BHRC BLOG
Dermal Fillers: Types, Treatment Areas & What to Expect | Complete Guide
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore volume, smooth wrinkles, define facial contours, and correct structural asymmetry — using biocompatible materials that integrate with living tissue. Unlike Botox, which works by relaxing muscles, fillers work by physically adding volume beneath the skin surface.
Modern fillers are precise, semi-permanent, and — in the case of hyaluronic acid products — fully reversible. The right filler depends on the treatment area, the degree of correction needed, and the desired longevity of results.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
HA fillers are the most widely used category. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that binds water, providing hydration and volume. HA fillers are gel-like, customizable in consistency, and fully reversible with hyaluronidase enzyme if correction is needed.
Major HA filler lines available at BHRC:
- Juvederm (Allergan) — Voluma XC (cheeks/midface), Vollure XC (nasolabial folds), Volbella XC (lips/fine lines), Ultra XC (lips/perioral). Cross-linked with VYCROSS technology for smooth consistency and extended duration.
- Restylane (Galderma) — Restylane-L (versatile, facial lines), Lyft (cheeks, back of hands), Kysse (lips), Contour (cheek contouring), Eyelight (under-eye). NASHA and OBT technology provides precise placement and natural movement.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers
Radiesse (Merz) — CaHA microspheres in a gel carrier. Provides immediate volumizing effect plus long-term collagen stimulation as the microspheres gradually absorb. Not HA — cannot be reversed with hyaluronidase. Lasts 12–18 months. Best for: jawline, chin, cheeks, back of hands, and areas where structural support is the primary goal.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers
Sculptra (Galderma) — PLLA microspheres that act as a biostimulator rather than a traditional filler. Sculptra does not add immediate volume; instead, it stimulates the body’s own collagen production over a 3–6 month period. Results are gradual, natural-looking, and long-lasting (up to 2 years). Typically requires 2–3 sessions. Best for: patients who want significant volume restoration across the face without a single large filler session.
What Dermal Fillers Treat
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines) — the lines running from nose to mouth corners that deepen with age and volume loss
- Marionette lines — lines running from the mouth corners downward, creating a downturned appearance
- Cheek volume loss — flat or sunken mid-face due to fat pad atrophy with age
- Tear trough (under-eye hollows) — using very soft HA filler placed under the orbicularis muscle
- Jawline definition — Radiesse or Juvederm Voluma placed along the jaw creates a sharper, more defined profile
- Chin projection — filler can improve chin projection and balance facial proportions without surgery
- Temple hollowing — lateral temporal volume loss creates a skeletonized appearance; filler restores a youthful convex contour
- Lip augmentation — see our dedicated lip filler guide for product options and technique details
- Back of hands — Radiesse or Restylane Lyft restores volume lost from hand aging, reducing visible tendons and veins
How Long Do Fillers Last?
Duration varies by product type, treatment area, and individual metabolism:
- Lip fillers (HA): 6–12 months (high-movement area accelerates breakdown)
- Nasolabial folds (HA): 9–12 months
- Cheeks and midface (Voluma, Restylane Lyft): 12–18 months
- Radiesse: 12–18 months
- Sculptra: up to 24 months
The Filler Treatment Experience at BHRC
All BHRC filler treatments begin with a facial assessment: your provider maps areas of volume loss, asymmetry, and structural need before recommending a treatment plan. No filler is placed without a clear understanding of your goal and the appropriate product to achieve it.
Most HA and Radiesse products contain lidocaine, which numbs the treatment area progressively during injection. Topical numbing cream is applied 15–20 minutes before for more sensitive areas (lips, under-eye). Treatment takes 20–45 minutes depending on areas treated. Most patients return to normal activity immediately; bruising resolves in 3–7 days.
Am I a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
Most healthy adults are candidates for dermal fillers. Relative or absolute contraindications include: active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, allergy to filler components or lidocaine, pregnancy or breastfeeding, autoimmune conditions affecting wound healing, and blood-thinning medications (elevated bruising risk — discuss with your provider).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox relaxes muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles (lines created by facial movement — forehead, crow’s feet, frown lines). Fillers add volume to restore lost tissue or structure static wrinkles (lines present at rest). Many patients benefit from both: Botox to prevent expression lines from deepening, and filler to restore lost volume.
Can fillers be dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) can be dissolved with hyaluronidase within 24–48 hours. Radiesse (CaHA) and Sculptra (PLLA) cannot be dissolved — they absorb naturally over time.
How much filler do I need?
Volume needs depend on the area being treated and the degree of correction. Cheek augmentation typically requires 1–2 syringes per side; nasolabial folds 1 syringe; lips 0.5–1 syringe. Your BHRC provider will recommend specific volumes during your consultation based on your facial anatomy and goals.
