Fillers – how they work, results, prices & comparing options

Fillers are injectable products used to restore volume, soften certain lines, support facial contours or stimulate collagen, depending on the product. They can be used in areas such as the cheeks, lips, jawline, chin, temples and under the eyes.

There are several categories of fillers, and they do not all work in the same way. Understanding what fillers are, what results are realistic and how practitioners differ can help you compare your options more carefully.

Fillers at a glance

Different products have different purposes. Use the filler comparison guide to understand the main categories.

Why filler results and experiences differ

Facial anatomy differs

Every face has different proportions, tissue quality, movement and patterns of volume loss. A suitable treatment plan should therefore be based on an individual assessment rather than a standard number of millilitres.

Filler products behave differently

A soft hyaluronic acid filler used for a mobile area does not behave in the same way as a firmer structural product or a collagen-stimulating filler. Results, recovery and longevity therefore vary by product and indication.

Practitioners use different techniques

Some practitioners make small changes gradually. Others may treat several related areas as part of one plan. The most suitable approach depends on the person’s anatomy, treatment goal and previous procedures.

Online experiences lack context

A review may not explain the starting situation, product used, quantity injected or length of recovery. Read a range of filler experiences rather than judging a treatment from one photograph or rating.

What are fillers and how do they work?

Fillers are substances injected into or beneath the skin. Depending on the product, they may add physical volume, support tissue, improve contour or stimulate the body’s own collagen response.

What happens during treatment?

1. Your concerns, medical history and previous treatments are discussed.

2. The practitioner assesses facial structure, movement and skin quality.

3. A suitable filler type, quantity and placement technique are considered.

4. The product is injected at selected points.

5. You receive aftercare instructions and contact information.

Read more about how fillers work.

Can something go wrong with fillers?

Fillers can cause side effects and complications. Risk depends on the product, treatment area, injection depth, anatomy, sterile technique and the practitioner’s ability to recognise and manage problems.

Common temporary reactions

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Redness

• Small bruises

• Temporary unevenness

• Mild sensitivity around injection points

Issues that should be assessed

• Persistent lumps

• Increasing pain

• Worsening swelling

• Signs of infection

• Noticeable migration

• Prolonged discolouration

• A result that remains uneven after recovery

Rare complications may require urgent assessment. Clinics should explain what warning signs to watch for and who to contact outside normal opening hours.

Learn more about filler side effects.

How can you recognise poorly placed filler?

Possible signs include visible lumps, unusual contours, persistent asymmetry or product sitting outside the intended area. Temporary swelling can also create unevenness, so the timing of an assessment matters.

How much filler is usually needed?

There is no standard quantity for every person or treatment area. The amount depends on:

• The area being treated

• Existing volume and structure

• The filler product

• The desired degree of change

• Previous treatments

• Whether treatment is completed gradually

More filler does not automatically produce a better result.

When can the result be assessed?

Some results are visible immediately, but swelling can temporarily change the appearance. A more reliable assessment is often possible after approximately one to two weeks, although collagen-stimulating fillers develop more gradually.

What is the difference between fillers and Botox?

Fillers support volume, shape or tissue structure. Botox reduces the activity of selected muscles responsible for movement-related lines. They are different treatments and are not interchangeable.

Popular filler treatment areas

Fillers may be used in different facial and body areas. Each area requires a different product, technique and understanding of anatomy.

Explore the available options for face fillers.

What results can fillers achieve?

The result depends on the filler type and treatment objective. Some products create an immediate change in volume or contour. Others work gradually by stimulating collagen.

Possible treatment goals include:

• Restoring volume in hollow areas

• Supporting facial contours

• Softening certain folds and lines

• Adjusting the balance between facial features

• Improving definition in selected areas

• Creating gradual structural support

• Treating more than one connected facial area

Fillers cannot stop ageing, guarantee symmetry or reproduce another person’s result. Before-and-after images can demonstrate a practitioner’s approach, but individual outcomes vary.

