Dermal Filler (HA Filler)

Dermal filler is the placement of hyaluronic acid (HA) — a substance found naturally in the skin — into the deeper layers to fill in folds, add definition and rebalance facial contours. It is most commonly used in the nasolabial folds, under-eyes, lips, chin and temples. You can generally see a change immediately after treatment; it settles within 1–2 weeks and lasts around 6–18 months. Injected and assessed by a doctor. Results vary by individual.

What can dermal filler help with?

HA filler restores volume to areas that have hollowed or creased, and helps refine facial proportions without surgery:

• Filling deep folds — nasolabial folds, marionette lines (corner of the mouth to chin) and hollow, shadowed under-eye troughs
• Adding definition and fullness — lips and chin for a more sculpted look
• Rebalancing facial contours — restoring sunken temples/forehead and refining the jawline and chin
• Restoring skin firmness — replenishing areas that have begun to sag or lose volume with age

Which areas can dermal filler treat?

Each area addresses a different concern and may call for a filler of a different density (molecular weight) depending on your skin and the depth of placement. The table below is an overview; your doctor will assess and select the type best suited to your facial structure:

What does lip filler do?

Lip filler adds fullness and refines the shape and border of the lips, making it suitable for those with thin lips or those wanting more balanced proportions. Your doctor chooses a filler texture suited to the lips and designs the amount to look natural, never overdone. There is generally mild swelling at first, which settles within 1–2 weeks. Results vary by individual.

What does under-eye filler do?

Under-eye filler restores hollow tear troughs, helping you look fresher and less tired. Because the skin here is thin and delicate, it should only be performed by an experienced doctor. A soft-textured filler in a measured amount is usually chosen, to reduce the chance of swelling or lumps. Your doctor will first assess the cause of the under-eye darkness, since in some cases it stems from pigment or fat pads, for which filler may not be the answer.

What do nasolabial fold fillers do?

The nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose down beside the mouth corners; the deeper they are, the more they age and tire the face. Filler restores the folds to make them shallower and the cheeks look fuller and more balanced. Sometimes your doctor may also add filler to the cheekbones to lift the tissue above rather than packing the fold directly, giving a more natural result. Results vary by individual.

How do chin, temple and forehead fillers reshape the face?

Adding filler to the chin refines the lower facial frame for a slimmer, more proportioned look, making it suitable for those with a short or receding chin. Restoring sunken temples and forehead reduces a gaunt appearance and makes the facial structure look fuller and more balanced. These areas usually call for a firmer filler designed to support the facial framework. Your doctor plans the whole face so the result looks harmonious.

How many cc of filler per area?

The amount of filler used depends on the area, the depth of the fold, your facial structure and your individual goals — more is not always better. The table below shows typical ranges to give you a sense of scale; your doctor will assess and set the right amount for you on the consultation day, and some people may start with a little and add more later:

A standard box of filler usually contains 1 cc, generally suited to filling folds that are not too deep, while areas that need to support the facial framework or deep folds may require more. The amount used and the results vary by individual.

How dermal filler works

Hyaluronic acid holds water well; when injected into the skin it immediately fills volume in hollow or creased areas and draws in water to help the skin look plumper. HA filler is a medical device, not a medication, and the body gradually breaks it down naturally over time — so it needs to be maintained on a repeat schedule as your doctor advises.

How soon does filler show results, and how many years does it last?

You can see a change immediately after treatment, and it settles further as the swelling subsides over 1–2 weeks. HA filler generally lasts around 6–18 months, depending on the type of filler, the area treated and individual care:

Areas that move frequently, such as the lips, tend to break down faster than less mobile areas like the chin or temples. Results vary by individual.

Does filler hurt? Is the downtime long?

Most fillers contain a built-in anesthetic, and your doctor may apply or inject a local anesthetic beforehand, so you feel only mild discomfort during the injection. You can go about your day as usual afterward. There may be mild swelling or bruising in the first 1–3 days, which gradually improves. The level of sensation and recovery depends on the area treated and the individual.

Who is suited to filler, and who should avoid it?

Suited to those with deep folds such as the nasolabial folds and under-eyes; those who want to add definition to the lips or chin; or those who want to refine facial proportions without surgery and want a natural-looking result they can return to maintain.

Should tell the doctor or avoid those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with an infection or wound at the injection site; those with a history of allergy to hyaluronic acid or product ingredients; and those with certain underlying conditions. Your doctor will take a history and assess suitability every time beforehand.

