What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore volume, smooth lines and creases and improve the shape of facial features. They are a non-surgical treatment, so there are no cuts and little or no downtime.
Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in the skin and helps it hold water. Older products, such as collagen and some permanent fillers, have largely been replaced by HA fillers. Their advantages are that the body gradually breaks them down and that they can be dissolved if needed.
Who are fillers suitable for?
From the mid-twenties onwards, the face slowly loses collagen, fat and bone support. Fillers can help you if you would like to:
- Add shape or volume to thin lips
- Restore fullness to flat or hollow cheeks
- Soften the lines between the nose and mouth
- Define the jawline or chin
- Improve hollows under the eyes
- Smooth small bumps on the nose without surgery
You should be in good general health with no condition that affects healing, and have realistic expectations. Fillers are usually avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and when there is an infection or cold sore in the area to be treated.
Types of filler treatment
HA fillers come in different thicknesses. Softer gels are used for fine lines and the lips, while firmer gels are placed deeper to support the cheeks, chin and jaw. Your practitioner chooses the right product for each area. Fillers are temporary, and most of the change comes from careful placement rather than large volumes.
How the treatment is done
A session usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of areas.
Facial assessment
Your face is examined from several angles to decide which areas will benefit and how much product to use. You discuss your goals and agree a plan.
Numbing
The skin is cleaned and a numbing cream or local anaesthetic is applied. Many fillers also contain lidocaine for extra comfort.
Injection
The filler is injected with a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula in small amounts, building up the shape gradually.
Shaping and review
The area is gently moulded and checked. If needed, small top-ups are added before the session ends.
Recovery timeline
- Same day
You will see a difference immediately. Redness, small injection marks and mild swelling are normal. You can usually go back to your hotel and carry on with light activities.
- Days 1–2
Swelling is often most noticeable on the first day, especially in the lips, and then settles considerably by around 48 hours.
- Weeks 1–2
Any bruising fades and the filler settles into the tissue. The result you see at two weeks is the true result.
Aftercare
Before treatment, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and high-dose vitamin E for about 10 days if your doctor agrees, and stop smoking and alcohol for a short time to reduce bruising. Tell the clinic if you have had cold sores on the face. After treatment:
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and soreness
- Do not touch, press or massage the treated area for the first several hours unless told to
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours
- Avoid strong sun, saunas and steam rooms for at least 24 hours
- Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers for a few days unless medically needed
- Avoid dental treatment for two weeks before and after
- Contact your coordinator if redness, swelling or tenderness lasts longer than expected
Risks and side effects
Fillers are generally safe in experienced hands, but they are medical treatments with possible side effects:
- Bruising, redness and swelling
- Tenderness or mild pain
- Itching or a rash
- Small lumps or unevenness
- Infection, which is uncommon
- Cold sore flare-ups in people who are prone to them
The most serious risk is filler accidentally entering or pressing on a blood vessel. This is rare, but it can damage the skin and, very rarely, affect vision. Signs include sudden severe pain, pale or blotchy skin, or changes in eyesight, and they need urgent attention. HA fillers can be dissolved quickly in this situation, which is one reason they are preferred.
Results
The improvement is visible immediately and settles over about two weeks. Results usually last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the product, the area and how quickly your body breaks it down. Many people choose regular top-ups to keep the effect. A healthy lifestyle, sun protection and good skincare help your skin look its best between treatments.
Fillers in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
Send us clear photographs of your face and tell us which areas you would like to improve. We confirm a plan and quote with the clinic. Fillers are often combined with another treatment during the same visit.
In Istanbul
A driver takes you from the airport to your hotel and to the clinic. A translator supports you during the consultation, and the treatment itself takes less than an hour. Most people stay one or two days.
Back home
Your coordinator stays in touch on WhatsApp and passes any questions about swelling or bruising to the medical team.
What the Fillers package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for None (outpatient), 1–2 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
Fillers FAQ
How long do fillers last?
It depends on the product and the area treated. Lip fillers often last around 6 to 12 months, while thicker fillers in the cheeks or jaw can last 12 to 18 months or longer. Areas that move a lot tend to break down filler faster.
Do filler injections hurt?
Most people feel only mild discomfort. Numbing cream is applied beforehand, and many fillers contain a local anaesthetic called lidocaine, which makes the treatment more comfortable as it goes on.
Can fillers be dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be broken down with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is useful if you are unhappy with the shape, if there are lumps, or in the rare event of a complication involving a blood vessel.
What is the difference between fillers and anti-wrinkle injections?
Fillers add volume to areas that have become hollow or flat, such as the lips, cheeks or deep folds. Anti-wrinkle injections relax muscles to soften lines caused by movement, such as frown lines. The two are often used together.
Will I look overdone?
A skilled injector aims for a natural result that suits your face. It is often better to start with a modest amount and add more at a later appointment than to overfill in one session.
When can I fly after fillers?
Most people can fly the next day. Some swelling may still be visible, so allowing one to two days in Istanbul gives time for a quick check before you leave.
Who should not have fillers?
Fillers are usually not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if there is active skin infection or a cold sore in the area, or to people with a known allergy to the filler ingredients. Tell the clinic about any medical conditions and medicines you take.