View filler before-and-after examples for different treatment areas.

How long do fillers last?

There is no single duration that applies to all fillers. Longevity depends on the material, area, movement, treatment technique and individual metabolism.

For product- and area-specific guidance, read how long fillers last.

Are fillers safe?

No injectable treatment is completely risk-free. Safety depends on appropriate patient selection, product traceability, anatomical knowledge, injection technique, hygiene and access to aftercare.

A consultation should include:

• Relevant medical history

• Previous filler treatments

• Allergies and medication

• The exact product proposed

• Possible side effects and complications

• What to do if symptoms worsen

• Whether the treatment can be reversed or corrected

Who may or may not be suitable for fillers?

You may consider fillers when you:

• Want to restore volume or support a facial contour

• Understand that different fillers produce different effects

• Accept that many filler treatments are temporary

• Have realistic expectations

• Are willing to follow aftercare advice

• Prefer a gradual treatment plan where appropriate

Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided when you:

• Have an active infection near the treatment area

• Are unwell on the day of treatment

• Have an unresolved reaction to previous filler

• Cannot provide details of a previous filler product

• Expect a guaranteed or perfectly symmetrical result

• Have a medical reason that makes treatment unsuitable

Fillers are generally postponed during pregnancy because evidence about cosmetic injectable treatments in pregnancy is limited. Read more about fillers during pregnancy.

Filler prices and cost comparison

The cost of filler treatment depends on more than the number of millilitres used.

Price differences may reflect:

• Filler category

• Product brand

• Quantity required

• Treatment area

• Complexity of the procedure

• Practitioner experience

• Consultation time

• Review appointments

• Aftercare arrangements

• Clinic location

A collagen-stimulating treatment, a small lip treatment and a full-face treatment plan should not be compared only by price. They may use different products, quantities and treatment techniques.

A higher price does not guarantee a better result. However, an unusually low price requires careful assessment when the product, practitioner or aftercare arrangements are unclear.

Compare published information on the filler cost page.

What filler reviews and experiences can tell you

Useful reviews often provide information about the complete treatment process rather than only the final appearance.

Look for comments about:

• The quality of the consultation

• Whether expectations were discussed

• Whether the product was clearly explained

• How the practitioner approached facial balance

• Recovery and aftercare

• Access to the clinic after treatment

• The appearance after swelling settled

• Whether the reviewer would choose the same practitioner again

A review written immediately after treatment may not reflect the settled result. It is also important to distinguish between reviews of the clinic, the practitioner and a specific filler product.

Browse filler reviews alongside before-and-after photographs and practitioner information.

Comparing different filler types and alternatives

Treatments grouped under “fillers” do not all produce the same type of result.

Compare hyaluronic acid and biostimulating fillers before comparing individual brands.

Comparing filler practitioners

A filler brand alone does not determine the quality of a treatment. Product selection, diagnosis, placement and complication management all depend on the practitioner.

Check whether the practitioner:

• Has appropriate professional registration where applicable

• Has relevant injectable-treatment training

• Regularly treats the area you are considering

• Understands different filler categories

• Explains why a specific product is recommended

• Can identify previous filler complications

• Uses traceable products

• Discusses alternatives, including no treatment

• Provides written aftercare

• Offers a clear process for urgent concerns

Use the filler practitioner guide to compare qualifications, experience and treatment approach.

Comparing filler clinics

Clinics offering fillers can differ in their assessment, product range, transparency and aftercare.

Read how to choose a filler clinic.

Frequently asked questions about filler treatment

Comparing fillers and making an informed choice

Fillers include several product categories, brands and treatment techniques. The best option depends on the area being treated, the type of change requested, previous procedures, anatomy and the practitioner’s assessment.

Compare the proposed product, expected result, possible risks, total price and aftercare arrangements before deciding. A practitioner should also be prepared to explain when filler treatment is unlikely to be suitable.

This information does not replace a personal consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.