Nobody books a filler appointment because they want a different face. Most people simply want the one they already have, on a good day. Without the shadows under the eyes that make friends ask, “Are you tired?” after a perfectly good night’s sleep. Without the softening at the cheek that seems to have arrived overnight.
Dermal fillers are one of the most talked-about options in aesthetic medicine, and one of the most misunderstood. This guide explains what fillers actually do, what each treatment area is typically used for, what is normal (and what is not) afterwards, and how to judge whether a practitioner is right for you. It comes from the team at Thornhill Clinic in Luton, where our aesthetic treatments sit alongside our GP and medical services.
| The short version
• Fillers restore volume and contour. They do not paralyse muscles or “freeze” your face. • Good results are subtle and proportionate. If you can tell straight away that someone has had filler, it has usually been overdone. • Results are temporary, so you can start cautiously and adjust. • Who does the treatment matters more than which product they use. |
What dermal fillers actually do
As we age, our faces do not just develop lines. We also lose volume in the cheeks, temples, lips and around the eyes, and the skin’s collagen declines, so tissues sit differently than they once did. Dermal fillers are injectable gels placed beneath the skin to replace some of that lost volume, soften creases and refine shape.
Most fillers used in modern aesthetic practice are based on hyaluronic acid, a substance the body naturally produces. It is worth asking your practitioner exactly which product they plan to use and why they have chosen it for you.
Area by area: what to expect
Here are the filler treatments listed on our aesthetic treatments page, with what each is typically used for. The “from” prices are the starting prices published on the page at the time of writing. Your final price depends on the plan agreed with your doctor.
| Area | What it is typically used for | From |
| Lips | Adding volume, definition or symmetry. The best results are usually enhancement, not transformation. | £250 |
| Cheeks | Restoring mid-face volume for a fresher, more lifted look. | £300 |
| Chin | Improving definition and balancing your profile. | £300 |
| Jaw | Creating a more defined jawline. | £300 |
| Nasolabial folds | Softening the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth. | £300 |
| Marionette lines | Softening the lines that run from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. | £300 |
| Tear troughs | Softening hollows beneath the eyes that can create a tired look. | £350 |
| Temples | Replacing volume in hollowed temples. | £450 |
| Forehead | Contouring and softening the forehead. | £450 |
| Nose | Subtle, non-surgical refinement of the nose’s shape. | £450 |
| Frown area | Softening the vertical lines between the brows. | £750 |
| Mid face lift | Lifting and rebalancing the mid-face by restoring lost volume. | £750 |
Some areas are technically more demanding than others. The delicate skin around the eyes, the nose and the area between the brows all call for detailed knowledge of facial anatomy, which is one reason it matters so much who is holding the syringe.
Also, the area that bothers you is not always the area that should be treated first. A hollow cheek, for example, can deepen the fold beside the nose, so replacing cheek volume can sometimes soften the line without touching it. A good practitioner will look at your whole face, not just the spot you point to.
Fillers or anti-wrinkle injections? They are not the same thing
People often use the two terms interchangeably, but they do different jobs. Anti-wrinkle injections relax specific muscles to soften expression lines, such as frown lines and forehead lines. Fillers add or restore volume and contour. Many people benefit from a combination, but not everyone needs both, and an honest practitioner will tell you which one actually addresses what you are bothered by.
Anti-wrinkle injections are prescription-only treatments in the UK, so they should only ever follow a proper consultation with a qualified prescriber.
How long do results last, and what does “natural” really mean?
How long fillers last depends on the product, the area treated and the individual. As a general rule, results in very mobile areas such as the lips tend to fade sooner, while areas like the cheeks often last longer, with typical results ranging from several months to around two years. Many people choose to top up periodically to maintain the effect.
“Natural” is really a matter of restraint. A good treatment plan is built around your own proportions rather than a trend from social media. Starting conservatively lets you and your practitioner see how your face responds and adjust from there. Most hyaluronic acid fillers can also be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which makes them more adjustable than many people expect. That said, it should never be a reason to take a treatment lightly.
What is normal afterwards, and what is not
Common and usually temporary
- Swelling, redness and tenderness around the injection sites.
- Bruising, which can take a week or two to fade.
- Small lumps or unevenness that settle over the following days.
Call your clinic promptly if
- Swelling or redness is getting worse rather than better after the first few days.
- A firm or tender lump persists.
- You notice signs of infection, such as increasing pain, heat, fever or discharge.
Seek urgent help if
Serious complications are rare, but the most important one to know about is filler entering or blocking a blood vessel. Contact the clinic immediately if you notice severe pain, skin that turns pale, blue-grey or mottled, or any change in your vision. If you cannot reach us, or your vision is affected, go to A&E or call 999.
Who can and cannot have fillers
You must be 18 or over. Since 1 October 2021 it has been a criminal offence in England to administer cosmetic filler injections to anyone under 18, even with a parent’s permission (see the Act).
Your doctor will also review your medical history and medications. Treatment may be postponed or unsuitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection near the treatment area, or have certain medical conditions. This is exactly why a consultation comes before the needle, not after it.
Why a doctor-led approach matters
Aesthetic treatments are medical procedures, and at Thornhill Clinic they are carried out by doctors. Most of our aesthetic treatments are performed by our aesthetic clinical lead, Dr Rohit Seth, who has more than 18 years of experience in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery. Fillers and other non-surgical treatments are also available with Dr Ruhul Amin and Dr Murtaza Khanbhai.
Because we are a medical clinic first, your health history and overall wellbeing are part of the conversation from the start. If you would like a checklist of what to ask any practitioner, we have put one together in our guide to the top questions to ask before getting an aesthetic treatment.
What your appointment looks like
- Book online. Choose a time that suits you and confirm your booking with a card, Apple Pay or Direct Debit.
- Talk it through. Aesthetic appointments at Thornhill are private and last around 20 minutes. Before any treatment goes ahead, you will discuss your goals, your medical history, what is realistic and what it will cost.
- Treatment. Your practitioner will explain how they will minimise discomfort. Most people describe mild discomfort rather than pain.
- Aftercare. You will be given instructions to follow. These commonly include avoiding strenuous exercise and heat for the first day or so, and not pressing or massaging the area unless you are told to.
| A practical tip
Book at least two weeks before a wedding, holiday or big event. That leaves time for any swelling or bruising to settle and for a review if you want a small adjustment. |
Frequently asked questions
Do dermal fillers hurt?
Most people describe mild discomfort rather than pain, and it is brief. Ask your practitioner what comfort measures they use.
Will I have downtime?
It varies by area and by person. Many people return to normal activities quickly, though swelling or bruising can last for several days. Plan around important events.
Can fillers be reversed?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can usually be dissolved with hyaluronidase, but this depends on the product used, so ask before you begin.
Are fillers covered by insurance?
Aesthetic treatments are usually considered elective and are not typically covered by insurance. It is sensible to check with your provider.
How do I know which area to treat first?
Bring photos or simply describe what bothers you. Your doctor may suggest starting somewhere different from where you expected, and explain why.
| Ready for a conversation, not a sales pitch?
Book online: Thornhill Clinic booking Call: 01582 561999, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm Visit: Thornhill Clinic, 1 Thornhill Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU4 8EY |