Dermal fillers are injectable gels, usually made from hyaluronic acid, that add volume and shape to areas such as the lips, cheeks, chin and jawline. They suit adults who want subtle, temporary changes to facial balance. At ZARA Aesthetic Medical Clinic on Edgware Road, London W2, a 1ml Dermal filler costs £150, and cheek, chin and jawline treatments are priced at consultation.
For adults aged 18 and over only. UK law does not allow anti-wrinkle injections or dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes on anyone under 18, and we may ask for photo ID.
What dermal fillers are made of
Most modern dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in skin and helps it hold water. In filler form it is a smooth gel, and different gels are made firmer or softer depending on the job they need to do. A soft gel suits the lips, for example, while a firmer one can help shape the jawline.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary. The body breaks the gel down gradually over months, so results fade rather than lasting forever. In most cases this type of filler can also be dissolved if needed, and we'll explain how that works at your consultation.
Filler adds volume and structure. It works differently from anti-wrinkle treatment, which relaxes muscles, and many people find the two complement each other.
Choosing where dermal fillers could help
People often come in asking about one feature, and that's a perfectly good starting point. Each area has its own page with more detail on what to expect.
- Lip fillers: shape, definition and a little more volume, often the first filler people try
- Cheek filler treatment: support for the mid-face where volume has softened with age
- Jawline contouring with filler: a clearer edge from ear to chin
- Chin filler: projection and proportion, especially in side profile
Thinking about balance rather than single features
Faces are read as a whole. A chin that sits slightly back can make the nose look larger, and flatter cheeks can make the lower face look heavier than it is. Sometimes the feature you notice isn't the one that would make the biggest difference.
At consultation we look at proportion from the front and side and talk through options, which may include doing less than you expected or treating in stages. You are always free to keep things simple and focus on the one area you came in for.
It also helps to know that filler is usually best placed gradually. Building up over two appointments gives you a chance to live with a change, see it in photos and decide calmly if you want more, rather than committing to a large amount in one sitting.
Who should hold off on dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are for adults in good general health. Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if you have an active skin infection or cold sore in the area, or if you've had a reaction to filler before.
Some autoimmune conditions and medicines that affect bleeding, such as blood thinners, can change whether treatment is suitable. It's also sensible to leave a gap after dental work or a vaccination, and to avoid booking right before a big occasion, since swelling can take a week or two to settle.
How a filler appointment runs
Filler appointments are booked as 40 minutes and every treatment is subject to a consultation and medical assessment.
- We talk through what you'd like to change, your medical history and any previous treatments.
- We assess your face at rest and in movement, and agree a plan and an amount of filler.
- We explain likely results, possible side effects and aftercare before you consent.
- Your skin is cleansed and the filler is placed in small amounts, checking symmetry as we go.
- You see the result in the mirror and we go over aftercare before you leave.
How long filler lasts in different areas
You'll usually see a change once the appointment is finished, although swelling means the final result is clearer after about two weeks.
How long results last depends on the area, the gel used and your own metabolism. Lips move constantly, so filler there often lasts around six to twelve months. Firmer gels placed in the cheeks, chin or jawline commonly last a year or more. These are typical ranges and they vary from person to person.
Dermal filler side effects, aftercare and prices
Swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising are common for a few days. Small lumps can occur and usually settle. Rarely, filler can block a blood vessel, which needs urgent attention; we'll explain the warning signs at your appointment, and you should contact the clinic straight away if you notice skin colour changes or increasing pain. For a day or two, avoid make-up on the area, strenuous exercise, saunas, alcohol and pressing on the treated skin.
Prices are per session, with the final plan and price confirmed at consultation. Cheek, chin and jawline treatments are priced individually because the amount needed varies a great deal from face to face.
- 1ml Dermal filler: £150
- Dermal filler cheek: priced at consultation
- Dermal filler Chin: priced at consultation
- Dermal filler Jawline: priced at consultation
Close to Lisson Grove, Little Venice and St John's Wood
ZARA is at 304 Edgware Road, about 50 metres from the Bakerloo line entrance of Edgware Road station. Neighbours in Lisson Grove are close by, with Church Street Market around a seven or eight minute walk away.
From Little Venice it's roughly a 13-minute walk. From St John's Wood, take the Jubilee line to Baker Street and change to the Bakerloo line for two stops north, or allow about 25 minutes on foot.
We're open Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 8pm, and Sundays and bank holidays 1pm to 5pm. Book by WhatsApp on 07479 973309, call 020 4619 8781 or email the clinic.
Dermal filler results at ZARA
Real clients, photographed at the clinic before and after treatment. Results vary from person to person, and every treatment starts with a consultation.
More results on our Instagram, @Z_medical_aesthetic.
Dermal fillers: your questions answered
What's the difference between dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections?
Filler is a gel that adds volume or structure. Anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscles behind expression lines. They treat different concerns, and some people have both at different times.
Are dermal fillers permanent?
No. Hyaluronic acid filler is broken down by the body over time. Depending on the area it typically lasts from several months to a year or more.
Can filler be removed if I don't like it?
Hyaluronic acid filler can usually be dissolved. We'll explain the process and when it might be considered during your consultation.
How much filler will I need?
It depends on the area and on your face. Many lip treatments use 1ml, while cheeks, chin and jawline vary more, which is why those are priced at consultation.
Can I have more than one area treated at once?
Sometimes, if it's appropriate for you. We may also suggest spacing treatments out so you can see how each change looks before adding another.
Will people be able to tell I've had filler?
Most people prefer a result that looks like a well-rested version of themselves. We plan amounts with that in mind, although results vary from person to person.
Is there a minimum age for dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes are only given to adults aged 18 and over in England.
How do I know which filler area to start with?
Start with whatever bothers you most and tell us at consultation. We'll look at your face as a whole and explain whether that area, or a neighbouring one, is likely to make the clearest difference.
