Great skin is a journey, not a
destination
Dr Eckstein
Dermal Fillers
Facial anatomy varies meaningfully across ethnicities; in bone structure, fat distribution, skin thickness, and the way volume loss presents over time. At Dr Mélanin, this understanding sits at the heart of every filler consultation. A natural, harmonious result depends on respecting the architecture you were born with, not imposing a template that wasn’t designed for it.
Dermal fillers are sterile, gel-like formulations used to restore volume, soften lines, and refine facial contours. We work primarily with high-quality hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which closely mirror substances naturally present in the skin to support hydration and structural integrity. The treatment involves placing filler beneath the skin at carefully chosen depths and locations, mapped to your individual anatomy and the outcome you’re seeking. This is particularly important for skin of colour, where considerations such as a tendency toward keloid or hypertrophic scarring and hyperpigmentation all inform a safe and considered approach. Our clinicians are trained to recognise these nuances, ensuring enhancement that complements, rather than overrides, your natural features.
Most clients find the treatment comfortable. The fillers we use contain a small amount of lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, and we can also apply topical anaesthetic beforehand to further minimise any discomfort. Results are visible immediately, with the final outcome settling over 2–3 weeks as any swelling resolves and the filler integrates with the surrounding tissue. The body gradually metabolises filler over time; longevity depends on the product used, the treatment area, and individual metabolism, but typically ranges from 6–12 months, with some results lasting 18 months or more.
Dermal Fillers at a Glance
Areas treated
Generally face, neck and areas of scarring but can be administered anywhere
Number of treatments
Usually a single session, but sometimes, the treatment may be staged
Procedure time
45 – 60 minutes depending on number of areas treated
Discomfort level
Minimal, the product contains a numbing agent and we also use numbing cream
Downtime
Usually minimal, but there may be bruising and swelling which can last up to 2 weeks
Results
Immediately or up to 4 weeks once swelling has subsided
Case Studies
Client Profile: Age 68, Female, Nigerian, Fitzpatrick V
Our client came to us concerned about age-related volume loss in her face, along with uneven skin texture and pigmentation. She had previously had filler at another clinic and had always been hesitant about skin treatments due to sensitivity after long-term use of skin lightening products. We also identified that her cheek area had previously been over-filled elsewhere, which had thrown off her natural facial balance rather than enhancing it. We started with the fundamentals: getting her onto daily SPF, gently weaning her off the products that had been compromising her skin, and allowing six weeks for her skin to settle on a simple, soothing routine. She had some facial disharmony left by her previous dermal filler treatment elsewhere and we decided to work with it to improve the appearance rather than dissolving it would result in further volume loss. Once her skin was ready, we focused on restoring volume and balance with dermal filler. Rather than treating lines directly, it was important to first restore the structural framework which in turn softens the lines indirectly and gives a far more natural result.
What the results show:
The results you see below are immediately post-treatment so there is some mild redness to the skin which will improve. We used a total of 5 ml of dermal filler. Her facial volume and contours appear naturally restored and balanced, the lines around the mouth have significantly improved and the facial features are much more harmonious.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the benefits of dermal fillers include immediate improvement in facial volume, contour and symmetry, reduction of lines and folds, lip enhancement and rejuvenation, non-surgical alternative to facial sculpting, create natural-looking volume and contour, rejuvenate and refresh your appearance and minimal downtime.
At Dr Mélanin, our clinicians strive to perform fillers in a way that are subtle and natural-looking. We strongly believe that dermal fillers should be performed to enhance your own natural features to restore volume.
Dermal fillers are very safe in skin of colour if they are performed correctly.
This depends on the volume of fillers being administered. In some cases, the treatment may be staged into multiple sessions to allow us to assess previously administered dermal filler and make any adjustments if needed. This helps us achieve your results and ensuring that you are satisfied with the outcome.
Please contact us via email to receive our pricing list. We require all our patients to book a consultation with our doctors prior to starting any treatments. We carefully prepare bespoke plans for all our patients and some treatments may be unsuitable for some patients.
Most clients tolerate the treatment well with minimal discomfort. The fillers we use contain a small amount of lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) but we can also apply local anaesthetic to the skin prior to treatment to minimise discomfort.
Like any procedure, there are possible risks which will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation as these vary between individuals.
Some of the most common sequelae include redness, swelling, bruising (can be quite large but will improve over time), itching or tenderness, discomfort at the injection site and temporary numbness (especially with lidocaine-containing fillers), these typically resolve within a few days, but lip swelling may last up to one week.
The brand of dermal filler we use is Juvaderm®
Visible results are immediate, but it can take a few weeks to see your full results after the swelling as subsided.
Combining dermal fillers with other treatment modalities provides optimum results, particularly in cases of deeper static wrinkles and improvement in overall skin quality. Any fine lines caused by dynamic movement cannot be addressed with dermal fillers. Although the likelihood of seeing no results is extremely low, results cannot be predicted.
Dermal fillers are not permanent, and the effects of dermal fillers do eventually wear off, but it can be repeated to maintain your results. Results usually last 6 – 18 months but it may be longer or shorter depending on the type of filler used, your genetics, metabolism and lifestyle.