Dermal Fillers: Restoring Volume and Contouring the Face

Dermal fillers are substances injected under the skin to add volume to a chosen area, soften deep wrinkles or reshape the face, without surgery.

Commonly used types of filler

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: HA occurs naturally in the body. These are the most popular fillers because of their high safety, and they can be reversed with Hyaluronidase if a problem occurs. They last 6–18 months, depending on the injection site and the product used.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers: These stimulate the production of new collagen and last 12–18 months. They are suitable for adding volume to the cheeks and jawline. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA): This stimulates collagen production gradually and sometimes lasts up to 2 years or more. It is suitable for people who have lost fat under the skin, such as patients with HIV lipoatrophy.

Common injection areas

Lips (Lip augmentation): HA filler is used to add fullness and softness to the lips. Deep wrinkles: Used to fill nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Cheeks and cheekbones (Midface augmentation): HA or CaHA is used to restore volume to cheeks that have hollowed with age. Nose bridge (Nose reshape): Filler is used to build up the nose bridge and tip so they look more defined, without surgery.

Side effects and safety

Fillers are safe when performed by an experienced doctor. Possible side effects include temporary swelling, minor needle marks and temporary bruising. The most important serious side effect is blockage of a blood vessel by filler material (Vascular Occlusion). This is an emergency that must be treated immediately with Hyaluronidase.

References: Dayan SH et al. Soft tissue augmentation. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2015;23(4):449-57. | Rohrich RJ et al. A classification of facial fillers. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;128(1):271-276. | Thai Society of Aesthetic Dermatology. Filler Practice Guidelines. 2023.

Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026