What dermal fillers are and how they work

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule the body already makes; it holds water and helps skin stay supple. The fillers we use are CE-marked hyaluronic acid gels, and most contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, to make treatment more comfortable. Different gels have different firmness: firmer products give structural support, softer ones are used where a lighter touch is needed.

The change is visible straight away and continues to settle as the gel integrates with the surrounding tissue. As general information, results typically last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the area, the product and your own metabolism. We also offer separate pages for lip filler and tear trough filler, which have their own considerations.

Cheek filler in Stoke-on-Trent

With age, the midface can lose volume, which some people feel makes them look flatter or more tired. Cheek filler aims to restore some of that support. At consultation your practitioner looks at your face from the front and side, at rest and when you smile, to judge whether the cheeks are the right place to treat or whether the concern lies elsewhere.

Because adding volume to the cheeks can change how the lower face and under-eye area look, the plan is discussed as a whole rather than one area in isolation. If a small amount, or no treatment, is the more sensible option, we will say so.

Chin filler in Stoke-on-Trent

The chin plays a large part in how balanced the profile looks. Chin filler can be used to refine the contour of the chin, for example adding a little projection or length, where that suits your proportions. Your practitioner will assess your profile, your jaw and how your lips meet before suggesting anything.

This is a structural area, so a firmer gel is usually considered. The consultation will cover what change is realistic with filler, and when a concern is better discussed with a surgeon or other specialist instead.

Jawline filler in Stoke-on-Trent

Jawline filler, sometimes called jaw augmentation, places filler along the jaw to refine its contour. People ask about it for different reasons: some want a more defined line between the jaw and neck, others want to improve balance between the two sides of the face.

Treatment planning takes account of bone structure, skin quality, the chin and the neck. If skin laxity is the main concern rather than volume, filler may not be the right tool, and your practitioner may suggest discussing radiofrequency skin treatments instead.

Smile lines and folds

The lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds) and from the mouth towards the chin (marionette lines) are natural features that tend to deepen with time. Filler can soften the depth of these folds in suitable cases.

Deep folds are often linked to volume changes elsewhere in the face, so your practitioner may explain that treating the fold directly is only part of the picture. The aim is a softer look that still moves naturally when you talk and smile.

Your consultation

Your first appointment is a face-to-face consultation. Your practitioner will take a full medical history, including medicines, allergies and previous aesthetic treatments, and talk through what you would like to change. They will then examine your face, assess volume and structure, and explain which areas, if any, they would recommend, along with the product type, risks and aftercare.

Treatment only goes ahead if it is suitable and you are comfortable with the plan. Filler is not appropriate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune condition, or are hypersensitive to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine. To arrange an appointment, book a consultation.

Safety and aftercare

Side effects are usually mild and temporary: swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising around the injection points. Your practitioner will explain less common risks before you consent, and how to contact us if you notice anything unexpected.

Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and excessive heat, such as saunas, for 24–48 hours.
Do not touch, press or massage the treated area unless you have been told to.
Follow the written aftercare guidance you are given on the day.

If you have any concerns after treatment, call 01782 438998.

FAQs

Dermal fillers: your questions

Where can I get dermal fillers near me in Stoke-on-Trent?

Our main clinic is on Pelham Street in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, and we also have a clinic in Walsall. Your first appointment is a face-to-face consultation, where your practitioner takes a medical history, assesses your face and explains whether filler is suitable. You can call 01782 438998 or book online to arrange a time.

Are dermal fillers safe?

When carried out by a trained practitioner using regulated products, side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as swelling, redness or bruising. Like any injectable treatment, fillers do carry risks, which your practitioner will explain fully before you decide. The consultation is also there to identify anyone for whom filler is not appropriate, so that they are not treated.

Do filler injections hurt?

Most of the fillers we use contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, and a topical numbing cream can also be applied before treatment. Many people describe some pressure or brief discomfort rather than pain, but this varies from person to person and between areas. If you are nervous, tell your practitioner, who will explain each step as they go.

How long do dermal fillers last?

As general information, results typically last between 6 and 18 months. How long they last for you depends on the area treated, the type of gel used and your own metabolism, so it varies and cannot be promised. Your practitioner will give you an idea of what to expect for the specific area discussed at your consultation.

What is the difference between fillers and anti-wrinkle injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections use a prescription medicine to relax the muscles that cause expression lines. Dermal fillers are gels that physically add volume or support structure. They work in different ways and suit different concerns, and some people have both. Your practitioner will explain which, if either, fits your concern. See our anti-wrinkle injections page for more.

Who should not have dermal fillers?

Filler is not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune condition, or are hypersensitive to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine. Other medical conditions and medicines may also affect whether it is safe for you, which is why a full medical history is taken. If treatment is not appropriate, your practitioner will tell you and explain the reasons.

Can I have more than one area treated?

Possibly. Areas such as the cheeks, chin and jawline affect one another, so your practitioner looks at the face as a whole and may suggest an order of priority rather than treating everything at once. The plan, the amount of product and the cost are all confirmed at consultation, and you are under no pressure to treat any area you are unsure about.

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