What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?
Dermal fillers have become one of the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments in Canada. They can restore lost volume, soften lines and enhance features in a single short appointment, with little downtime. This guide explains what they are, how they work and what to expect.
What Are Dermal Fillers Made Of?
Most dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally present in the skin that retains water and provides hydration and volume. The HA is cross-linked so that it lasts several months, and many products contain lidocaine for comfort. Other fillers, called biostimulators, such as calcium hydroxylapatite (RADIESSE®) and poly-L-lactic acid (SCULPTRA®), stimulate the skin’s own collagen. See our article on what dermal fillers are made of.
What Do Dermal Fillers Do?
- Restore volume lost with age or weight loss, in the cheeks, temples or under the eyes.
- Soften lines and folds, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Enhance features, such as the lips, chin and jawline.
- Improve skin quality, with skinboosters that hydrate the skin from within.
Common Areas Treated With Dermal Fillers
- Lips and lip border.
- Cheeks and midface.
- Tear troughs.
- Nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Chin and jawline.
- Temples.
- Hands, to restore volume and reduce the visibility of veins and tendons.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
HA fillers generally last six to eighteen months depending on the product and area: less in mobile areas such as the lips, more in the cheeks or chin. Biostimulators can last longer. See our article on how long dermal fillers last.
Who Should Consider Dermal Fillers?
Adults in good health who want to restore volume, soften lines or enhance a feature, and who have realistic expectations. Fillers are generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in case of an active infection in the area. See our article on who is a good candidate for dermal fillers.
What to Expect During Treatment
- A consultation to discuss goals, medical history and the treatment plan.
- Skin disinfection and, if needed, a numbing cream.
- Injections with a fine needle or cannula, usually in 15 to 45 minutes.
- Immediate results, with mild swelling for a few days and the final result after about two weeks.
In Canada, who may inject fillers depends on the province and the professional college. See our preparation guide.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
When injected by qualified professionals using products from legitimate sources, dermal fillers have a good safety record. The most common reactions are mild swelling, redness and bruising. Rare complications require experienced management, and HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed. In Canada, suspected adverse reactions can be reported to Health Canada through the Canada Vigilance Program. Established ranges available to Canadian clinics include JUVÉDERM®, RESTYLANE®, BELOTERO®, TEOSYAL® and REVANESSE®, all in our dermal fillers category.
References
The Plastics Fella. (2025, April 20). Injectable fillers: Classification, indications, & injection techniques. Retrieved from
https://www.theplasticsfella.com/fillers/
Skinfinity Derma. (2025, May 14). Different types of fillers: Which one is right for you in 2025? Retrieved from
https://www.skinfinityderma.com/types-of-dermal-fillers-2025-guide/
Aesthetics Medspa. (2025, January 20). Types of dermal fillers: Top 5 facial fillers to try in 2025. Retrieved from
https://aestheticsmedspa.com/types-of-dermal-fillers/
