Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to restore volume loss, soften facial lines/creases, contour features (cheeks, chin, jawline), and enhance lips. Most “classic” fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers—HA is a substance your body naturally has that helps skin hold hydration and look more plump.

They’re both FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler families, but they have different “textures” (how soft/firm they feel) and different strengths designed for specific goals—like subtle lip hydration vs. structured cheek or jawline contour. The best option depends on your anatomy, movement, and how bold vs. natural you want the result.

• Lips: softer, flexible fillers designed to move naturally when you talk/smile

• Cheeks/midface: more supportive fillers for lift and contour

• Jawline/chin: higher-structure fillers for definition

• Smile lines/marionette lines: balanced fillers that soften folds without looking heavy
  Your injector should match filler choice to (1) your facial proportions, (2) your tissue thickness, and (3) the amount of movement in the area.

Common filler areas include:

• Lips

• Cheeks / midface

• Chin

• Jawline

• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)

• Marionette lines (lines from mouth corners downward)

• Perioral lines (“pucker lines”)
  Some patients also use filler to reduce shadowing under the eyes (this area requires advanced technique and conservative dosing).

It depends on your starting point and the goal:

• Lips: often 0.5–1 syringe for a natural look; more may be staged over time

• Cheeks: commonly 1–2 syringes total, sometimes more for significant volume loss

• Jawline/chin: often 1–3 syringes total depending on definition goals
  Most natural-looking results come from a conservative first visit + a reassessment once swelling settles.

Most HA filler results are immediate—you’ll see volume/shape right away, plus some initial swelling. A well-done result should look like you, just more refreshed: softer folds, better facial balance, improved contour, and lips that fit your features.

You’ll see a difference immediately, but swelling can temporarily exaggerate the look. Many people look “socially presentable” in a few days. Final settling is often around 1–2 weeks (and sometimes longer in delicate areas like under-eyes).

Longevity varies by product, area, and your metabolism. In general, HA filler results often last many months to 1+ year, and facial contour results are commonly quoted around 1–2 years depending on the area and product. Faster-moving areas (like lips) often wear down sooner than structural areas (like cheeks).

It doesn’t have to. The “overfilled” look is usually caused by too much product, too frequent topping-off, or putting volume in the wrong layer/area. A safer approach is:

• Start conservatively

• Build gradually over 1–2 sessions if needed

• Focus on facial balance (structure + support), not just “filling lines”

Most patients describe filler as quick pressure or pinches. Many HA fillers include lidocaine, and topical numbing and comfort techniques can also be used. Lips tend to be more sensitive than cheeks/chin/jawline.

Typical downtime is mild and may include swelling, tenderness, or bruising for a few days. If you’re planning around an event, a smart rule is to schedule filler 2–4 weeks before (especially for lips or under-eyes).

• Avoid strenuous exercise (can worsen swelling/bruising)

• Avoid alcohol (can worsen bruising)

• Avoid saunas/hot yoga/high heat

• Avoid heavy pressure or aggressive massage to the area
  You’ll also want to follow any specific instructions for your treatment area.

Common side effects are swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary lumps—most settle as the filler integrates. More serious complications are rare, but it’s important to know they exist. The most urgent risk is vascular occlusion (filler affecting blood flow), which requires immediate treatment.

Contact your injector immediately (and seek emergency care if instructed) if you have:

• Severe or worsening pain (especially out of proportion)

• Skin turning white/blotchy, dusky purple, or feeling cool in a specific area

• Significant, rapidly increasing swelling

• Any vision changes (this is an emergency)
  Knowing these signs—and having a clinic that’s prepared to respond—matters.

Vascular occlusion happens when filler compromises blood flow (for example, if product enters or compresses a vessel). It’s rare, but time-sensitive. Management can include rapid assessment and, for HA fillers, hyaluronidase (a dissolving enzyme) as part of a medical protocol. This is one reason HA fillers are often preferred: they’re reversible.

Both can be safe in trained hands, and many expert injectors use a combination depending on the area. In general, blunt-tip cannulas may reduce bruising and can lower the risk of certain vascular events in some treatment zones, while needles can offer precision in others. The “best” tool depends on anatomy, the plan, and injector skill.

Migration means filler shifts outside the intended area (most commonly discussed with lips). Risk can increase with overfilling, injecting too superficially, too-frequent touch-ups, or heavy pressure/massage soon after treatment. Prevention strategies include conservative dosing, correct layer placement, appropriate filler selection, and spacing treatments responsibly.

Most HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Some people see changes quickly, but it can take days (and occasionally more than one session) to fully correct. If you’re worried about a past result, “filler reversal” or “filler rehab” is a common, legitimate path—then you can rebuild with a cleaner baseline if desired.

“Filler rehab” usually means dissolving unwanted/overfilled HA filler (often from previous work), letting tissues settle, then creating a more natural plan—sometimes with less product, different placement, or staged sessions.

In the Denver metro area, HA fillers commonly fall in the mid-hundreds to around ~1,000+ per syringe, depending on the brand, injector experience, and the treatment area. A “typical” visit may be 1–2 syringes total, but some goals require staged sessions over time for the most natural result.

• The filler brand/product used (some are premium for structure/longevity)

• Injector experience and training level

• Complexity and risk of the area (under-eyes/nose require advanced skill)

• How many syringes you need to reach your goal safely

Ask:

• What licenses/credentials they have, and how long they’ve injected dermal fillers

• What filler brands they use and why (for your specific goal)

• How they assess facial anatomy and create a plan (not just “filling a line”)

• Whether they keep hyaluronidase on hand (for HA filler)

• How they recognize and respond to complications like vascular occlusion

• Whether you can see natural-looking before/after photos in your treatment area

Common prep steps include:

• Arrive with clean skin (minimal makeup if possible)

• Tell your injector about prior filler, cold sores (for lips), allergies, and all meds/supplements

• If you bruise easily, ask your provider what they recommend before/after
  Always follow your injector’s guidance—especially if you take blood thinners or have medical conditions.

Yes—this is a very common combination. Neuromodulators relax movement-related wrinkles, while filler restores volume/structure. Combining them thoughtfully can improve balance and longevity (because reduced muscle pull can help filler “settle” more predictably in some areas).

You should discuss risks carefully and may be advised to postpone if you’re:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• Experiencing an active skin infection near the treatment area

• Having a significant autoimmune flare or uncontrolled medical condition

• Prone to severe allergic reactions (history matters)
  A qualified injector will review your medical history and help you decide what’s safe.