Dermal Fillers: What to Know Before You Book
Hyaluronic-acid gel injected beneath the skin to restore volume that thins with age, most often in the cheeks, temples, lips, and jawline.
Who it’s for
People noticing flatter cheeks, a less defined jawline, or thinning lips, a structural change that Botox cannot address since it works on muscle movement, not volume.
What to expect at your visit
A consultation to map facial proportions first, then injections with a fine needle or cannula. Some swelling or bruising is normal for 2-5 days.
What results look like over time
Shape is visible immediately, though swelling can mask the true result for a few days; final shape settles at around the two-week mark.
Downtime & aftercare
Avoid intense exercise, alcohol, and facial pressure (including sleeping face-down) for 24-48 hours. Full settling takes about two weeks.
How to prepare for your visit
Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatory medication for 24-48 hours beforehand to reduce bruising risk, and come with a clear idea of what specifically bothers you so the consultation can focus there.
Often paired with
Often planned alongside Botox in the same visit, filler restores volume while Botox addresses movement-based lines, two different problems, one appointment.
Who might want to wait
If you are looking to change your fundamental facial structure rather than restore lost volume, filler has limits, and that honest conversation happens at consultation before any product is used.
“Will it look obviously 'done'?”
Not at conservative, well-placed volumes. The goal is restoring what age has softened, not adding a new shape that was never there.
What Recovery and Results Look Like
Swelling is the main thing to expect in the first 48 hours, often more noticeable than any bruising, and it settles faster in areas with thinner skin. Ice in the first few hours helps, and avoiding alcohol, intense exercise, and lying face-down for 24 to 48 hours reduces both swelling and the small risk of the filler shifting before it settles. What you see immediately after injection is close to, but not exactly, the final result: filler continues to integrate and soften into the tissue over 2 to 4 weeks, especially in areas with more movement like the lips or cheeks. Most hyaluronic acid fillers last 9 to 18 months depending on the area and how quickly your body metabolises it, with denser areas like the cheeks typically lasting longer than more mobile areas like the lips.
Ready to talk it through?
Message Dr. Alaa directly on WhatsApp for an honest, no-pressure recommendation, or read the full Dermal Fillers treatment page.
Guide FAQ
How do I know how much I need?
Dr. Alaa maps your facial proportions at consultation and recommends a conservative starting amount; more can always be added later.
What happens if I don't like the result?
Hyaluronic-acid filler can be dissolved if needed, which is one of the reasons it is the preferred starting point for most patients.
What's the difference between filler types?
Different hyaluronic-acid formulations have different thickness and longevity; Dr. Alaa selects the right one for the specific area being treated.
Can filler be combined across multiple areas in one visit?
Yes, many patients treat two or three areas in a single appointment, planned and costed together at consultation.
