Many people wonder: what is a filler actually and what exactly does it do to your face? In this article you get a down-to-earth, clear explanation, with realistic expectations, practical examples and concrete tips to achieve a natural result. On this page you will read how fillers work, what types exist, how long the result lasts and what to pay attention to for safety. Do you want to see the full overview of treatments right away? Then check out the overview of filler treatments.
Book an appointment
A filler is a gel that is injected very precisely into or just under the skin to restore volume, smooth fine lines or restore contours. The most commonly used filler at Dr T. is based on hyaluronic acid, a body's own building block that attracts water. The advantage: immediate filling and a fresh, supple look that appears natural when dosed correctly.
Besides hyaluronic acid, there are also biostimulatory injectables, such as Sculptra. These provide less immediate filling, but stimulate your own collagen production so that your skin becomes firmer and subtly lifted over the months. The effect builds up and lasts a long time, with a very natural look.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are based on a building block your body already produces and add volume and shape right away. They can be placed very precisely, for example along the lip contour, the tear trough, the cheekbones, the jawline or the marionette lines. A key advantage is that they are reversible: if needed, the product can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. The result usually stays visible for 9 to 24 months.
Biostimulator Sculptra: collagen building with a lifting effect
Sculptra stimulates the production of your own collagen. You won't see a significant filling after day one, but over weeks and months, firmness and a subtle lifting effect develop. This is interesting for volume loss in the cheeks, temples, sagging jawline, hands or general skin quality. Want to know more about the product? Check out this product page from Galderma.
Radiesse is a filler based on calcium hydroxylapatite that provides immediate structure while also stimulating your own collagen production. We often use it for the jawline, the chin and sometimes the hands, where it gives a firm, well defined contour. Radiesse is not dissolvable, so careful placement is important. The result usually stays visible for 12 to 18 months.
Skinboosters: microdroplets for glow and hydration
Skinboosters are very thin hyaluronic acid microdroplets that visibly improve your skin quality. Think hydration, fine lines, a soft glow. Results are visible for an average of 4 to 6 months and are ideal if your skin could use just that bit extra freshness.
Neurotoxins: soften expression lines
Neurotoxins are not fillers per se, but are often part of a plan. They soften muscle activity and thus expression wrinkles. The first effect usually starts within a few hours to 3 days. Fillers fill, neurotoxins relax. They are different tools that complement each other beautifully.
| Type | Primary goal | Lifting effect | When visible | Duration of result | Reversible | Typical areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid filler | Filling and shaping | Light, depending on technique | Immediately | 9-24 months | Yes, correctable | Lips, tear trough, cheekbone, fold |
| Sculptra (biostimulator) | Collagen building and firmness | Yes, progressive | Gradually over weeks | on average 2 years, often longer | No, not dissolvable | Cheeks, jawline, temple, hands |
| Radiesse | Structure and contour | Yes, through stimulation | Immediately, with further buildup | 12-18 months | No, not dissolvable | Jawline, chin, hands |
| Skinbooster | Hydration and glow | No, mainly quality | Quickly, within days | 4-6 months | Yes, in principle correctable | Face, neck, d茅collet茅, hands |
Safety always comes first. Dr T. chooses recognized products with a proven safety profile and uses techniques that closely match your anatomy. We work hygienically and take the time to see your facial expressions and feel your skin. You get clear information about what to expect, including possible temporary reactions such as mild swelling or a bruise.
Transparency is important. In Europe, injectables are actively monitored. For example, a recent EU campaign provided insight into quality and conformity checks of hyaluronic acid fillers. Would you like to read about it? Check out this EU news item. At Dr T., we choose products and techniques with clear added value and safety.
Also read how we limit risks and what you can do yourself for aftercare in our article about possible risks and side effects. That helps you to start prepared and with peace of mind.
Intake: we discuss your wishes, look at your face at rest and in expression, and explain feasible options. Everything is aimed at a natural, subtle result that suits your age and personality.
The treatment: a session usually lasts twenty to thirty minutes. We use fine needles or a blunt cannula, depending on the area and the goal. We work slowly and precisely. Comfort is paramount. Most people experience this as manageable. If desired, local anesthesia can be used, and for lip fillers a numbing cream.
After the session: there may be temporary swelling or a small bruise. Often you are presentable right away. You get simple advice, such as cool gently if needed and avoid heavy pressure or intensive sports that day. We schedule an evaluation if appropriate to discuss the result and adjust if desired.
Hyaluronic acid filler gives immediately visible results. Depending on the type of product, the treated area, your metabolism and lifestyle, the effect lasts an average of 9 to 24 months. Skinboosters mainly provide hydration and glow and usually remain visible for 4 to 6 months. Biostimulators such as Sculptra give a slower but long-lasting effect with collagen building and a subtle lifting result after a buildup process.
Neurotoxins work differently. They relax expressions and are often combined with fillers for a soft, fresh expression. The first effect usually starts within a few hours to 3 days. Together, these techniques provide a natural, relaxed appearance, without anyone noticing you had a treatment.
Lips require finesse. A small change in contour or hydration can already make a big difference. If you want to know more about volume, symmetry or how we work with minimal doses, check out our page about lip filler and inspiration on our page about before and after. Everything starts from your facial expressions and facial shape.
Fillers are suitable for those who want to soften volume loss or folds, or who want to subtly shape, for example, the lip, chin or jawline. We do not treat with active skin infections, recent dental procedures, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Are you taking blood thinners or do you have medical peculiarities? Discuss this openly. We always advise honestly and adjust the planning if that is safer.
The cost depends on the type of product, the amount and the complexity of the treatment. Count on a fair price per milliliter and tailored advice. Want a concrete idea? Check out the most recent price indications.
Our philosophy is natural and subtle. You get compliments because you look good, not because someone sees what you had done. Curious about realistic results? Feel free to view the before and after images as inspiration. Remember that every face is unique. We always align with your anatomy and wishes.
A filler is a precise gel that restores volume, shapes or improves your skin quality. Hyaluronic acid works immediately and is correctable. Skinboosters provide a fresh glow. Biostimulators such as Sculptra build collagen with a subtle lifting effect. Radiesse gives a firm contour. Most treatments last twenty to thirty minutes, with quickly visible results. The key is dosing and matching it to your face, so that nobody sees you have been treated, but everyone notices you are radiant.
Schedule a personal consultation with Dr T.
Book an appointment
Best tear trough filler: subtly softening hollow, tired eyes
Biostimulator
Biostimulators at Dr T.: firmer skin with a natural look
Biostimulating filler Radiesse
Complications with Fillers: What You Need to Know, How to Recognize Them, and What to Do Immediately
The best fillers for your face: how to choose with confidence