FILLER
Filler is a type of skin volumizing substance made from hyaluronic acid (HA). This substance has the property of retaining water and moisture (hydration), filling or adding volume to the skin layer, and improving elasticity under the skin. The result is a plumper, healthier, and smoother appearance, while also helping to reduce wrinkles.
Filler not only works to fill deep facial creases such as nasolabial folds, under-eye hollows, and temples, but it can also be injected throughout the entire face. It can be used for facial contouring, such as lengthening the chin, correcting a short or recessed chin, and reshaping the lips into desired styles, such as a heart-shaped lip, Western-style lips, Korean-style lips, and others.
As we age, our faces undergo the facial aging process. Over time, combined with the force of gravity, deterioration occurs in the skin, the connective tissue beneath the skin (soft tissue), and deeper structures. Common visible changes to the face include:
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Loss of skin elasticity – caused by a gradual decrease in collagen in the skin.
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Facial volume reduction – subcutaneous fat cells gradually disappear, with changes in their distribution: thinning in some areas and thickening in others, partly due to gravity.
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Progressive bone resorption – as the bone changes shape, the facial structure changes and appears older.
Changes in Facial Structures
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Changes in skeletal structure
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The face becomes shorter but wider (both front and side views).
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Eye sockets enlarge.
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The maxilla (upper jawbone) becomes smaller, resulting in deeper nasolabial folds and less support for the upper lip, leading to more wrinkles around the mouth.
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The chin protrudes.
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Changes in subcutaneous fat distribution
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A youthful face has evenly distributed fat, creating smooth, aesthetically pleasing curves.
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Three important facial curves are the forehead, the lateral cheekbone (a smooth convex curve from the lower eyelid to the cheek), and the jawline (a curve from the side of the jaw to the chin).
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With aging, these beautiful curves fade due to fat loss in areas such as the eyes, forehead, temples, cheekbones, jawline, chin, glabella (between the eyebrows), and around the mouth.
Where can filler be used?
The most common treatment areas are the nasolabial folds, tear troughs, lips, and the wrinkles between the nose tip and the upper lip. Filler can treat fine lines to deep wrinkles that are otherwise difficult to correct.
Doctors can also advise using fillers for facial contouring to create a more youthful look, such as enhancing cheekbones, temples, and chin shape, to add dimension and balance to the face.
What to expect after treatment
After treatment, the treated area may have slight redness or swelling, and may feel soft or itchy. These symptoms usually subside within 2–3 days.
For lip filler injections, swelling and unevenness may last for about one week before returning to a plump and natural appearance.
When will results be visible?
Results are visible immediately after treatment.
Aftercare instructions
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For the first 48 hours, avoid massaging the treated area or undergoing facial treatments. If you have had lip filler, avoid excessive lip movement for the first 2 days, or until swelling and redness have subsided. Also avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold on the treated area.
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Avoid facial treatments, steam, or sauna for at least 2 weeks.
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Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks.
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Bruising can resolve naturally within 7–10 days.
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Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help the hyaluronic acid fully expand.
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Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following unusual symptoms: increasing pain within 24 hours after injection, or expanding bruising within 24 hours.
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Do not undergo treatment on inflamed or infected skin.
Can hyaluronic acid fillers be removed?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved immediately if needed, but they normally break down naturally over time. If overfilling or other issues occur, consult your doctor for hyaluronidase injection to dissolve the filler.
Does it hurt?
Local anesthesia is usually administered to reduce discomfort. Patients only feel the anesthetic injection; during the filler injection itself, there is no pain. Many hyaluronic acid fillers today are pre-mixed with anesthetic, making the process even more comfortable.
Before the procedure, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours to prevent excessive blood vessel dilation. Some medications, such as blood thinners, should be stopped at least 7 days prior. Certain supplements (e.g., ginkgo biloba, sunflower seeds) should also be avoided. Always inform your doctor about your health history before treatment, and disclose any history of anesthetic allergy.
Who should avoid filler injections?
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Those allergic to hyaluronic acid.
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Those taking anticoagulant medication.
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Those allergic to anesthetics.
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Those prone to keloid scarring.