Dermatologist-led · Specialists in skin of colour
Dermal Fillers
Natural volume and structure, restored with a deep understanding of how facial anatomy varies across ethnicities.
Understanding dermal fillers
Restoring structure, never changing who you are
Dermal fillers are gel-like injectables made from hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in your skin. With age, the face gradually loses volume and support, which can leave it looking flatter, more tired or less defined.
Carefully placed filler restores that lost structure, softening folds and hollows and bringing back balance and definition. Because every face is built differently, we map the depth and placement of each injection to your individual anatomy.
This is especially important in skin of colour. A tendency towards keloid or hypertrophic scarring and hyperpigmentation informs every decision we make, from technique to aftercare, so that your treatment is both safe and considered.
Equally, we honour your heritage. Every face carries its own beauty and proportions, and we work with them, enhancing the features that are distinctly yours so your result looks refreshed and unmistakably you.
What dermal fillers can help with
Volume, balance and definition
- Age-related volume loss
- Flattened or hollow cheeks
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Lip volume & definition
- Chin & jawline definition
- Facial asymmetry
- Facial rebalancing
- Some types of scarring
Why specialist care matters
Beautiful faces are not built to one template.
Bone structure, fat distribution and the way faces age all differ across ethnicities, yet many filler techniques are based on a single, narrow ideal. In skin of colour there is also a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and keloid or hypertrophic scarring. Our doctors are specially trained in these differences, so we enhance your natural features rather than replace them.
The essentials
Dermal fillers at a glance
Areas treated
Mostly the face and neck, as well as areas of scarring.
Number of treatments
Usually one session, though some plans are staged over time.
Procedure time
45–60 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Discomfort level
Minimal. The filler contains lidocaine, and numbing cream can be applied.
Downtime
Usually minimal, though bruising and swelling can last up to 2 weeks.
Results
Visible straight away, settling fully over 2–4 weeks.
Longevity
Typically 6–18 months, depending on the product, area and you.
Our filler
Juvéderm, a trusted, reversible hyaluronic acid range.
Real results
Case studies
Client profile
Restoring structure after age-related volume loss
She came to us concerned about age-related volume loss, uneven texture and pigmentation, having previously been over-filled in the cheeks elsewhere. We first spent six weeks preparing her skin with daily SPF and a gentle routine. Rather than treating lines directly, we then focused on restoring the structural framework of her face.
- Age68
- SexFemale
- HeritageNigerian
- Skin typeFitzpatrick V
- Treatment6 weeks of skin preparation, then 5 ml of dermal filler in total
Three-quarter view
Front view
Her facial volume and contours look naturally restored and more balanced, and the lines around her mouth have softened. Please note these photos were taken immediately after treatment, so some redness and swelling is normal and generally resolves with time.
Client profile
Subtle cheek support for a petite face
She was concerned about the gradual loss of facial volume that comes with age. Her face is naturally petite and slim, with distinctive features she wanted to keep. We placed filler in her cheeks, distributing it very subtly to restore support without widening her face or changing the features that make it hers.
- Age35
- SexFemale
- HeritageBritish Caribbean
- Skin typeFitzpatrick V
- Treatment1 ml of dermal filler to the cheeks
Three-quarter view
Side profile
Her cheeks look gently refreshed and her contours softly lifted, while her face remains slim, balanced and unmistakably her own.
© Dr Mélanin. Images shared with our clients' consent. Individual results vary.
Watch & learn
Videos
Watch this before you get filler
Dermal filler complications in skin of colour
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
Please reach out to us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
01What are the benefits of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers restore lost volume and support, soften folds and hollows, and bring back definition and balance to the face. Results are visible straight away, with minimal downtime for most clients.
02Will I look natural?
A natural result is always our aim. We plan your treatment around your own anatomy, heritage and proportions, using only as much filler as your face needs, so you look refreshed rather than changed.
03Are dermal fillers safe for skin of colour?
Yes. Dermal fillers are very safe for skin of colour when performed correctly by a practitioner who understands melanin-rich skin and the facial anatomy of different ethnicities.
Because darker skin carries a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and keloid or hypertrophic scarring, we take extra care with technique, injection points and aftercare.
04How many treatments will I need?
Most clients need just one session. For more significant volume loss, we may stage your treatment over two or more appointments so that your result builds gradually and naturally.
05Are fillers painful?
Most clients find treatment very comfortable. Our fillers contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, and we can also apply numbing cream beforehand. You may feel some pressure or mild stinging during treatment.
06Are there any side effects?
Common, expected effects include redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness at the injection sites. These usually settle within a few days, although lip swelling can last up to a week and bruising up to two weeks.
Because every client is unique, this list may not be exhaustive. We will discuss your individual risks in detail at your consultation.
07Which brand of dermal filler do you use?
We use Juvéderm, a trusted range of hyaluronic acid fillers with a long safety record. Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be dissolved if ever needed.
08When will I see my results?
You will see a difference straight away. Your final result settles over 2–4 weeks as any swelling goes down. Fillers restore volume and structure, but they cannot treat lines caused by movement, which is why we often combine them with anti-wrinkle treatments. As with all treatments, results cannot be guaranteed.
09How long will my results last?
Results typically last 6–18 months, depending on the product used, the area treated and individual factors such as your metabolism and lifestyle.
10What is the investment for dermal fillers?
Please contact us via email to receive our pricing list. We ask all our clients to book a consultation with our doctors before starting any treatment. We carefully prepare a bespoke plan for every client, and some treatments may not be suitable for everyone.
Disclaimer
Your results, side effects, treatment plan, downtime and recovery may vary, as all our clients are unique. The information on this page is based on the average client experience. If you would like more detail about how your experience may differ, please book an in-person consultation.