What are dermal fillers made of?
The most widely used dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) — the same molecule the body produces naturally to hydrate and support skin tissue. Because HA fillers are biocompatible, they integrate seamlessly with existing tissue, feel natural, and carry a low risk of adverse reaction. Crucially, they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if the result needs to be adjusted or reversed.
Other types include calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), and permanent fillers. At Star Aesthetic Centre, Dr Bangalee uses premium HA fillers for their safety profile, natural feel, and reversibility.
What areas can fillers treat?
HA fillers are highly versatile. Common treatment areas include the lips (volume and definition), cheeks (mid-face volume restoration), tear troughs (under-eye hollowness), nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines (lines from corners of mouth to chin), jawline (definition and lift), and chin (projection and contouring).
The choice of filler product, its thickness (viscosity), injection depth, and placement all vary by treatment area and patient anatomy. Cheek volume restoration requires a thicker, more supportive filler placed deep on the bone, while lip enhancement uses a softer, more pliable product. This is why technique and anatomical knowledge are as important as the product itself.
Results, duration, and what to expect
Results from HA fillers are visible immediately — you leave the treatment room with a changed appearance. There is commonly some swelling (particularly in the lips) for 24–72 hours post-treatment, which settles to reveal the true result. Bruising is possible, especially around delicate areas like the lips and under-eyes.
HA fillers are gradually broken down by the body's natural hyaluronidase enzymes. Duration varies by product, treatment area, and individual metabolism — typically 9–18 months. Lips metabolise filler faster than cheeks or jawline due to higher movement. Touch-up treatments maintain the result as the initial filler dissolves.