Dermal Fillers: Everything You Need to Know Before Treatment
Discover expert skin science insights from our award-winning holistic aesthetic clinic in Altrincham. Written by Dr Caroline Warden an NHS GP, cosmetic dermatology specialist and leading aesthetic doctor in Hale, South Manchester
Dermal fillers are one of the most in-demand aesthetic treatments in the UK, offering a safe and effective way to restore facial volume, soften lines and enhance natural contours without surgery or extended downtime. With thousands of UK searches every month around topics such as “what are dermal fillers?”, “how long do dermal fillers last?” and “dermal fillers vs Botox”, there is clearly a huge appetite for trusted, medically accurate information.
As a doctor-led aesthetic clinic based in Hale, Cheshire, safety, education and natural results are at the heart of every treatment we offer. This article answers the most common questions patients ask and explains what to expect before, during and after dermal filler treatment, along with a real case study from our clinic.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are advanced injectable gels designed to add volume, hydrate skin and restore structure where ageing, genetics or lifestyle factors have caused volume loss.
The most widely used fillers today are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which mimic a naturally occurring substance found in the skin responsible for moisture and plumpness.
Why Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
They provide immediate results
They integrate smoothly with natural tissue for a natural look
They can be adapted from ultra-soft to firm depending on the treatment area
They are reversible using an enzyme called hyaluronidase for safety
In medically led clinics, only premium CE-marked or FDA-approved fillers sourced from licensed UK pharmacies should ever be used.
What Can Dermal Fillers Be Used For?
Dermal fillers are highly versatile and can enhance or refresh facial features including:
✔ Cheeks
To lift the mid-face, support sagging and restore youthful structure.
✔ Lips
To improve shape, hydration and symmetry, not necessarily volume.
✔ Chin & Jawline
For profile balancing, improved definition and reducing the appearance of jowls.
✔ Smile lines, marionette lines & nasolabial folds
To soften deeper creases formed with ageing.
✔ Tear trough (under eyes)
To improve hollowness and tired appearance.
✔ Non-surgical facial balancing
Using strategic micro-dosing for subtle yet impactful results.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Fillers gradually break down and are absorbed naturally by the body.
Can Dermal Fillers Move?
Filler migration is rare when treatment is carried out by a trained medical injector using appropriate techniques. Factors that increase risk include:
Overfilling or incorrect product choice
Poor injection placement
Non-medical injector in an unregulated setting
At our clinic, every patient undergoes a full facial assessment to ensure precise, anatomically safe treatment planning.
Dermal Fillers vs Botox — Which Do I Need?
Let’s be clear, no one needs any aesthetic treatments.
Which Dermal Fillers Are Permanent?
Some permanent fillers do exist, but they are not recommended due to significantly higher complication and infection risks.
At our Hale clinic, we exclusively use reversible hyaluronic acid fillers to maintain patient safety and flexibility.
Can I Buy Dermal Fillers Online?
Searches such as “dermal fillers online” or “where to buy dermal fillers” are common — but fillers are a prescription-only medical device.
Injecting filler without medical training can result in:
Infection and abscesses
Vascular occlusion
Skin necrosis (tissue death)
Blindness
Filler injections should only be performed by qualified medical professionals.
Case Study: Mid-Face Rejuvenation for Natural Lift & Confidence
Patient: Female, 44
Concerns: Deepening smile lines, tired appearance, loss of cheek volume
Treatment: Cheek filler + subtle perioral support (2ml total)
Initial Consultation
The patient expressed that although she felt well, she constantly looked tired and drawn in photos. She was nervous about looking “fake” or “done” and wanted the most natural result possible.
During assessment, we identified:
Volume loss in the mid-face causing descent of the lower face
Shadowing around nasolabial folds
Flattening of cheek projection
Treatment Plan
We recommended a staged approach using high-quality hyaluronic acid filler to restore structural support in the cheeks while keeping a soft, natural contour:
1ml placed on each side using a combination of cannula and precision needle injections
Treatment performed gradually for controlled results
Outcome
Results were immediate but subtle, giving:
Natural cheek lift
Softer smile lines without filling lines directly
Brighter, more refreshed appearance
Patient Feedback
“I love that nobody can tell I’ve had anything done, but everyone keeps telling me I look rested. I feel like myself again.”
Review at 3 Weeks
No complications, full integration of filler
Why Choose Our Doctor-Led Clinic in Hale?
At Dr Caroline Warden Skin & Aesthetic Clinic:
Treatments performed exclusively by a medical doctor
Emphasis on natural, subtle enhancement
Use of only premium pharmacy-supplied products
Comprehensive consultation and safety-first approach
Support throughout the healing process
Our patients choose us for expertise, discretion and a tailored approach that prioritises facial harmony.
Book in for a Consultation at your local, doctor-led, sister-run skin & aesthetics sanctuary for natural, bespoke results
Dr Caroline Warden is an experienced NHS GP and aesthetic doctor. She has been a medical doctor for over 18 years. She runs the female-led family business with her sister Louise Devereux (creative director & patient co-ordinator)
Their main Skin and Aesthetic Clinic is located in Hale, Cheshire but they also run a pop-up clinic in Disley, Stockport one evening a week.
You will only ever see and have treatments with Dr Caroline Warden.
Whether you're new to aesthetic treatments or ready to refine your routine, her bespoke skin assessments are the best place to start. Dr Caroline Warden will design a tailored plan based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Book your consultation at the clinic in Hale, Cheshire and experience aesthetic medicine.
You’ll be guided through your medical history, goals, and expectations so you can make an informed choice.
Where our clinics are local to:
Our flagship main Hale clinic is conveniently located for patients travelling from:
Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Bowdon, Bramhall, Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Mobberley, Sale, Timperley, Urmston, Wilmslow, Handforth, Poynton, Cheadle, Didsbury and Warrington.
Our satellite Disley clinic (Thursday evenings at Scott, Skin & Co) is ideal if you’re based in:
New Mills, High Lane, Marple, Mellor, Whaley Bridge, Strines, Chapel, Hayfield or Stockport.
