Filler
What Is It?
Filler is a treatment that uses gel-consistency products injected under the skin to restore lost volume, soften lines and rebalance facial contours. The most commonly used group is hyaluronic acid based — a molecule that also occurs in the body’s own tissue and binds water.
Filler is not one procedure but a family of products. They are separated by firmness: structured products that build support over bone, mid-layer products that restore volume, and fluid products for thin, superficial areas. Although they share one name, the depth and purpose differ; “having filler” therefore does not answer the real question — which product, in what amount, and where.
How Is It Done?
Treatment begins with facial analysis. The source of the complaint is identified: does the shadowing come from volume loss, from skin laxity, or from the pull of the mimic muscles? No product is selected before this distinction is made — filler applied to a line driven by muscle movement will not give the expected result.
Once area and depth are set, application is with a cannula or a fine needle after topical anaesthetic cream; most hyaluronic acid products also contain a local anaesthetic. Depending on the number of areas the procedure takes 15-30 minutes. Symmetry is reviewed together in the mirror at the end.
Who Is It For?
Suitable for people who notice volume loss, deepening lines, shadowing or asymmetry and who do not want surgery. The cheeks, temples, chin, lips, under-eye area and nasolabial folds are the most commonly planned regions.
Where skin laxity is advanced, filler alone will not meet the expectation — adding volume does not gather loose skin and in some cases makes the face look heavier. It is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active infection or inflamed lesions at the site, or in bleeding disorders, uncontrolled autoimmune disease and known allergy to the product. Blood-thinning medication increases bruising risk and forms part of the assessment.
Process & Recovery
Consultation and analysis
Expectations, medical history and current medication are recorded; facial analysis is performed and which product goes where is agreed together. Baseline photographs are taken.
Treatment day
The skin is cleansed and topical anaesthetic cream is left on for 15-20 minutes. The planned points are treated; 15-30 minutes depending on the number of areas.
First 48 hours
Redness, mild swelling and bruising may appear at injection points; these are expected and temporary. Heat, intense exercise and alcohol are not advised on the first day, and pressure on the area should be avoided.
First two weeks
Swelling resolves and the product settles into the tissue. Settling takes 10-14 days; the result is not assessed before then.
Review
A review is planned at the end of the second week. Symmetry and transitions are assessed and a small top-up is added if needed.
Results & Duration
The volume effect is visible immediately, while the final appearance becomes clear once swelling resolves, on average within two weeks. Duration varies with the product, area, quantity used and individual metabolism; the range generally reported for hyaluronic acid based products is 12-18 months.
In mobile areas such as the lips and around the mouth the product breaks down faster; at static support points it lasts longer. The effect fades over time and requires renewal — no substance is left in the tissue for life.
What Is Not Promised
Filler is not a face lift. It does not remove excess skin in advanced laxity, does not correct pigmentation or skin-quality problems, and does not on its own address lines driven by muscle movement.
No particular appearance, duration or “done in one session” is guaranteed. How much change a given amount of product can achieve depends on your facial analysis and is discussed openly at consultation. If expectations do not match your anatomy, the treatment is not recommended.
Key Benefits
- Instant volume
- Line softening
- Natural look
“With filler the question is not “how much” but “where”. A small amount in the right place always beats a large amount in the wrong one.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Is filler painful?
Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand and most products contain a local anaesthetic. Most people describe pressure and a mild stinging sensation.
Can I return to work the same day?
Yes, most people return to daily life the same day. Because swelling or bruising can occur in the first days, plan a few days ahead of any important event.
Will my face look puffy?
Not with measured treatment. A puffy look usually comes from early swelling or from placing more product than the area can carry; quantity is kept to the plan.
When will I see the final result?
The first effect is immediate and settles as swelling resolves. Assessment is made after about two weeks.
How long does it last?
The range generally reported is 12-18 months. Shorter in mobile areas such as the lips, longer at static support points.
Is it reversible?
Hyaluronic acid based products can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed. This does not apply to products of other compositions; product choice is discussed at consultation.
Is it the same as Botox?
No. Filler adds volume and fills a deficit; Botox temporarily reduces muscle movement. They address different problems and can be planned together when appropriate.
Who is it not suitable for?
It is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active infection or inflamed lesions at the site, or in bleeding disorders, uncontrolled autoimmune disease and known allergy to the product.