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Nobody wants to look ‘done’ anymore. The new gold standard is ‘refreshed, not frozen’ and a face that looks like it’s had eight hours of sleep. Dermal fillers, once shorthand for over-the-top transformations, are now about a little more volume, a bit more lift and a softer contour. But even as the procedure becomes more common, questions—and misconceptions—linger.
We sat down with leading aesthetic physician Dr Monica Jacob to cut through the noise, from what fillers can really do to how easy it is to undo them.
“I don’t even like sunscreen, but this one makes me feel like I’m applying skincare, not sunblock,” creative producer Devika writes to me. “Zero white cast, layers well with makeup and my skin looks like I drank two litres of water. I keep one in every bag.”
Let’s start with the basics. “Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore lost volume, smoothen lines and wrinkles and enhance facial contours,” Dr Jacob explains. “They’re a popular option in aesthetic treatments for achieving a more youthful appearance without surgery.”
And while they’re often lumped together in the beauty vernacular, not all fillers are created equal. Depending on your goals, your injector might recommend one of several types—each designed to work differently with your skin.
Think, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero. These are some of the most commonly used and beloved options, owing to their versatility and natural-looking results.
Highlighting their benefits, Dr Jacob says, “They add volume, smoothen wrinkles and hydrate the skin.” They’re ideal for everything from lip plumping to tear trough correction. Bonus: they’re reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, giving people some added peace of mind.
Best known by its brand name Radiesse, this option is more robust. “It provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen production,” Dr Jacob tells us. CaHa is thicker in texture, which makes it ideal for sculpting areas like the jawline and smoothing deeper folds.
Looking for the long game? Sculptra is your go-to. “It helps with gradual collagen stimulation and results last for longer,” Dr Jacob explains. Though the results take time to develop, they can last up to two years—ideal for those seeking full-face rejuvenation.
No, you won’t walk into your appointment and get jabbed immediately. According to Dr Jacob, it’s a carefully planned procedure with multiple stages:
1. Consultation
“A detailed discussion about your goals, medical history and expectations” is essential, she says. This is when your provider maps out your facial structure and determines what and where to inject.
2. Preparation
Expect the treatment area to be marked, cleansed and numbed. “The skin is thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of infection,” Dr Jacob adds.
3. Injection
Using either needles or cannulas, the filler is placed strategically. “Fillers may be injected at different depths to achieve the desired effect,” she says, adding that symmetry checks throughout ensure a balanced look.
4. Aftercare
“The practitioner may massage the area, apply ice packs and provide post-treatment instructions,” she says. Results can appear instantly, but swelling and minor bruising may linger for a few days.
Like any aesthetic procedure, fillers aren’t completely risk-free—but many issues can be minimised with the right approach. Dr Jacob outlines redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site as most common concerns. These can also be accompanied by pain, tenderness or itching.
To minimise these, “choose a qualified injector,” she emphasises. “Ensure the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified professional.” The expert also recommends being thorough during consultation and sticking to FDA-approved brands. Besides, post-treatment, a little TLC goes a long way: “Apply ice packs gently to minimise swelling and bruising. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure for 24-48 hours.” Additionally, avoid wearing makeup or taking a flight for a few days.
The answer varies. “The longevity of dermal filler results typically ranges from six months to two years,” Dr Jacob says.
HA fillers: 6 to 18 months
CaHA fillers: 12 to 18 months
PLLA fillers: Up to 2 years (with multiple sessions)
But keep in mind, movement matters. “Fillers in areas with high movement, like the lips, tend to dissolve faster than those in less mobile areas like the under-eye or cheek region,” she notes.
If you’re not thrilled with the outcome, don’t panic. “Swelling or bruising may affect the initial appearance,” Dr Jacob says. “It can take up to two to four weeks for fillers to settle and show final results.”
Still not satisfied after that? Consult your injector. HA fillers, for instance, can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. But ideally, you’ll avoid this situation altogether by choosing the right expert from the start.
Dr Jacob’s advice is crystal clear. To start with, she says, “Consider only board-certified experts. Look for dermatologists, plastic surgeons or aesthetic doctors with extensive filler experience.” She also recommends evaluating a clinic’s reviews, before-and-after galleries and how thorough they are during your consultation. And when it comes to filler type, she recommends the following:
“Opt for hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or Restylane for areas like the cheeks and lips.”
