs needle: blunt cannulas reduce bruising and risk of vascular injury for deeper placements; needles allow precise small-volume deposits.
- Volume & staging: conservative initial volumes with staged top-ups produce natural results and reduce complication risk.
- Anatomical mapping: understanding blood vessel course and tissue layers is essential to avoid vascular occlusion.
At My Aesthetics Lounge we emphasise conservative, anatomy-driven treatments performed by trained advanced aesthetic practitioners.
How long do dermal fillers last? — realistic longevity
One of the most common questions is “how long does dermal filler last?” The short answer is: it depends.
Typical longevity ranges (general guidance):
- Lips: 6–12 months (soft, dynamic area).
- Cheeks: 12–24 months (deeper, structural areas often last longer).
- Jawline & chin: 12–24 months.
- Tear troughs: 9–12 months (delicate area; product choice critical).
- Hands: 9–12 months.
Some modern HA fillers and firm volumising products can last toward the upper end of this range; certain collagen stimulators (e.g., PLLA) aim for multi-year effects. Expect individual variation based on metabolism, lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure), and the product used.
How long does it take for dermal fillers to settle & look natural?
After injection you’ll notice immediate change — but swelling, mild bruising and tissue response mean the final settled result takes time:
- Immediate: visible volume and contour change (but often overestimated due to swelling).
- First 48–72 hours: most swelling peaks and begins to subside.
- 1–2 weeks: much of the soft-tissue settling occurs.
- 4 weeks: fillers usually have integrated; this is a common timing for review and any small adjustments. Final results are typically judged around 4 weeks post-treatment.
Patience is important — early adjustments can overcorrect; waiting for full integration gives the best outcome.
How much dermal filler for cheeks (and other volumes)?
“How much dermal filler for cheeks?” is a frequent micro-question of a broader one: how many millilitres (mL) are needed? Typical starting points (very general):
- Cheeks: 1–4 mL total (often delivered as 1–2 syringes placed strategically in deeper planes for lift).
- Lips: 0.5–2 mL (many clients start with 0.5–1 mL and top up later).
- Jawline / chin: 1–4 mL depending on desired definition.
- Nasolabial folds: 0.5–2 mL, often combined with cheek support to reduce filler needed in the fold itself.
These figures vary widely with anatomy and aesthetic goals. During consultation your clinician will explain likely volumes and why a staged approach is often safer and more natural.
How much do dermal fillers cost in the UK?
If you’re searching “how much do dermal fillers cost?” here’s practical UK-focused guidance.
Per-syringe pricing varies with clinic reputation, injector expertise and product used. Typical ranges you may see:
- Budget-to-mid clinics: from around £200–£400 per syringe for common HA fillers.
- Experienced clinics / premium locations: £400–£800+ per syringe, especially for advanced techniques, high-quality branded products or small specialist clinics.
Packages (e.g., 2 mL, 3 mL) are common and sometimes offer a better per-mL value. Many clinics also include consultation fees, follow-up, and touch-ups in package pricing.
Important: Price is not the only factor. Extremely cheap treatments often cut corners on product authenticity, sterility, qualifications or aftercare — which can increase risk and long-term costs.
Are dermal fillers safe? — risks, rare complications & how they’re managed
Short answer: yes — when performed in a medically responsible clinic by trained practitioners. But you must understand possible complications and the safety measures reputable clinics follow.
Common, mild side effects: swelling, bruising, tenderness, mild asymmetry — usually self-limiting over days to 2 weeks.
Less common but serious complications:
- Vascular occlusion: if filler is inadvertently injected into an artery it can block blood flow to the skin and cause tissue necrosis. Prompt recognition and treatment (hyaluronidase for HA fillers, warm compresses, vasodilators, urgent escalation) are essential. Clinics must be prepared with protocols and reversal agents.
- Infection: rare if sterile technique is used, but possible. Early signs (increasing pain, spreading redness, systemic symptoms) require urgent review.
- Tyndall effect / lumps / migration: improper product or depth can lead to visible bluish tinge or palpable lumps; many HA-related issues are reversible with hyaluronidase.
- Granuloma or delayed inflammatory reactions: uncommon immune responses that require specialist management.
What reputable clinics do to reduce risk:
- Comprehensive consultation and medical history screening
- Clear consent and explanation of risks
- Sterile technique and single-use equipment
- Conservative dosing and appropriate product selection
- Emergency protocols and hyaluronidase available for HA complications
Avoid DIY or social-media “tweakment” parties. Needle-free hyaluron pens and non-medical injectors carry significant documented risks and are strongly discouraged. National agencies warn against unregulated injection devices.
Does dermal filler cause cancer?
Short, evidence-based answer: no — dermal filler does not cause cancer. Fillers are biocompatible materials, frequently hyaluronic acid which is a natural component of the body. While any injectable procedure carries a small infection or inflammatory risk, there is no credible evidence linking licensed dermal fillers to cancer.
That said, rare delayed inflammatory reactions and very infrequent complications have been reported; this is why medical oversight, sterile technique and appropriate follow-up care matter.
