Dermal Filler Treatments and Injections
Dermal fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to address age-related volume loss and enhance your facial contours. This guide explains the different types of fillers, what they're designed to address, and the professional, clinician-led approach we take at PHI Medical Aesthetics to ensure your experience is both personalized and informed.
What are dermal fillers and how do they work?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to help soften facial lines, restore volume, and provide a lift to sagging tissue. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin. This can lead to skin laxity and a loss of volume that changes our facial profile.
At PHI, our clinicians use several types of Health Canada-approved fillers, primarily based on two substances:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A substance found naturally in your body that keeps skin hydrated. HA-based fillers use a gel formulation to restore volume and smooth lines. The effects are temporary, depending on the product and your individual metabolism.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): These consist of microspheres in a gel. They provide immediate volume and also work by stimulating your body's own natural collagen production over time.
What can dermal fillers help address?
Dermal fillers are a versatile treatment option we often use to help you reach your aesthetic goals:
| Aesthetic Concern | Target Benefit |
|---|---|
| Volume Loss | Adds fullness to areas that appear hollow or have thinned over time. |
| Facial Lines & Creases | Softens the look of pronounced lines like nasolabial folds. |
| Feature Definition | Enhances the shape and definition of lips, cheeks, or the jawline. |
| Skin Laxity | Provides a subtle, natural-looking "lift" to sagging facial tissue. |
| Facial Symmetry | Refines overall balance and symmetry for a refreshed look. |
Treatment Areas & Results
Chin & Jawline Filler
Tear Trough & Upper Face
Lip Filler
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Frequently asked questions
What is the treatment process like?
Your journey starts with a thorough consultation to review your goals and medical history. To keep you comfortable, we can apply a topical numbing cream or ice. Our Nurse Injectors then use a fine needle or cannula to place the filler, which usually takes 15–30 minutes. Afterward, you might use an ice pack to help with any temporary swelling.
When will I see the results?
You'll see results immediately after your appointment! While there might be some mild swelling, the final, settled result is usually most apparent about two weeks after the procedure.
How long do the results last?
Longevity depends on the type of filler used, the area treated, and your individual metabolism. We'll discuss what to expect and recommend a personalized maintenance schedule during your consultation.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most of our patients report only minimal and brief discomfort. We often apply a topical numbing cream beforehand, and while you might feel a small pinch, the procedure is generally very well-tolerated.
What about safety and downtime?
Dermal fillers have a strong safety profile. Common side effects like mild bruising, redness, or swelling usually clear up within a few days. We advise avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours post-treatment. It's always wise to schedule your procedure a few weeks before a major social event to allow any bruising to fully resolve.
Important Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on age, skin condition, and unique anatomy. Suitability is determined during a thorough medical consultation. Results are not guaranteed.