The filler injection process at Onnyx Clinic

1. Consultation and assessment — the doctor discusses your goals and assesses your facial structure
2. Treatment design — selecting the filler type, density, placement and amount specific to you
3. Injection by a doctor — applying a local anesthetic and injecting meticulously, taking about 15–30 minutes
4. After-care — care guidance and a follow-up appointment once the filler has settled

Can filler be dissolved if you are not happy with the result?

Genuine hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase, which helps the filler break down faster. Your doctor will consider using it in cases where the result is not as desired, or the filler is lumpy or uneven. This is a key advantage of HA filler — it is adjustable, unlike other fillers (such as liquid silicone or counterfeit fillers) that cannot be dissolved and usually require surgical removal.

Why is filler lumpy or swollen, and how many days until it clears?

Mild swelling or feeling small firm nodules in the early period after injection is common, and it usually settles as the filler adjusts to the tissue — generally improving within a few days to 1–2 weeks, though some areas may take longer. Nodules that are not a problem tend to be soft, painless when pressed, not red and not growing. Unwanted lumps can have many causes, such as injection technique, the amount or skin layer injected, migration of the filler, or the use of a substandard product. If it is genuine HA filler, your doctor can adjust it or dissolve it with the enzyme hyaluronidase — so it is best to return to your doctor for assessment rather than pressing, massaging or squeezing it yourself. The result and settling vary by individual.

Possible side effects, and warning signs that need a doctor promptly

After filler, you may have common, usually self-resolving symptoms such as swelling, redness, bruising or mild tightness at the treated area. But some symptoms may be a sign of a complication — for example, the filler pressing on or blocking a blood vessel — which needs prompt attention:

If you have any symptom in the right column, contact the clinic or see a doctor immediately. Having the injection at a medical facility with a doctor means these situations can be assessed and managed appropriately. The likelihood and severity vary by individual.

How to spot genuine filler and a safe injection

Safety depends on the facility, the doctor and the product — not just the price. Before deciding, you should check:

• Injection at a licensed medical facility and the procedure performed by a doctor
• Use of HA filler certified by the Thai FDA, with a box, label and a verifiable registration number
• Ask to see the product’s box and sticker before the injection, to confirm the brand and lot
• Beware of unusually low prices, which may indicate counterfeit filler or a substandard, non-dissolvable substance
• Clear assessment and before- and after-care guidance

Most counterfeit fillers are substances like liquid silicone or paraffin, which the body cannot break down and which cannot be dissolved. They can cause hard lumps, chronic inflammation, migration and deformity, or long-term tissue damage, and usually require surgical removal. Beware too of “carry-in” filler that, even if genuine, lacks controlled transport and storage at the proper temperature, reducing its quality and reliability. Choosing a facility that has a doctor and stores products to standard therefore matters more than price.

How is filler different from Botox?

Both are injectable treatments that address different concerns; many people combine them for a balanced result:

Which filler brands does Onnyx Clinic carry?

We select several Thai FDA-certified hyaluronic acid fillers, from both Korea and Europe, including Neuramis, E.P.T.Q, Restylane and Definisse. Each brand has a different texture and suitability for different areas. See the options and pricing in the table below, and your doctor will help recommend the brand best suited to your goals and the areas you want to treat on the consultation day.

How much does filler cost?

The price of filler depends on the brand, the number of cc and the area treated. See pricing by brand in the table below. Pricing is transparent, with no hidden costs, and your doctor will always assess the appropriate amount and quote the price clearly before treatment. The amount used and the results vary by individual.

How to prepare before a filler injection

• Tell your doctor about underlying conditions, medications and any allergy history
• Stop medications/supplements that may increase bleeding, as your doctor advises
• Avoid alcohol beforehand, and come with clean skin and no infection at the treatment site
• If you have an important event, allow about 1–2 weeks for swelling to subside

After-care following a filler injection

• Avoid massaging, pressing or touching the treated area in the first 1–2 days
• Avoid high heat such as saunas and steam rooms, and avoid strenuous exercise for about 24–48 hours
• There may be mild swelling or bruising at first; a gentle cold compress is fine as your doctor advises
• Avoid alcohol at first, and drink enough water
• If you have any abnormal symptoms — such as severe pain, pale or discolored skin — see a doctor immediately

Why choose filler at Onnyx Clinic?

Injected and assessed by a doctor, using genuine Thai FDA-certified HA filler with the box and lot shown for verification, a personalized treatment design, transparent pricing and close before- and after-care — for a natural-looking, safe result to medical standards. Results vary by individual.

References

• Thai FDA (อย.) — fda.moph.go.th
• American Academy of Dermatology — aad.org
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration — fda.gov