Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular way to refresh your appearance without surgery. Whether you’re looking to define your lips, contour your face or soften deeper wrinkles, fillers offer a customisable and long-lasting result when administered by a trained practitioner. But how much should you expect to spend?
How much do dermal fillers cost?
The price of dermal fillers depends on the type of filler used, the area treated and the volume required. Most treatments are priced by the millilitre (ml), with 1ml being the standard amount used for subtle enhancements.
|
Treatment Area |
Average Price |
|
Lip fillers (0.5–1ml) |
£150-£300 |
|
Nasolabial folds |
£200-£350 |
|
Marionette lines |
£200-£350 |
|
Cheek fillers (1–2ml) |
£250-£500 |
|
Jawline sculpting (2–4ml) |
£400-£700+ |
|
Chin augmentation |
£200-£400 |
|
Tear trough (under eyes) |
£300-£450 |
|
Full face rejuvenation (4–8ml) |
£800-£1,500+ |
Some clinics offer full-face or multi-area packages which combine several areas for an overall balanced result. These tend to offer better value compared to individual area pricing.
What are lip and dermal fillers and what do they do?
Lip and dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore volume, enhance facial contours and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Most modern fillers use hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body, to attract moisture and plump the skin.
- Lip fillers are specifically tailored to add volume, definition and symmetry to the lips. They can be used to create a more youthful appearance or achieve a fuller, more balanced shape.
- Dermal fillers are used on other areas of the face, such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline and under-eye hollows, to reduce the appearance of ageing or to sculpt and lift facial features.
Results are usually immediate and can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the type of filler used.
What do dermal fillers contain?
Most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body, that helps retain moisture and volume in the skin. These fillers are biodegradable, meaning the body gradually breaks them down over time.
There are also other types of dermal fillers used less frequently, including:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite: a thicker filler often used for deeper wrinkles and volume loss
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): a collagen stimulator that improves skin structure over time
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): a longer-lasting filler used in some facial contouring procedures
Hyaluronic acid remains the most common choice due to its versatility, lower risk of allergic reactions, and the fact that its effects can be reversed with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed.
What's cheaper, fillers or Botox?
Botox is generally cheaper per session than fillers, with small areas starting around £150. However, dermal fillers typically last 6 to 18 months, while Botox lasts around 3 to 4 months. For those treating volume loss or deeper folds, fillers are more effective, though combining both treatments is common for a comprehensive anti-ageing approach.
Benefits and risks of lip and dermal fillers
Like any procedure, there are benefits and risks that you should be aware of before you go ahead with dermal fillers:
Benefits
- Non-surgical: No incisions or downtime required
- Instant results: Most patients see visible improvement immediately
- Customisable: Amount of filler and target areas can be tailored to individual needs
- Long-lasting: Depending on the area and product, effects last from 6-18 months
- Boosts confidence: Enhancing features can restore youthful appearance and facial harmony
Risks
- Bruising or swelling: Temporary side effects are common at the injection site
- Lumps or asymmetry: Rare, but may occur if the filler isn’t placed correctly
- Allergic reaction or vascular complications: Very rare, but it’s essential to use a qualified practitioner
- Overfilling: Poor technique or repeat treatments without proper assessment can lead to unnatural results
It’s crucial that you use a qualified aesthetics practitioner when you have fillers administered. Your practitioner should be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the treatment, and shouldn’t only tell you about the benefits.
Do dermal fillers last longer than Botox?
Dermal fillers generally last longer than Botox - between 6 and 18 months, depending on the type used, treatment area, and individual metabolism. In contrast, Botox typically lasts 3 to 4 months, making fillers a longer-term option for volume and contouring.
How often should I get dermal fillers?
How often you should get dermal fillers varies depending on your goals and how your body metabolises the filler. Many patients opt for top-ups every 6 to 12 months, though treatments in areas with less movement (like cheeks) may last longer than more active areas like lips.
How long do fillers last?
How long your fillers last generally depends on the area that you’ve had treated:
- Lip fillers: Usually 6-9 months due to constant movement
- Cheeks, chin, jawline: Can last 12-18 months with thicker filler types
- Under eyes (tear trough): Typically 9-12 months, but delicate placement is key
Ask your aesthetician about how long your fillers should last before you go ahead with treatment.
Can I eat after having lip fillers?
You can eat shortly after having lip fillers, but wait until any numbness wears off if a numbing agent was used, and opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods in the first 24 hours. This prevents you from disturbing the injection site and causing bruising or shifting of the filler.
You should also avoid alcohol, caffeine, very hot and cold drinks, salty or sugary food and cigarettes and vapes for 24 hours after the procedure to help prevent sensitivity and infection.
Is having fillers painful?
Having fillers injected isn’t very painful. You may have some mild discomfort, but many practitioners use numbing cream on the injection site beforehand and the fillers themselves contain lidocaine, which reduces pain. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure during the injection, but it shouldn’t feel very painful. Areas like the lips and nose tend to be more sensitive.
If you are worried about the pain, speak to your aesthetician - they will be happy to try to accommodate you as much as possible.
What happens when you stop dermal fillers?
If you stop having fillers, the product will gradually break down and be absorbed by your body. Your face returns to its natural appearance over time - you won’t look worse than before treatment, though some people may perceive a change due to loss of the enhanced structure.
Fillers don’t cause accelerated ageing, though it can feel like it if you’ve been using fillers for a long time, then stop. Your skin will continue to age at the normal rate.
Are fillers worth the money?
For many people, fillers are worth the money. They offer a non-invasive way to restore volume, define features and reduce signs of ageing with minimal recovery time.
However, it’s an extremely personal decision to have any kind of cosmetic procedure and you should think carefully when you’re deciding whether it’s worth it. Weigh up the pros and cons and speak to qualified practitioners to ensure you understand the decision you’re making.
Make an enquiry with HaMuch to find out costs and availability at aesthetics clinics in your area.