Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial features like the lips and cheeks. They’re ideal for softening smile lines, restoring fullness, and creating a more refreshed, youthful look without surgery or downtime.
If you’re thinking about getting fillers, BOOK A CONSULTATION with our dermal filler specialists at Team Dermatology. Our board-certified providers customize every treatment to your aesthetic goals.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what type of filler is best for natural results, what to expect during treatment, and how to choose a dermal filler provider near you.
Table of Contents
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and enhance contours. Most fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your body that keeps your skin hydrated and plump.
As we age, HA production slows down. Our skin gets thinner, cheeks lose volume, and lines around the mouth and eyes deepen. Dermal fillers help reverse those signs by replenishing HA exactly where it’s needed.
Dermal fillers are commonly used to:
- Fill in smile lines and marionette lines
- Restore volume to cheeks and temples
- Plump the lips
- Smooth under-eye hollows
- Define the jawline or chin
Results are often immediate and can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the product and area treated.
What’s the Best Dermal Filler for a Natural Appearance?
One of the best things about dermal fillers is that they’re highly customizable. They come in different formulas, each designed to treat specific areas and concerns. The best dermal filler depends on what you’re trying to improve, whether it’s fine lines, volume loss, or skin texture.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
These are the most common and versatile fillers. HA is a substance your body naturally produces to keep skin hydrated and plump. HA fillers restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and add definition. They’re also reversible, which makes them a popular choice for first-time filler patients. Popular HA fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers
CaHA is a thicker filler that stimulates natural collagen production over time. It’s typically used for deeper wrinkles and areas needing more structural support, like the cheeks or jawline. A CaHA filler like Radiesse adds immediate volume and lift to cheeks, jawline, and hands with results lasting 12-18 months.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers
PLLA fillers don’t give instant volume. Instead, they work gradually by stimulating your body to produce collagen over several months. They’re ideal for treating facial volume loss over time, especially in the cheeks or temples.
A poly-l-lactic acid filler like Sculptra is commonly used to restore volume in the cheeks and temples, improve skin firmness and texture, and treat facial sagging and hollowing from aging or weight loss. Results appear gradually over a few months and can last up to 2 years.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers
PMMA fillers are semi-permanent. They contain tiny microspheres that stay in the skin and offer long-lasting support. These are often used for deeper wrinkles or acne scarring, but they require more commitment and should only be done by highly experienced providers.
Bellafill is an example of a polymethylmethacrylate filler. It smooths deep smile lines, fills in acne scars, and offers results that can last 5+ years in some cases. It’s ideal for adults with moderate to deep wrinkles or acne scarring
Since Bellafill is semi-permanent, it’s important to have a consultation with an experienced dermal filler doctor near you who can assess if it’s the right option based on your skin type, goals, and medical history.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Yes, dermal fillers are safe when injected by a qualified medical professional. The most commonly used fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA). That said, no procedure is completely risk-free. The most common side effects include:
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild bruising
- Temporary tenderness or firmness
These side effects typically subside within a few days. Serious complications are rare, but can happen if fillers are injected incorrectly, especially by untrained or unlicensed injectors.
Why Choose a Dermal Filler Specialist, Not Just Any Injector
Dermal fillers are medical treatments. They should only be done by trained professionals with a deep understanding of facial anatomy and injection technique. For the safest, most natural results, you want someone who does this regularly at their practice.
Who is most qualified to inject fillers?
- Board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons
- Experienced nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) who work under a doctor’s supervision and specialize in aesthetic treatments
- Medical providers who can recognize and manage complications if they occur
Avoid anyone who isn’t licensed or can’t explain their training in detail. Just because someone offers low prices or has a large following doesn’t mean they’re qualified. Here are some questions to ask your provider:
- Are you board-certified or medically licensed?
- How many years have you been performing filler injections?
- What types of fillers do you use, and why?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
- What happens if I have a complication or don’t like the result?
Book a Consultation With Houston’s Dermal Filler Expert, Dr. Asra Ali.
Dr. Asra Ali is a board-certified dermatologist and one of Houston’s expert dermal filler specialists, known for delivering natural, balanced results. During your consultation, Dr. Ali and her team will assess your facial structure, listen to your goals, and recommend the best filler approach for your goals.
Ready for that fresh-faced, “wait… did she get something done?” kind of glow? Book a consultation with Dr. Ali at Team Dermatology. We serve patients in Houston and Sugar Land, TX, and nearby areas, including Memorial, Katy, Conroe, Cypress, Pearland, The Woodlands, and Spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dermal fillers last?
Most dermal fillers last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the type used and the area treated. Fillers like Sculptra can last up to 2 years, while Bellafill may last 5 years or more.
What is the best dermal filler for wrinkles and volume loss?
Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are ideal for smoothing wrinkles and restoring volume. Radiesse and Sculptra are better suited for deeper volume loss and collagen stimulation.
Is there downtime after getting dermal fillers?
There’s little to no downtime. You may experience minor swelling or bruising, which usually goes away within a few days. Most people return to normal activities the same day.
Are dermal fillers safe for all skin types?
Yes, dermal fillers are generally safe for all skin types when injected by a qualified dermal filler specialist. Always consult a board-certified provider to discuss your medical history and goals.
What’s the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?
Botox relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles (like forehead lines), while dermal fillers add volume and smooth static lines (like smile lines or hollow cheeks).
