Most first-time filler regret is a dose problem, not a product problem. Too much in one visit, in the wrong plane, is what produces the look people are afraid of — and it is avoidable by treating conservatively and reviewing.
This guide covers what dermal fillers are, what they can and cannot change, who should not have them, what the appointment and the needle actually feel like, the realistic first-fortnight timeline of swelling and bruising, and how long results last before a top-up.
What dermal fillers are and how they work
Dermal fillers are injectable gels, most commonly made from stabilised hyaluronic acid – a substance that naturally occurs in your skin and helps it stay hydrated and plump. As we age, we lose collagen, elastin and fat in the face. This can lead to lines, hollows and a more tired look. Dermal fillers are placed carefully under the skin to replace some of this lost volume and to support the overlying tissues.
The product is injected with a fine needle or cannula into specific layers of the skin or deeper tissues, depending on the area and the goal. Once in place, the filler attracts water and integrates with your own tissue, creating smoother contours and a more refreshed appearance. The effect is non-surgical and can be adjusted over time. In a dental setting such as Dr Chalita le Roux Inc. in Roodepoort, dermal fillers are often used alongside aesthetic dental treatments to harmonise the lips, smile and lower face. The focus is on subtle, natural-looking changes rather than dramatic alterations, with treatment planned around your facial structure, dental health and overall aesthetic goals.
What dermal fillers can do for your appearance
Dermal fillers can address several common aesthetic concerns, especially in the mid- and lower face. They are often used to soften nose-to-mouth lines (nasolabial folds), marionette lines around the chin, and fine lines that deepen with age or repeated facial expression. Fillers can restore lost volume in the cheeks, helping to lift and support the midface, which may reduce a tired or sagging look. Around the mouth, they can gently define the lip border, add subtle fullness to thin lips, and improve the balance between lips and teeth for a more harmonious smile.
In a practice like Dr Chalita le Roux Inc., dermal fillers may be part of a broader smile makeover plan, complementing veneers, whitening or clear-aligner treatment. The aim is a natural result that fits your face, age and personality, not a “overfilled” appearance. Fillers can also improve symmetry, for example when one side of the face appears flatter or more hollow. While they are effective for many concerns, they do not replace surgery for very loose skin or significantly sagging tissues. During your consultation in Amorosa, Roodepoort, Dr Chalita will discuss what fillers can realistically achieve in your case and when other treatments might be more appropriate.
Who is a good candidate for dermal fillers?
Good candidates for dermal fillers are adults who are generally healthy, bothered by specific facial lines, hollows or loss of definition, and looking for non-surgical improvement. Common reasons to consider fillers include deepening creases around the nose and mouth, thinning lips, volume loss in the cheeks, or a downward turn of the mouth that makes you look tired or upset. Many patients at Dr Chalita le Roux Inc. choose fillers as part of a broader aesthetic plan once their dental health is stable, for example after completing clear-aligner treatment or whitening.
You may not be a good candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have uncontrolled medical conditions, severe allergies, a history of certain autoimmune diseases, or previous complications from injectables. Active skin infections, cold sores in the treatment area, or recent major dental surgery are also reasons to postpone treatment. A realistic mindset is important: fillers can refresh and soften your appearance, but they will not change your basic features or stop ageing. During a consultation in Roodepoort, Dr Chalita will review your medical history, current medications, and aesthetic goals, and may advise against fillers if they are unlikely to give a safe, worthwhile result.
What to expect during your dermal filler treatment
When you arrive for your dermal filler appointment at Dr Chalita le Roux Inc., the process is structured and calm. You will first review the treatment plan with Dr Chalita, including which areas will be treated and what kind of result you are aiming for. Photographs may be taken for your records. The skin is then cleansed and disinfected carefully. In many cases, a topical anaesthetic cream and/or filler containing local anaesthetic is used to make the injections more comfortable.
Dr Chalita will use a fine needle or cannula to place small amounts of filler in targeted areas, layer by layer, rather than all at once. She may massage the area gently to help the product settle and assess symmetry as she works. You might feel pressure, a slight sting or a pushing sensation, but most patients describe it as manageable. Throughout, you can give feedback if something feels uncomfortable. The appointment length depends on how many areas are treated, but a typical session ranges from about 30 minutes to an hour, including consultation time. Before you leave, you will receive verbal and written aftercare instructions, and a follow-up plan may be discussed so your result can be checked and refined if necessary.
Does it hurt and is there downtime?
