Professional’s Guide to Facial Fillers

This guide provides essential information on dermal fillers for our professional clients. As a trusted UK wholesale distributor of aesthetic beauty supplies, IGO Aesthetics is committed to supporting practitioners with clear, compliant knowledge to help them select the right products for their clinic.

Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injectable gel-like substances used to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, and enhance facial contours. They are one of the most widely used treatments in aesthetic medicine, offering a way to address signs of ageing and augment facial features.

How Dermal Fillers Work

Unlike skin boosters which focus on hydration and improving skin quality, dermal fillers are primarily designed for structural support and volumisation. They work by physically adding volume to specific areas, providing immediate, visible results. While skin boosters improve the skin's surface glow and texture, facial fillers reshape and define the underlying architecture.

Common Types of Facial Fillers

The vast majority of modern dermal fillers are based on Hyaluronic Acid, but other types are also available.

  • Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: This is the most popular type of filler. Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, and when used in a filler, it works by binding to water to create volume. The results are temporary and the effects can be reversed if needed.
  • Other Filler Classes: Practitioners may also encounter fillers made from materials like Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA), or Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). These work differently, often by stimulating the body's own collagen production, and have different use cases and longevity profiles.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Filler

Selecting the correct dermal filler is a critical skill for any aesthetic practitioner. Key properties to consider include:

  • Viscosity & Cross-Linking: The thickness (viscosity) and degree of cross-linking determine a filler’s properties. Highly cross-linked, high-viscosity fillers are firm and provide strong structural support, making them ideal for areas like the cheeks or jawline. Softer, less cross-linked fillers are used for fine lines or areas requiring subtle enhancement, such as the lips.
  • Lidocaine Inclusion: Many facial fillers are available with or without lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, to improve patient comfort during the injection process. Always check product specifications and patient allergies.
  • Longevity: The duration of a filler’s effect depends on its composition, the treatment area, and individual patient factors like metabolism. Practitioners should manage client expectations based on the specific product chosen.

Common Treatment Areas for Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are versatile professional beauty products used to treat various areas of the face. Practitioners must use their training and expertise to select the right product for each indication. Common areas include:

  • Lips: For adding volume, defining borders, and improving symmetry.
  • Cheeks: To restore volume and create a more defined, lifted appearance.
  • Nasolabial Folds: To soften the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
  • Jawline and Chin: For sculpting, defining the facial profile, and improving projection.

Safety, Storage, and Traceability

The safe handling of all aesthetic beauty supplies is paramount.

  • Authenticity: We guarantee all our products are genuine and sourced from official manufacturers. Using authentic products is the first step in ensuring patient safety.
  • Sterile Packaging: All fillers are supplied in sterile, tamper-evident packaging. Do not use any product if the seal is broken.
  • Storage: Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions precisely. Some products may have specific temperature requirements.
  • Expiry Dates & Batch Numbers: Never use a product beyond its expiry date. Always record the batch/lot number in the client's records for traceability.

Professional Eligibility and Verification

Dermal fillers are medical devices and are strictly intended for professional use only. To purchase from IGO Aesthetics, you must be a qualified and insured medical or aesthetic professional. We verify every trade account to ensure full compliance with UK industry standards. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are dermal fillers permanent?
Most HA-based fillers are not permanent. The body gradually breaks down the Hyaluronic Acid over several months to a couple of years, depending on the product.

2. Can filler results be reversed?
The effects of Hyaluronic Acid fillers can be adjusted or dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which must be administered by a qualified professional.

3. Is there any downtime after a filler treatment?
Patients may experience temporary swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites. These effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days.

4. How do I choose between a needle and a cannula?
The choice depends on the treatment area, the filler being used, and the practitioner's trained technique. Cannulas may reduce the risk of bruising in certain areas.

5. Why is a trade account necessary to see prices?
Restricting access to pricing is part of our commitment to supplying professional-only products exclusively to verified practitioners, ensuring responsible and compliant practice.

Discover Our Range of Professional Facial Fillers

Browse our carefully selected portfolio of high-quality facial fillers to find the ideal products for your clinic and clients. If you need support, our expert UK-based team is ready to assist.