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Dermal Fillers Explained: What They Are, Where They Go, and What Real Results Look Like
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Dermal fillers are one of the most searched cosmetic treatments in Australia — and one of the most misunderstood. Here’s the straight-talking guide to what they actually do, which areas they treat, and what to realistically expect.
TL;DR: Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid (HA) or similar substances to restore lost volume, smooth folds, and reshape facial features without surgery. Common treatment areas include lips, cheeks, under-eyes, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jawline. Results typically last 6–18 months depending on the area and product used. Treatment takes 20–45 minutes with minimal downtime.
Explore our cosmetic dermal fillers service page for full treatment details. See our lip and cheek enhancement options, learn about anti-wrinkle injections, and explore our full range of cosmetic injectables.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances — most commonly hyaluronic acid (HA) — used to restore volume, smooth lines and folds, and reshape facial features. HA is a naturally occurring molecule in your body that attracts and retains water, giving skin its plumpness and hydration. As we age, HA production declines and the fat pads beneath the skin shift downward. Fillers replace that lost volume precisely where it’s needed.
Unlike anti-wrinkle injections, which relax the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles (forehead lines, crow’s feet), dermal fillers physically add volume to an area. The two treatments target different problems and are often used together for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Dermal Fillers vs Anti-Wrinkle Injections: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Dermal Fillers | Anti-Wrinkle Injections |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Adds volume / replaces lost tissue | Relaxes muscles causing wrinkles |
| Best for | Volume loss, deep folds, lip shape, contouring | Forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines |
| Onset of results | Immediate (some swelling for 3–7 days) | 3–7 days, full effect at 2 weeks |
| Duration | 6–18 months (area and product dependent) | 3–5 months |
| Reversible? | Yes — HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase | Yes — effect gradually wears off |
| Treatment time | 20–45 minutes | 10–20 minutes |
Which Areas Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
Modern HA fillers are formulated in different densities and consistencies for different facial zones. A product designed for lip enhancement is softer and more flexible; one used for jawline contouring is denser and more structural.
- Lips: Adds volume, improves shape and symmetry, defines the vermilion border. One of the most requested treatments.
- Cheeks: Restores the lifted, full look of younger cheeks. Lifting the cheeks also reduces the appearance of nasolabial folds below them.
- Nasolabial folds: The lines running from nose to the corners of the mouth. Filler softens these without the unnatural result of over-filling.
- Marionette lines: Lines running downward from the corners of the mouth. Filler here prevents the downturned appearance associated with ageing.
- Under-eyes (tear troughs): Hollows under the eyes that cast shadows and create a tired appearance. This is a technically demanding area — provider skill matters enormously here.
- Jawline: Filler defines and sharpens the jaw, reducing jowling and creating a more structured lower face profile.
- Chin: Enhances projection and balance, often in combination with jawline treatment.
- Temples: Restores volume lost in the temples, which contributes to a gaunt, skeletonised appearance in some patients.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Your first appointment at Results Laser Clinic begins with a thorough consultation. Your provider will review your medical history, assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend a treatment plan. Photographs are usually taken for reference.
On the day of treatment, a topical numbing cream is applied to the area 20–30 minutes before injection. Most HA fillers also contain lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) in the formulation, which makes the injections very tolerable for most patients. The treatment itself takes 20–45 minutes.
After treatment, you can expect some swelling, redness, and occasional bruising — particularly in lip treatments where the tissue is highly vascular. This resolves within 3–7 days. Your final result will be visible once the initial swelling settles.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Duration varies by product and location. Thinner, softer fillers used in lips and under-eyes metabolise faster (6–9 months). Denser structural fillers used in cheeks, jawline, and chin can last 12–18 months. Some patients find their results last longer with subsequent treatments, as the skin’s own collagen production is stimulated over time.
Is It Safe? What to Look for in a Provider
Dermal fillers are medical treatments. In Australia, they are prescription-only products, meaning they can only be legally prescribed and injected by a qualified medical practitioner (doctor, dentist, or nurse practitioner under a doctor’s supervision). At Results Laser Clinic, all injectable treatments are performed or directly supervised by our medical team.
Key questions to ask any provider: Are they medically qualified? Do they use products from reputable suppliers? Is the consultation free and thorough? Will they take before-and-after photos? Is there a clear process if you experience a complication?
Related Treatments to Explore
- Cosmetic Dermal Fillers: Full-face dermal filler treatments carried out by our experienced injectable team. Covering lips, cheeks, jawline, tear troughs and more.
- Lip & Cheek Enhancement: Targeted lip volumisation and cheek lifting for natural-looking facial balance. One of our most popular injectable treatments.
- Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Targeting dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement — forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, jaw clenching and more.
- Liquid Face Lift: A combination of dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections to achieve a non-surgical lift across multiple facial zones in a single appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermal Fillers
Do dermal fillers hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a mild pinch or pressure rather than pain. Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, and most HA fillers contain lidocaine in the formulation. Lip treatments can be more sensitive given the area’s nerve density.
How long does bruising and swelling last after fillers?
Swelling typically peaks at 24–48 hours and resolves within 3–7 days. Bruising, if it occurs, usually settles within 5–10 days. Lips tend to swell more noticeably than other areas. Ice packs and arnica can help.
Can dermal fillers be reversed if I don’t like the result?
Yes — hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is one of the key safety advantages of HA fillers over permanent or semi-permanent alternatives. Dissolution typically takes 24–48 hours to show full effect.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive fillers?
Product quality varies significantly. Reputable brands like Juvederm and Restylane have extensive clinical evidence behind them. Some cheaper products lack Australian TGA registration and may behave unpredictably. The injector’s skill also dramatically affects the outcome — it is not just about the product.
Is there any downtime after a dermal filler appointment?
Most people return to normal activities the same day. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, extreme heat (saunas, hot yoga), and alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment to minimise bruising and swelling.
Does Afterpay work for dermal fillers?
Yes. Results Laser Clinic offers payment options for cosmetic injectable treatments. Ask our team at your consultation about current payment plan availability.
Ready to Book a Dermal Filler Consultation?
Our medical injectable team will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and create a personalised treatment plan. No obligation — just an honest conversation about what’s possible for you.