“Softer fillers, such as Belotero, work well for delicate areas around the eyes and mouth.”
“Thicker fillers, like Radiesse or Sculptra, help contour the jawline or build volume over time.”
Most importantly, she says, “Patients should prioritise safety and expertise to achieve natural results tailored to their needs.”
Let’s start with the basics. “Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore lost volume, smoothen lines and wrinkles and enhance facial contours,” Dr Jacob explains. “They’re a popular option in aesthetic treatments for achieving a more youthful appearance without surgery.”
And while they’re often lumped together in the beauty vernacular, not all fillers are created equal. Depending on your goals, your injector might recommend one of several types—each designed to work differently with your skin.
Think, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero. These are some of the most commonly used and beloved options, owing to their versatility and natural-looking results.
Highlighting their benefits, Dr Jacob says, “They add volume, smoothen wrinkles and hydrate the skin.” They’re ideal for everything from lip plumping to tear trough correction. Bonus: they’re reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, giving people some added peace of mind.
Best known by its brand name Radiesse, this option is more robust. “It provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen production,” Dr Jacob tells us. CaHa is thicker in texture, which makes it ideal for sculpting areas like the jawline and smoothing deeper folds.
Looking for the long game? Sculptra is your go-to. “It helps with gradual collagen stimulation and results last for longer,” Dr Jacob explains. Though the results take time to develop, they can last up to two years—ideal for those seeking full-face rejuvenation.
No, you won’t walk into your appointment and get jabbed immediately. According to Dr Jacob, it’s a carefully planned procedure with multiple stages:
1. Consultation
“A detailed discussion about your goals, medical history and expectations” is essential, she says. This is when your provider maps out your facial structure and determines what and where to inject.
2. Preparation
Expect the treatment area to be marked, cleansed and numbed. “The skin is thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of infection,” Dr Jacob adds.
3. Injection
Using either needles or cannulas, the filler is placed strategically. “Fillers may be injected at different depths to achieve the desired effect,” she says, adding that symmetry checks throughout ensure a balanced look.
4. Aftercare
“The practitioner may massage the area, apply ice packs and provide post-treatment instructions,” she says. Results can appear instantly, but swelling and minor bruising may linger for a few days.
Like any aesthetic procedure, fillers aren’t completely risk-free—but many issues can be minimised with the right approach. Dr Jacob outlines redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site as most common concerns. These can also be accompanied by pain, tenderness or itching.
To minimise these, “choose a qualified injector,” she emphasises. “Ensure the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified professional.” The expert also recommends being thorough during consultation and sticking to FDA-approved brands. Besides, post-treatment, a little TLC goes a long way: “Apply ice packs gently to minimise swelling and bruising. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure for 24-48 hours.” Additionally, avoid wearing makeup or taking a flight for a few days.
The answer varies. “The longevity of dermal filler results typically ranges from six months to two years,” Dr Jacob says.
HA fillers: 6 to 18 months
CaHA fillers: 12 to 18 months
PLLA fillers: Up to 2 years (with multiple sessions)
But keep in mind, movement matters. “Fillers in areas with high movement, like the lips, tend to dissolve faster than those in less mobile areas like the under-eye or cheek region,” she notes.
If you’re not thrilled with the outcome, don’t panic. “Swelling or bruising may affect the initial appearance,” Dr Jacob says. “It can take up to two to four weeks for fillers to settle and show final results.”
Still not satisfied after that? Consult your injector. HA fillers, for instance, can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. But ideally, you’ll avoid this situation altogether by choosing the right expert from the start.
Dr Jacob’s advice is crystal clear. To start with, she says, “Consider only board-certified experts. Look for dermatologists, plastic surgeons or aesthetic doctors with extensive filler experience.” She also recommends evaluating a clinic’s reviews, before-and-after galleries and how thorough they are during your consultation. And when it comes to filler type, she recommends the following:
“Opt for hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or Restylane for areas like the cheeks and lips.”
“Softer fillers, such as Belotero, work well for delicate areas around the eyes and mouth.”
