Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are gel-based treatments, usually containing hyaluronic acid, injected beneath the skin to support lost volume and soften certain lines. They're often chosen for nasolabial folds and volume loss in the lips or cheeks. Op. Dr. Anıl Kaya plans filler at his Istanbul clinic with the face's overall proportions in mind, aiming for a natural result. It's a medical aesthetics procedure done in one outpatient visit, not surgery — most patients return to daily life quickly. How much is used, and where, depends on skin structure, volume loss and expectations, so each patient is assessed individually.

The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes, using topical or local anaesthesia. The effect is visible shortly after treatment; how long it lasts depends on the product and area, typically 6 to 18 months. It's day treatment with no hospital stay, and most patients return to daily activities the same day.

Dermal fillers are considered for volume-related lines (nasolabial folds), reduced volume in the lips or cheeks, and loss of jawline definition. Within facial lines and wrinkles, filler mainly addresses static lines — visible even at rest. Mild under-eye hollowing, temple thinning, and a less defined lip border are further concerns it can treat. Where the issue is skin laxity or dynamic, muscle-driven lines, filler alone may not be enough.

Adults with volume loss, static lines or loss of contour, whose general health allows the procedure, can be considered for dermal filler. It can also suit patients wanting a natural, gradual change who aren't ready for surgery, or don't need one at all. Patients happy with filler elsewhere before may choose to repeat treatment at regular intervals.

Dermal filler isn't recommended with active infection at the injection site, a known allergy to the material, certain autoimmune conditions, or pregnancy and breastfeeding. Where noticeable skin laxity is the main concern, filler alone may not be enough, and a combined approach such as a liquid facelift may suit better. Patients with a bleeding disorder or on blood thinners may need further assessment first. For unrealistic or very dramatic expectations, filler's limits are explained beforehand.

Before treatment, the area of volume loss, your skin quality and expectations are assessed; no separate diagnostic test is needed. Medication you're taking — blood thinners especially — and allergy history are discussed at consultation. Previous aesthetic treatments, including earlier filler experience and satisfaction, are also considered. Get in touch through our contact page to book an appointment.

Dermal filler treatment is generally a short procedure carried out in a few stages: preparation, injection and shaping.

1. 1Skin Cleansing and Preparation. The treatment area is cleansed, and a topical or local anaesthetic cream is applied if needed.
2. 2Marking the Area. The area with volume loss or a line is marked, with the planned symmetry in mind.
3. 3Filler Injection. The filler material is injected in a controlled way into the target layer, using a fine needle or cannula.
4. 4Shaping. After injection, the area is gently massaged into shape and checked for symmetry.
5. 5Final Check. At the end of the procedure, the area is reassessed and the patient is given aftercare advice.

Mild swelling and bruising usually settle within a few days. Avoid pressing on the area or intense exercise at first; most patients return to daily activities quickly. In the first 24-48 hours, avoid heat, alcohol and heavy sun; a cold compress helps reduce mild swelling. Contact the clinic if you notice unusual pain, firmness or a colour change.

Volume gain is usually visible right after treatment, becoming clearer once swelling settles. How long it lasts depends on the product, the area and the patient's metabolism; repeat treatment at intervals may be needed. Results vary from person to person — the same amount of filler can look different on different skin types, so a consultation sets realistic expectations beforehand.

Dermal filler isn't permanent — it's gradually absorbed by the body over time. It doesn't correct noticeable skin laxity or deeper structural change alone, and the same volume gain or duration shouldn't be expected in every patient. It doesn't permanently change the skin's quality or elasticity, nor protect against new volume loss later. It's generally an ongoing care approach, repeated over time, not a one-off treatment.

Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness are common. Rarely, more serious complications such as asymmetry, nodule formation or vascular occlusion have been reported, which is why experienced hands matter. The ordering below groups effects by frequency; it states no rate or percentage, and this varies by person.

How dermal filler's effect appears and settles is gradual; the timeframes below are approximate and vary by person and area. Volume gain is usually noticed right after treatment, but the final look isn't clear until swelling settles. After that, as filler integrates with surrounding tissue, a more natural look develops.

In dermal filler treatment, Op. Dr. Anıl Kaya keeps the face's overall proportions in mind, aiming for a natural, not overdone, result. At assessment, facial anatomy, skin quality and expectations are considered together; rather than a standard amount or area, the aim is a plan tailored to the individual. More on the doctor is on his own page.

Where dynamic expression lines are the main concern, Botox can be an alternative; for a more comprehensive lift, a liquid facelift may suit better. Where skin quality and texture are the concern, fractional CO2 laser or RF microneedling can come up independently of volume loss. For overall skin vitality, skin boosters (mesotherapy) can be complementary. Where pigmentation is the concern, see our pigmentation spots page, or our which treatment is right for me page for general guidance.

See our comparison page on Botox versus dermal filler, and our comparison addressing surgery versus filler for the eyelid area. General information on other medical aesthetics treatments is on the relevant page.

We have a separate page comparing dermal filler with Botox, and a combined comparison table covering six treatments together. These comparisons weigh procedure time, how long the effect lasts, and each treatment's purpose, helping you decide which method may suit your concern.

Before treatment, the main concern is usually reduced volume or a visible line; after, once swelling settles, a fuller look appears in the area. Results vary with the amount of product used and the area treated. The key point when comparing before-and-after results is that the aim isn't dramatic change, but a natural improvement keeping the face's overall harmony.

Request an appointment at our clinic to assess whether dermal filler is right for you. At the consultation, your expectations and the most suitable area are discussed together.