The Dermal Filler Procedure, Step by Step

1. Consultation and assessment

A filler appointment begins before any needle is opened. The practitioner reviews medical history, current medication, prior aesthetic treatments and any history of cold sores, autoimmune conditions or anticoagulant use. Photographs are usually taken in consistent lighting so change can be judged objectively later.

Assessment is structural rather than cosmetic. The practitioner looks at bone support, fat-pad position, skin quality and asymmetry at rest and in movement, then agrees a treatment plan and consent before proceeding.

2. Product selection

Selection is driven by rheology — how the gel behaves under pressure. Firmer, more cross-linked gels resist deformation and are placed deep for structural lift; softer, less cross-linked gels spread more readily and sit superficially where flexibility matters.

3. Preparation and asepsis

• Makeup removed and the field cleansed with an approved antiseptic skin preparation.
• Topical anaesthetic applied where required, or a lidocaine-containing filler selected.
• Sterile single-use needles or cannulas opened in front of the patient.
• Batch number and expiry recorded against the patient file for traceability.

4. Injection technique

Product is delivered through either a sharp needle or a blunt-tip cannula. Needles give precision in small, superficial areas; cannulas move through tissue planes with less trauma and are commonly preferred for larger areas and regions where vascular caution is paramount.

Delivery is slow, in small aliquots, with low extrusion pressure. The practitioner reassesses continually as the face settles, treating in stages rather than filling to a target volume in one pass.

5. Aftercare and review

• Swelling and small bruises in the first days are expected and settle.
• Strenuous exercise, heat exposure and pressure on the area are usually avoided short term.
• A review appointment allows assessment once swelling has resolved, with top-up if planned.
• Hyaluronic acid gels can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if adjustment or reversal is required — a key safety property of this product class.

Safety essentials the clinic controls

The single largest safety variable is product provenance. Counterfeit and grey-market injectables circulate widely, and a diverted product carries unknown storage history even when the box looks correct. Every listing on Procedure Safe is sourced from verified suppliers, professional-only items are restricted to verified practitioners, and payment is held in escrow until delivery is confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a dermal filler appointment take?

Most single-area treatments are completed within an appointment slot that also covers consultation, consent and photography. Multi-area plans are commonly staged across more than one visit rather than completed in a single sitting.

How long do dermal fillers last?

Longevity varies by product, treated area and individual metabolism, typically in a range of several months to well over a year. Mobile areas such as lips metabolise filler faster than static structural areas such as the cheekbone.

Can dermal filler be removed?

Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase. Non-hyaluronic acid and collagen-stimulating products are not reversible in the same way, which is why product choice matters at the planning stage.

Who is allowed to buy professional dermal fillers?

Professional-only injectables on Procedure Safe are restricted to verified practitioners. Verification is completed before professional-only listings become orderable.