Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers and botulinum toxin address different signs of aging. Fillers are gels, usually hyaluronic acid, injected to add volume to soft tissues. They fill hollows, soften static lines present at rest, and define contours like the jawline or cheeks. Botulinum toxin, by contrast, is a neuromodulator that relaxes specific muscles. It is used for dynamic lines created by expression — frown lines, crow's feet — by reducing the muscle contractions that cause them. One restores volume, the other limits movement.

The most common material is hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body's skin and connective tissues. It is not a single product but a category of gels with different properties. Some are softer and more flexible, suited for fine lines or the lips. Others are firmer and provide more structure, used for building up cheekbones or defining the jawline. The selection is based on the anatomy of the area being treated, the skin's thickness, and the specific goal of the injection.

The body gradually metabolizes the hyaluronic acid used in most dermal fillers. The substance is not designed to remain in the tissues indefinitely. The duration of the effect depends on the specific filler formulation used, the area treated, and your own metabolic rate. Over time, the added volume will diminish as the gel is naturally broken down and absorbed. The tissues will then return toward their previous state.

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be adjusted or broken down with an enzyme injection. This enzyme, hyaluronidase, is injected into the same area as the filler. It works by accelerating the natural breakdown of the hyaluronic acid gel, allowing the body to absorb it more quickly. This option is specific to hyaluronic acid fillers and is a key consideration in their use. The possibility of reversal is part of the initial assessment and treatment plan.

The procedure is carried out in a clinical treatment room at our clinic in Istanbul, not in a hospital operating theatre. A specialist plastic surgeon performs the assessment and all injections. An interpreter is present throughout the appointment to ensure clear communication between you and the surgeon about the treatment plan and what you can expect during the injection process. The focus is on precision and understanding in a controlled clinical environment.

For your consultation, it is helpful to have a list of any previous cosmetic treatments, especially other fillers or neurotoxins, including when and where they were done. Bring a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Photographs of yourself from five or ten years ago can also be a useful reference for the surgeon to understand your natural facial structure and the progression of changes. Be prepared to discuss what you see, rather than a desired outcome from a picture.