Facial fillers: what works naturally, how long do they last, and which one suits you?

What fillers actually do: volume, shape and hydration

Fillers are gels that we place in small amounts to restore volume, refine contours and support the skin. The most commonly used category in the face are hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a building block naturally present in the body that attracts water, thereby filling and shaping.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are versatile and precisely dosable. They are ideal for lips, tear troughs, cheeks, cheekbones, jawline and chin. The result usually remains visible for 9 to 24 months, depending on the area, product choice and metabolism. Specifically for lip fillers, the effect lasts on average 9 to 12 months. The goal is always a natural refreshing look while preserving your own expression.

Best choice per zone and budget: how to choose wisely

The right choice depends on your goal, your skin quality and your budget. Below you'll find clear guidelines. For deeper info per zone, you can click through to natural accents with fillers or to the best choice per zone.

Tip: sometimes a combination of techniques is the most expert and natural approach. A small dose in the cheekbone can, for example, already soften a fold elsewhere. During your consultation we look at this together, with an eye for balance and safety.

Results, comfort and timing: what to expect

A treatment with facial fillers usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. We work with fine needles or cannulas and do everything to keep you as comfortable as possible. The result of hyaluronic acid fillers is typically visible immediately.

Shortly after the treatment you might see mild swelling or a small bruise. This usually subsides quickly. You can often resume your daily activities right away. We always provide clear aftercare and if needed you can come back for an evaluation or adjustment. Our approach is natural, subtle and safe, with respect for your expression.

Safety first: product, technique and anatomy

Safety is paramount. We choose products with proven added value and adapt the technique per zone. For hyaluronic acid fillers, we use well-considered dosages and placements. For questions or concerns, you can always come for follow-up. For general info on medical devices, you can consult the Federal Public Service Health.

Aftercare: what you should and shouldn't do

What to expect before and after the treatment? Avoid alcohol and certain painkillers that increase the risk of bruising shortly before your appointment. After the treatment, we temporarily advise against heat sources like sauna and intensive sports. Do not apply makeup on the injection site for the first few hours and avoid rubbing the treated area vigorously. You will receive specific aftercare tips, tailored to your treatment.

Our evaluation methodology: how we advise and adjust

An expert assessment of the indication makes the difference between simply filling and a refresh that is just right. During your consultation, we look at:

• Anatomy and proportions: bone structure, fat compartments, skin thickness and symmetry.
• Skin quality: hydration, elasticity and texture. Sometimes a skin booster makes more sense than volume.
• Facial expressions: how does your face behave at rest and in expression? That guides the choice of product and placement.
• Lifestyle and wishes: how long do you want the effect to last, how much recovery time do you want to allow and what feels comfortable?
• Budget: we advise on where you get the most added value per milliliter.
• Safety: zone-specific considerations, product choice and technique. No permanent materials.
• Expectations: realistic goals, working step by step and evaluating with before-and-after photos.

This is how we arrive together at a plan that is subtle, well thought out and respectful of your unique features. You deserve a fresh look that suits you.

Decision guide: fillers, skin booster or Sculptra

Torn between volume restoration, hydration boost or gradual firming? Here's a quick decision guide. Remember: we always decide together what looks natural on you.

Hyaluronic acid fillers

goal is shape and volume. Visible result immediately. Average duration 9 to 24 months depending on zone and product. Ideal for lips, cheekbones, tear trough, jawline and chin.

Skin booster (micro droplets of hyaluronic acid)

goal is hydration and improving texture without adding volume. Result usually remains visible for 4 to 6 months, with a beautiful glow.

Sculptra (biostimulator)

stimulates collagen for gradual firming and a lifting effect. Not for the T-zone, but interesting for cheeks and the sides of the face. We use Sculptra thoughtfully and safely. More background can be found in this explanation from Galderma.

Are you also considering expression correction? With neurotoxins, results are often visible within a few hours to 3 days. That is different from fillers, which provide volume or structure. During a consultation we fine-tune this together.

Price and scenarios: what it costs realistically

The total price depends on the zone, the type of product and the amount. During the consultation we transparently discuss what you need for your goal. For an indication you can check our prices. Below are some recognizable scenarios:

• Subtle lip refresh: often 0.5 to 1 ml of hyaluronic acid. Goal: natural hydration and contour, no overfilled effect.
• Cheekbones and cheeks: often 1 to 2 ml to restore volume and give a fresh lift. Longevity: typically 18 to 24 months.
• Tear trough: usually small, distributed amounts, with a focus on shadow reduction. Longevity: often 9 to 12 months.
• Jawline and chin: often 1 to 2 ml for definition. Sometimes combined with cheeks for the best balance effect.
• Skin booster course: micro droplets of hyaluronic acid for glow and texture, average 4 to 6 months effect.

Many people ask about three syringes. In practice, we don't look at a number, but at your goal and anatomy. Sometimes you achieve more with smart distribution than with extra volume. We honestly advise where you get the most benefit. Want a personal proposal? Contact Dr T.

Realistic examples: what you can expect

Example 1: someone with volume loss in the cheeks and a tired look. With 1 to 2 ml of hyaluronic acid in the cheekbones and optionally a small correction in the tear trough, a fresher, rested appearance often emerges immediately. The longevity is typically 18 to 24 months in the cheekbones and 9 to 12 months in the tear trough.

Example 2: someone who mainly experiences dry skin and a dull appearance. A skin booster with micro droplets of hyaluronic acid improves hydration and texture without adding volume. The result typically remains visible for 4 to 6 months and can be repeated if needed.

Example 3: someone who wants more definition in the jawline, but fears an overly angular result. With firm, zone-appropriate hyaluronic acid fillers in small amounts, we create subtle definition and balance. We often combine this with a mini correction in the chin for a harmonious profile.

Practical flow: from consultation to aftercare

An initial consultation revolves around listening and observing. We discuss your goals, take the time to assess your skin and take photos for comparison. The treatment itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards you receive clear aftercare, and if necessary we schedule an evaluation or adjustment. Transparency and comfort are central.