What are dermal fillers?
Most modern dermal fillers are gels based on hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin and connective tissues and contributes to hydration and structural support. When injected, they add volume and provide support in areas that have lost fullness over time. Because results and safety depend on facial assessment, anatomy, product selection and injection technique, dermal filler treatment should be approached as an injectable medical procedure rather than simply a cosmetic product.
What can dermal fillers address?
Restore lost volume
Age-related hollowing and loss of facial contour.
Enhance facial contours
Additional support to areas such as the cheeks and jawline where appropriate.
Soften selected lines and folds
Where loss of underlying volume contributes to their appearance.
Improve facial balance
Subtle restoration of proportion and facial harmony.
Where can dermal fillers be used?
Dermal fillers can be used in different areas of the face depending on facial anatomy, volume distribution and the result you would like to achieve.
Not every concern requires filler, and adding volume is not always the most appropriate approach. Dr Phillips assesses the face as a whole before recommending whether filler is suitable and, if so, which areas are most appropriate to treat.
Cheeks
To restore age-related volume loss or provide additional structural support
Temples
Where loss of volume can create hollowing over time
Jawline and chin
To support facial contours and proportions where appropriate
Nasolabial folds and lines around the mouth
Where loss of underlying support contributes to their appearance
Lips
To restore or enhance volume and definition while maintaining natural proportions
Cheeks
To restore age-related volume loss or provide additional structural support
Temples
Where loss of volume can create hollowing over time
Jawline and chin
To support facial contours and proportions where appropriate
Nasolabial folds and lines around the mouth
Where loss of underlying support contributes to their appearance
Lips
To restore or enhance volume and definition while maintaining natural proportions
Dr Phillips's approach to filler treatment
Dr Phillips's philosophy is to enhance rather than alter. Treatment recommendations are guided by careful assessment of your facial anatomy, skin quality and goals, with an emphasis on natural-looking, harmonious results. The outcome of a well-executed filler treatment should not be obvious to others, it should simply make the patient look refreshed and like themselves.
A consultation provides the opportunity to explore whether dermal fillers are the most appropriate option or whether an alternative approach, such as Profhilo, polynucleotides or a laser treatment, would better suit the patient's skin quality and concerns.
Book a consultation with Dr Derrick Phillips to discuss whether dermal fillers are appropriate for your concerns.
“The aim is not to change how you look, but to enhance balance while keeping the result natural.”
Safety, suitability and aftercare
Dermal fillers should only be administered by an appropriately qualified medical professional following a thorough face-to-face consultation. As a Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Phillips is trained to assess anatomical risk, manage complications where they arise and provide comprehensive aftercare. Treatments are suitable for adults aged 18 years and over only. Patient safety is the primary consideration at every stage of treatment, from the initial assessment through to follow-up.
Medically led treatment
Anatomical risk assessment
Fully informed consent
Comprehensive aftercare
What to expect
Your consultation begins with a detailed facial assessment and a discussion of your concerns and treatment goals. Dr Phillips will explain whether dermal filler is appropriate, discuss the available options and set realistic expectations before agreeing an individualised treatment plan.
Treatment is carried out using careful injection technique with attention to facial anatomy, proportion and comfort throughout. Aftercare instructions are provided, and follow-up is arranged where appropriate.
Consultation and assessment
Discuss your concerns and treatment goals, followed by a detailed assessment of your facial anatomy and proportions.
Personalised treatment plan
Dr Phillips explains whether filler is appropriate, discusses your options and sets realistic expectations for treatment.
Treatment
Filler is administered using careful injection techniques, with attention to anatomy, proportion and comfort.
Aftercare and follow-up
You'll receive aftercare guidance, with follow-up arranged where appropriate.
Why choose Dr Derrick Phillips for dermal fillers in London
Dr Phillips combines medical expertise with a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, balance and proportion. His approach is measured and conservative, with an emphasis on subtle, natural-looking results that complement the individual rather than applying a standardised aesthetic.
He also has extensive experience treating patients across a wide range of skin tones and understands how patterns of facial ageing, volume loss and treatment response can vary between different ethnic backgrounds.
What to know about dermal fillers
Most modern dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the skin
Successful treatment depends on careful assessment of facial anatomy and treatment technique
Dr Phillips takes a conservative approach with an emphasis on natural-looking, harmonious results
Treatments are suitable for adults aged 18 years and over, following a face-to-face consultation
Treatment is recommended only where it is clinically appropriate
FAQs
What are dermal fillers made of?
Most modern dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally within the skin and connective tissues. They are used to restore volume, support facial contours and soften selected lines where volume loss is a contributing factor.
Do fillers look natural?
When used appropriately and conservatively, dermal fillers should enhance rather than alter your appearance. Dr Phillips takes a conservative approach guided by careful assessment of your anatomy, with natural-looking and harmonious results as the explicit goal.
How long do fillers last?
The duration of dermal fillers varies depending on the product used, the area treated and individual factors such as metabolism. Results are temporary and gradually reduce over time as the filler is broken down by the body. Dr Phillips will discuss the likely duration of treatment and realistic expectations during your consultation.
Are fillers safe?
Dermal fillers are generally well tolerated when performed appropriately, but as with any injectable treatment there are risks and potential complications. These range from temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness to rarer but more serious complications.
Careful assessment, appropriate product selection, a detailed understanding of facial anatomy and informed consent are all important for reducing risk. As a Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Phillips is also trained to recognise and manage complications should they occur.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes. Dermal fillers are suitable for adults aged 18 years and over only.
Can dermal fillers be dissolved?
Most hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if clinically appropriate. This may be considered where filler needs to be adjusted or removed, or where a complication requires treatment. Dissolving filler is itself a medical procedure and should only be performed following appropriate assessment.
What is the difference between dermal fillers and Profhilo?
Dermal fillers are primarily used to restore volume, provide structural support and enhance facial contours in specific areas. Profhilo is used more for improving skin hydration, elasticity and overall skin quality, with minimal volumising effect.
The most appropriate treatment depends on whether the main concern is facial structure and volume loss, or skin quality and hydration.