Dermal fillers are injectable gel-like substances used to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. The vast majority of modern fillers used in the UK are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring sugar in the body that attracts and binds to water, providing hydration and structure to the skin.
Because HA fillers mimic a natural substance, they are generally well-tolerated and gradually metabolised by the body over time. Importantly, HA fillers are fully reversible. A prescription enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler if the result is unsatisfactory or, crucially, in the event of a vascular complication.
Unlike anti-wrinkle injections (which relax muscles), fillers are designed to "fill" or plump areas that have lost volume due to ageing, such as the cheeks or under-eyes, or to enhance natural features like the lips and jawline.
While dermal fillers are not currently classed as prescription-only medicines (POM) in the UK, the emergency dissolving agent (hyaluronidase) IS a prescription-only medicine. Therefore, you should only receive filler treatments from a qualified prescriber (or a practitioner working directly alongside a prescriber) who can legally access and administer the reversal agent in an emergency.
Fillers are versatile and can be formulated with different thicknesses (rheology) depending on the area being treated. Thicker fillers are used for deep structural support (like cheekbones), while softer fillers are used for superficial lines or lips.
The most severe risk associated with dermal fillers is vascular occlusion — when filler is accidentally injected into or compresses a blood vessel, blocking blood supply to the skin. If not immediately recognised and dissolved with hyaluronidase, this can lead to tissue necrosis (skin death) or, in extremely rare cases, blindness. This highlights the absolute necessity of choosing a highly trained medical professional with deep anatomical knowledge and emergency protocols in place.
| Region | Lips | Cheeks | Full face |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £300–£600 | £500–£900 | From £800 |
| South East | £250–£450 | £400–£700 | From £600 |
| Midlands | £200–£350 | £350–£600 | From £500 |
| North West | £220–£380 | £380–£640 | From £550 |
| Yorkshire | £200–£360 | £360–£620 | From £520 |
Always verify that your practitioner is registered with the relevant regulatory body (GMC, NMC, GDC, or GPhC). Check the clinic's CQC registration status. Ask about their complication management protocols and whether they carry the appropriate emergency medications.
Visit our full safety guide for the complete list of questions to ask before booking any aesthetic treatment.