“Thicker fillers, like Radiesse or Sculptra, help contour the jawline or build volume over time.”
Most importantly, she says, “Patients should prioritise safety and expertise to achieve natural results tailored to their needs.”
Let’s start with the basics. “Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore lost volume, smoothen lines and wrinkles and enhance facial contours,” Dr Jacob explains. “They’re a popular option in aesthetic treatments for achieving a more youthful appearance without surgery.”
And while they’re often lumped together in the beauty vernacular, not all fillers are created equal. Depending on your goals, your injector might recommend one of several types—each designed to work differently with your skin.
Think, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero. These are some of the most commonly used and beloved options, owing to their versatility and natural-looking results.
Highlighting their benefits, Dr Jacob says, “They add volume, smoothen wrinkles and hydrate the skin.” They’re ideal for everything from lip plumping to tear trough correction. Bonus: they’re reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, giving people some added peace of mind.
Best known by its brand name Radiesse, this option is more robust. “It provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen production,” Dr Jacob tells us. CaHa is thicker in texture, which makes it ideal for sculpting areas like the jawline and smoothing deeper folds.
Looking for the long game? Sculptra is your go-to. “It helps with gradual collagen stimulation and results last for longer,” Dr Jacob explains. Though the results take time to develop, they can last up to two years—ideal for those seeking full-face rejuvenation.
No, you won’t walk into your appointment and get jabbed immediately. According to Dr Jacob, it’s a carefully planned procedure with multiple stages:
1. Consultation
“A detailed discussion about your goals, medical history and expectations” is essential, she says. This is when your provider maps out your facial structure and determines what and where to inject.
2. Preparation
Expect the treatment area to be marked, cleansed and numbed. “The skin is thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of infection,” Dr Jacob adds.
3. Injection
Using either needles or cannulas, the filler is placed strategically. “Fillers may be injected at different depths to achieve the desired effect,” she says, adding that symmetry checks throughout ensure a balanced look.
4. Aftercare
“The practitioner may massage the area, apply ice packs and provide post-treatment instructions,” she says. Results can appear instantly, but swelling and minor bruising may linger for a few days.
Like any aesthetic procedure, fillers aren’t completely risk-free—but many issues can be minimised with the right approach. Dr Jacob outlines redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site as most common concerns. These can also be accompanied by pain, tenderness or itching.
To minimise these, “choose a qualified injector,” she emphasises. “Ensure the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified professional.” The expert also recommends being thorough during consultation and sticking to FDA-approved brands. Besides, post-treatment, a little TLC goes a long way: “Apply ice packs gently to minimise swelling and bruising. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure for 24-48 hours.” Additionally, avoid wearing makeup or taking a flight for a few days.
The answer varies. “The longevity of dermal filler results typically ranges from six months to two years,” Dr Jacob says.
HA fillers: 6 to 18 months
CaHA fillers: 12 to 18 months
PLLA fillers: Up to 2 years (with multiple sessions)
But keep in mind, movement matters. “Fillers in areas with high movement, like the lips, tend to dissolve faster than those in less mobile areas like the under-eye or cheek region,” she notes.
If you’re not thrilled with the outcome, don’t panic. “Swelling or bruising may affect the initial appearance,” Dr Jacob says. “It can take up to two to four weeks for fillers to settle and show final results.”
Still not satisfied after that? Consult your injector. HA fillers, for instance, can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. But ideally, you’ll avoid this situation altogether by choosing the right expert from the start.
Dr Jacob’s advice is crystal clear. To start with, she says, “Consider only board-certified experts. Look for dermatologists, plastic surgeons or aesthetic doctors with extensive filler experience.” She also recommends evaluating a clinic’s reviews, before-and-after galleries and how thorough they are during your consultation. And when it comes to filler type, she recommends the following:
“Opt for hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or Restylane for areas like the cheeks and lips.”
“Softer fillers, such as Belotero, work well for delicate areas around the eyes and mouth.”
“Thicker fillers, like Radiesse or Sculptra, help contour the jawline or build volume over time.”
Most importantly, she says, “Patients should prioritise safety and expertise to achieve natural results tailored to their needs.”
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