Pain: Does dermal filler hurt?
Most clients report mild discomfort during injections, which is manageable. Pain control techniques include:
- Topical numbing cream applied before the procedure
- Use of fillers containing lidocaine (many modern HA fillers include added local anaesthetic)
- Gentle injection technique and cannula use for deeper placements
- Immediate cooling after injections to reduce swelling and discomfort
Before treatment, discuss your pain tolerance and options — we can adapt approach to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Aftercare — how to look after your results and reduce downtime
Smart aftercare helps results and reduces complications:
First 24–48 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy alcohol and heat (sauna, hot baths).
- Apply gentle cold compresses to reduce swelling (do not massage aggressively).
- Sleep slightly elevated for the first night if facial swelling is likely.
First 2 weeks
- Avoid facial treatments (aggressive peels, lasers) until fully healed.
- Wear minimal makeup for 24 hours if possible.
- Protect from sun with high-SPF sunscreen.
Longer term
- Maintain healthy lifestyle (hydration, sun protection, good sleep) to prolong filler longevity.
- Plan maintenance treatments with your practitioner to maintain the look you want.
If you notice sudden severe pain, colour change (blanching or purple/grey skin), or other worrying signs, contact your clinic immediately — these can be symptoms of vascular compromise that require urgent treatment.
Realistic expectations & how results evolve
- Immediate: you’ll usually see volume and contour changes straightaway — but remember early swelling.
- Days 1–14: swelling and bruising settle; the look softens and integrates.
- 4 weeks: the product has usually integrated; this is the time for review and minor touch-ups.
- 6–12 months+: gradual resorption begins and results fade according to the product and area treated.
A natural, balanced approach — modest initial volumes, staged enhancement, and attention to proportion — delivers outcomes that age gracefully and preserve expression.
Price vs quality — how to choose a clinic
When searching for “how much are dermal fillers” or “what is dermal filler” don’t fixate only on price. Prioritise:
- Qualifications — medically trained injectors (doctors, dentists, registered nurses with prescribers) with advanced training.
- Experience & portfolio — before/after images, client reviews and case types similar to your goals.
- Safety protocols — sterile environment, emergency plans, and availability of hyaluronidase.
- Consultation process — personalised assessment, clear plan and honest discussion about volumes, costs and expectations.
- Follow-up care — included reviews and easy access if concerns arise.
Cheap does not equal value when dealing with your face — complications can be costly, both financially and emotionally.
Typical UK cost examples & budgeting (illustrative)
- Lips: from ~£200–£500 per syringe depending on product and clinic.
- Cheeks: commonly 1–3 syringes; packages may start from ~£400–£1,200 depending on clinic standards.
- Jawline: often more expensive per syringe due to product and technique — £400–£800+ per syringe in many clinics.
- Tear troughs: specialist area; pricing commonly £300–£600 per treatment.
- Packages: multi-mL packages are common and may reduce per-mL cost.
These are approximate ranges—book a consultation for exact quotes tailored to your anatomy and goals.
FAQs — short answers to common searches
Q: What is dermal filler made of?
A: Mostly hyaluronic acid (HA) for modern reversible fillers; other options include CaHA and PLLA.
Q: How long does dermal filler last?
A: Typically 6–24 months depending on product and area; some stimulators last longer.
Q: How long does it take for dermal fillers to settle?
A: Final appearance usually by 4 weeks, though notable softening occurs within 1–2 weeks.
Q: Are dermal fillers safe?
A: Yes, when performed by qualified professionals following safety protocols. Serious complications are rare but manageable in properly equipped clinics.
Q: How much do dermal fillers cost?
A: Per-syringe UK prices typically range from ~£200 to £800+; clinic reputation and product choice affect price.
Q: Does dermal filler cause cancer?
A: No credible evidence links licensed dermal fillers to cancer.
Why choose My Aesthetics Lounge, Newcastle upon Tyne?
At My Aesthetics Lounge, we combine medical standards with an aesthetic eye:
- Qualified advanced aesthetic experts perform every treatment.
- Bespoke treatment plans — we tailor product choice, volume and technique to your face and goals.
- Safety-first protocols including sterile technique, conservative dosing and follow-up.
- Clear pricing and honest consultations — no pressure, just realistic advice.
If you’re ready to explore dermal fillers or want bespoke advice on what is right for you, book a consultation with us
Final thoughts
Dermal fillers are powerful, versatile tools for facial and limited body rejuvenation. They can restore lost volume, smooth lines, and deliver natural-looking, confidence-boosting results — but success depends on informed product choice, skilled technique and sensible aftercare.
If your questions include “what is dermal filler?”, “how long do dermal fillers last?” or “how much do dermal fillers cost?”, this guide gives you a solid foundation. The next step is a personalised consultation so a qualified clinician can assess your anatomy and design a safe, effective plan — that’s what we do every day at My Aesthetics Lounge in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Ready to start? Book your consultation and let us create a tailored dermal filler plan that fits your face, lifestyle and goals.
