Dermal Fillers Guide: Types, Areas & Results

Quick answer: Dermal fillers are injectable gels, most often hyaluronic acid, that restore lost volume, smooth folds, and refine facial contours without surgery. They treat the cheeks, jawline, chin, lips, under-eyes, and smile lines. Results are immediate and typically last 6 to 18 months depending on the area.

Dermal fillers are one of the most versatile tools in facial aesthetics. They can restore volume that has been lost with age, soften deep folds, refine the contours of the lower face, and bring features into better proportion, all without surgery or general anesthesia. If you have been researching your options, this guide explains what dermal fillers are, which areas they treat, how long results last, and what a treatment actually involves.

At Arlo Medical in Calgary, our injectors take a conservative, anatomy-led approach. The goal of any filler treatment is to enhance your natural features and restore balance, not to change who you are.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels used for soft tissue augmentation. They add volume beneath the skin to restore fullness, support facial structure, and smooth the lines and folds that develop over time.

The most widely used dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body. HA attracts and holds water, which makes it well suited to plumping tissue and hydrating the area where it is placed. Because the body already produces HA, these fillers integrate well with surrounding tissue and can be adjusted or, if needed, dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

Types of Dermal Fillers

Not all fillers are the same. They vary in thickness, lifting capacity, and how long they last, and an experienced injector selects the product based on the area being treated.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. The most common category, including brands such as Juvederm and Restylane. HA fillers range from soft, fluid gels for delicate areas like the under-eyes and lips to firmer, more structured gels for the cheeks, chin, and jawline. Their main advantage is reversibility.

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers. A thicker filler often used for deeper volume restoration and contouring. It is not reversible in the same way HA fillers are, so precise placement matters.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers. These work gradually by stimulating the body's own collagen production over a series of sessions, rather than adding volume immediately. They suit patients looking for a subtle, progressive restoration of fullness.

Most patients in Calgary are treated with HA fillers because of their flexibility and adjustability. During your consultation, your injector will explain which product fits your anatomy and goals.

Why We Lose Facial Volume

Facial aging is not only about the skin. Underneath the surface, the fat compartments of the face shrink and shift, and the underlying bone gradually recedes. Studies have measured real reductions in jaw and chin projection in both men and women over the decades.

The result is a face that can look flatter, more hollow, or less defined, even when the skin itself is still in good condition. Dermal fillers address this loss of facial volume by replacing structure where it has diminished.

‍

What Dermal Fillers Can Treat

One reason fillers are so popular is their range. The same category of product can be used to address very different concerns depending on where and how it is placed. Common treatment areas include:

Cheeks. Restoring mid-face volume to lift and refresh the overall appearance of the face.
Jawline. Adding definition and a sharper, more sculpted lower-face contour.
Chin. Improving projection and profile balance without an implant.
Smile lines. Softening the nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Under-eyes. Smoothing the tear trough hollows that can create a tired look.
Lips. Adding volume, shape, and definition for fuller, more balanced lips.

Because the face works as a whole, the most natural results often come from treating the area that is actually driving a concern, which is not always the area a patient first points to. Hollow cheeks, for example, can deepen smile lines, so restoring the cheeks may soften the folds indirectly.

Dermal Fillers vs. Botox: What's the Difference?

These two treatments are often mentioned together, but they work in completely different ways and solve different problems.

Dermal fillers add volume. They are best for static concerns: lost fullness, deep folds, and contours that need support.

Botox and Dysport are prescription medications that relax specific muscles, which softens the dynamic lines created by repeated expressions. In Canada, their authorized cosmetic uses include frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines. They are administered only by qualified healthcare professionals after a consultation to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you.

Many patients combine the two over time, but they are not interchangeable. A consultation is the best way to determine which approach, or which combination, suits your goals.

What to Expect During Treatment

A dermal filler appointment is straightforward and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the number of areas treated.

Consultation. Your injector assesses your facial structure, listens to your goals, and develops a treatment plan. Reference photos may be taken.

Preparation. The area is cleaned and a topical numbing cream may be applied. Most HA fillers also contain lidocaine for added comfort during the injection.

Injection. Using a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, the filler is placed precisely to build volume, smooth a fold, or refine a contour. You may feel mild pressure, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.

Immediate results. You will see a difference right away, though some swelling can temporarily exaggerate the effect. The final result settles over the following one to two weeks.

Recovery and Aftercare

Downtime is minimal, and most people return to their normal routine the same day. Common, temporary side effects include mild swelling, tenderness, redness, and occasional bruising at the injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, it helps to avoid intense exercise, excessive heat such as saunas or hot yoga, and heavy pressure on the treated area. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can reduce swelling.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Longevity depends on the product used, the area treated, and your individual metabolism. As a general guide, HA fillers last:

Lips: around 6 to 12 months, as this is a high-movement area.
Cheeks, chin, and jawline: roughly 12 to 18 months, as these are lower-movement, structural areas.
Under-eyes: often 9 to 12 months.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are broken down gradually by the body through natural processes. Many patients find that maintenance treatments require slightly less product over time, as residual filler provides a foundation.

Are Dermal Fillers Right for You?

Dermal fillers suit adults who want to restore volume or refine facial balance without surgery. You may be a good candidate if you have:

Hollowing in the cheeks, temples, or under-eyes
Deepening folds around the nose and mouth
A chin or jawline that lacks definition
Lips you would like to add volume or shape to
A desire for natural, reversible enhancement

Fillers are not recommended for people with active skin infections in the treatment area, certain autoimmune conditions, or known allergies to the filler components. The best way to know whether the treatment fits your anatomy and goals is a consultation with a qualified injector.

Choosing a Qualified Injector in Calgary

With dermal fillers, the product matters far less than the hands placing it. Safe, natural results depend on a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, including the network of blood vessels that run through the face. Rare but serious complications are best avoided by injectors with proper training and a careful technique.

This is why your choice of provider is the single most important decision you make. At Arlo Medical, our team of registered healthcare professionals has advanced training in facial anatomy and injectable technique, and we take a measured, evidence-based approach to every treatment.

If you are considering dermal fillers in Calgary, we recommend booking a complimentary consultation. Your injector will assess your features, talk through your goals, and build a personalized plan, including an accurate cost estimate based on the areas you want to treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dermal fillers hurt?

Most patients find the treatment very tolerable. A topical numbing cream is typically applied, and most HA fillers contain lidocaine to keep the injection comfortable.

Are dermal fillers permanent?

No. HA fillers are temporary and gradually break down over months. This is often seen as an advantage, as your look can evolve over time, and HA fillers can be dissolved if needed.

How much do dermal fillers cost in Calgary?

Cost depends on the number of areas treated and how much product is required. Pricing is discussed during your complimentary consultation once your plan is set.

When will I see results?

You will notice a difference immediately, with the final result settling over one to two weeks as any swelling resolves.

Can I combine fillers with other treatments?

Often, yes. Many patients build a plan that combines fillers with other treatments over time. Your injector will advise on safe sequencing and timing during your consultation.