Fillers: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Fillers?
Fillers are usually injected by a dermatologist (a skin doctor) or a plastic surgeon (a surgeon who reshapes the body). The AAD says a dermatologist can inject fillers safely and effectively. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
As we age, our skin loses its youthful fullness. Fillers help restore lost fullness to the face, lips, and hands. They are also called soft-tissue fillers, dermal fillers, or soft-tissue augmentation.
Some fillers are absorbed by the body over time. Patients may need to repeat the procedure to keep the effect.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Dermatologists use fillers to lessen signs of aging on the face, lips, and hands. The AAD says fillers can restore fullness to cheeks, hollow areas under the eyes, and deep creases. Insurance does not cover treatment that reduces signs of aging.
The FDA has approved permanent fillers only for nasolabial folds and cheek acne scars. Nasolabial folds are the lines from the sides of the nose to the edges of the mouth.
How to prepare
Talk with your provider about where the filler will go and the risks at each spot.
Tell your provider if you have a bleeding disorder or severe allergies. Also say if you have had anaphylaxis, a sudden allergic reaction. Also say if you are allergic to collagen, eggs, animal products, or lidocaine. Some fillers contain them. The FDA says injection should be delayed if your skin is inflamed or infected.
What happens during it
The procedure varies with the filler, the part of the body treated, and your medical history. Most filler treatments take between 15 and 30 minutes and need one office visit. You may feel a stinging or burning feeling as the filler is injected.
Recovery
Most fillers give results that are immediate or close to immediate. Most fillers give temporary results and need repeat treatments to keep them.
Risks and side effects
Common risks include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, and rash. Rare risks include movement of the filler and permanent hard lumps. The most concerning risk is a filler injected into a blood vessel by mistake. This can cause tissue death, blindness, or stroke.
The FDA recommends against using fillers to make the breasts or buttocks bigger.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away for unusual pain or vision changes. Do the same if skin near the injection site looks white, gray, or blue. Do the same for a severe allergic reaction. Also do the same for signs of a stroke. These include sudden trouble speaking, or numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
The FDA says to find a licensed health care provider with experience in dermatology or plastic surgery. Do not inject yourself with dermal fillers. Do not buy fillers online. They could be counterfeit or not approved for use in the U.S.
Common questions
Does insurance cover fillers?
No, the AAD says insurance does not cover treatment that reduces signs of aging.
Can I get fillers while pregnant or breast feeding?
The FDA says the safety of dermal fillers is unknown during pregnancy or while breast feeding. The safety is also unknown in people who are prone to excessive scarring, such as keloids.
Can fillers be used on any part of the body?
No, the FDA approved different products for use in specific areas of the face and hands. The FDA may not have reviewed the use of certain fillers for other locations in the body.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers)
- American Academy of Dermatology - Fillers: FAQs
- American Academy of Dermatology - Fillers: Overview
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
