Debunking Filler Myths
Dermal fillers are massively popular with those wanting to reduce signs of ageing and enhance facial features but wanting to avoid surgical procedures.
Despite their widespread use, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding dermal fillers. Whether it’s misinformation about safety, results, or how fillers work, these myths can deter people from exploring an option that may be right for them.
I want to debunk the most common myths about dermal fillers and provide a clearer understanding of what they can—and can’t—do for your skin.
Fillers Make You Look Fake
One of the most common myths about fillers is that they will give you an unnatural, overly filled, or "plastic" look. The truth is, when done correctly by a skilled injector, fillers should enhance your natural beauty, not distort it.
The key to natural-looking results is the expertise of the injector. A professional with a deep understanding of facial anatomy will use fillers in a conservative and subtle way to add volume where needed. The goal is to create balance, not to alter your face dramatically. When done right, no one should even notice you’ve had fillers—they’ll just see a refreshed version of you.
Fillers Are Permanent
Many people believe that dermal fillers are a permanent commitment, or that once you start using them, you're stuck with the results forever. This idea often causes hesitation among those who are curious but afraid of making permanent changes to their appearance.
Most dermal fillers are temporary. The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin, which gradually breaks down over time. These fillers typically last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the area treated, the specific product used, and individual factors like metabolism. For those who don’t like the results, many types of fillers can even be dissolved.
Fillers Are Only for Lips
The idea that fillers are exclusively for plumping lips is a common myth, largely driven by social media trends. Fillers can be used in a variety of areas to address different concerns, including:
Cheeks: Adding volume to lift and contour the face.
Nasolabial folds: Reducing the appearance of deep smile lines.
Under-eye hollows: Filling in shadows and reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Jawline and chin: Enhancing definition and balance.
Hands: Restoring volume lost due to aging.
Fillers Are Painful
Another common myth is that getting dermal fillers is an excruciatingly painful process. The idea of needles near sensitive areas of the face can make people anxious, but the actual experience is far from that.
While there may be some discomfort, many clinics offer topical numbing creams or ice packs to reduce discomfort. Most patients report only a slight pinch or pressure during the procedure, and the overall experience is generally fine.
Fillers Are the Same as Botox
Fillers and Botox are often confused as being the same type of treatment, but they work in entirely different ways and serve different purposes.
Botox temporarily relaxes muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines caused by facial expressions. Dermal fillers add volume to areas that have lost fullness over time or enhance specific features like the lips or cheeks. They work by plumping up the skin rather than relaxing muscles. While both are used for anti-aging, they target different concerns and can often complement each other when used together.
Fillers Can Stretch or Sag Your Skin
There is a common fear that using fillers will stretch the skin, and once the filler dissolves, the skin will sag or look worse than before.
Fillers do not stretch the skin. In fact, dermal fillers can actually help stimulate collagen production in the skin, leading to long-term improvements in skin quality. Once the filler dissolves, your skin will return to its original state. Proper maintenance with fillers, spaced out over time, can help slow down the visible effects of aging without causing any permanent stretching or sagging.
Fillers Are Only for Women
This assumption ignores the growing number of men who seek out fillers to enhance their appearance.
Whether for softening wrinkles, defining the jawline, or enhancing features, fillers are a versatile tool for both men and women. The approach to male treatments is typically more conservative, with an emphasis on maintaining masculine features while reducing signs of aging.
Fillers Are Risky and Unsafe
Because fillers involve injections, some people believe that they are dangerous.
Dermal fillers are generally safe when performed by a licensed and trained medical professional. FDA-approved fillers have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are safe. However, like any medical procedure, fillers do come with potential risks such as bruising and swelling.
Get the Facts Before You Decide
Dermal fillers are a safe and effective option for those looking to enhance their appearance or reduce the signs of aging. It’s clear that fillers, when administered by a skilled professional, can offer natural, flexible, and lasting results. If you’re considering fillers, we can discuss your goals, concerns, and what can realistically be achieved for your unique facial structure.