Fillers are injectable products used to fill in hollows, depressions and grooves on the surface of the skin. In broad terms there are non-permanent and permanent fillers. The non-permanent fillers last around 6 months before being dissolved and absorbed by the body, while the permanent ones last indefinitely.

Non-permanent fillers are purified substances that are similar to a naturally occurring gel-like fluid found in your body. As we age our bodies produce less of these naturally occurring substances. This is where fillers can be used to smooth and plump skin that has lost its volume. Fillers are often hydrophilic, which means they draw water to themselves, so the effect of the initial injection is subsequently augmented by drawing water from the surrounding body tissues into the injected area. This helps prolong the effect of the injection and gives a lovely natural result.

There are many permanent fillers on the market made from numerous different chemical components. While the concept of a permanent filler may sound initially attractive, some patients develop excessive scarring responses, which can be very disfiguring and difficult to treat. Used judiciously fillers can provide wonderfully natural results and may be injected in conjunction with anti-wrinkle injections for non-surgical facial rejuvenation.