Pain and downtime are common concerns for patients considering dermal fillers. Most modern fillers used at practices like Dr Chalita le Roux Inc. contain local anaesthetic, and a numbing cream may be applied before treatment. This combination means that, while you may feel small pinpricks, pressure or a brief stinging sensation, the overall discomfort is usually mild and short-lived. People who are nervous about injections often find that being able to ask questions and move at a steady pace helps.
In terms of downtime, many patients go back to normal daily activities shortly after their appointment. However, it is realistic to expect temporary swelling, redness and small bruises, especially in sensitive areas such as the lips. These effects are most noticeable in the first 24–72 hours and then gradually settle. You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths and heavy makeup over the treated area for a short period. It is sensible not to schedule important social or work events immediately after treatment in case your skin reacts more than expected. At Dr Chalita le Roux Inc., dermal filler treatments are booked during regular weekday hours only, so any follow-up or urgent concerns are addressed within those times.
Aftercare and what to expect in the first 14 days
The first two weeks after dermal fillers are a settling period, and simple aftercare makes a difference. Immediately after treatment, you may notice swelling, redness, small bumps or bruising where the injections were placed. These are common and typically improve over several days. Gentle cooling with a clean cold compress can be soothing, but avoid putting ice directly on the skin. For the first 24 hours, you are usually advised to avoid heavy exercise, alcohol and very hot environments, as these can increase swelling.
During days 2–7, most bruising and obvious swelling should reduce. Some areas, especially lips, can feel slightly firm or uneven as the filler integrates with the tissue. Avoid massaging the area unless Dr Chalita has specifically shown you how, and do not have other facial treatments such as microneedling or chemical peels in this period. From days 7–14, the result continues to refine and usually looks more natural as the product settles. If you notice significant pain, skin discolouration (such as blotchy whiteness or dusky patches), or anything that worries you, contact the practice promptly during office hours. Dr Chalita le Roux Inc. provides clear written aftercare instructions and encourages patients to return for review so that any small adjustments can be made once the fillers have stabilised.
How long dermal filler results last
Dermal filler results are temporary, and how long they last depends on the product used, the area treated, your metabolism and lifestyle factors. In general, hyaluronic acid fillers in more mobile areas like the lips tend to last a shorter time than those placed deeper in the cheeks or along the jawline. Many patients experience visible benefits for several months, with gradual, natural fading rather than a sudden change. As the filler breaks down, your face slowly returns to its pre-treatment state.
At Dr Chalita le Roux Inc. in Roodepoort, longevity is discussed honestly during your consultation so you have a realistic idea of what to expect. The goal is not to chase constant top-ups, but to plan maintenance thoughtfully. For some people, a review and possible retreatment once or twice a year is appropriate; others prefer less frequent adjustments. Factors such as smoking, sun exposure and significant weight changes can influence how long your results last. Because fillers are not permanent, they offer flexibility: the treatment plan can be adapted over time as your face and aesthetic preferences change. Regular follow-ups allow Dr Chalita to monitor how the product is behaving in your tissue and to decide when a subtle refresh is worthwhile.
How a first filler appointment runs here
Conservative first, review after. A first appointment treats less than the maximum, because filler can be added at a review but cannot be un-injected without intervention. That sequencing is the single biggest protection against an overfilled result.
The appointment starts with what you want changed and whether filler is even the right tool for it — some concerns are better addressed by anti-wrinkle treatment, some by neither. Your medical history, medication and any history of cold sores matter here and are asked about properly. You are told which product family is being used, where it is going, and what the review plan is, in writing, before anything is injected.
Dr Chalita le Roux is BChD cum laude (University of Pretoria, 2020), HPCSA-registered (DP 0118702), and a member of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry. Facial aesthetic treatment is carried out by the dentist, in a clinical practice, with the same record-keeping and consent process as dental treatment.
What you should be told and sometimes are not: what happens if you do not like it, and what the management plan is if a complication occurs. Ask both questions at the consultation, of any practitioner.
What filler treatment costs, and what changes it
Filler is priced by how much product a plan needs, which is why a figure quoted before an assessment means little. Relative tiers:
$ routine — the consultation and assessment on its own.
$$ moderate — a single conservative area, such as
lip treatment, with a review.
$$$ significant — two or more areas treated across a planned sequence.
$$$$ major — full-face planning staged over several appointments.
What changes it: how much product the plan needs, how many areas are treated, the product family chosen, and whether a review top-up is included. Longevity matters to the real cost too — a result that lasts longer per treatment is cheaper annually even at a higher visit fee. A written plan follows the consultation. Facial aesthetic treatment is not a medical-aid benefit, and the practice does not bill medical aid directly.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly are dermal fillers and how do they work?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels, most often made from stabilised hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in your skin. They are carefully placed under the skin with a fine needle or cannula to restore volume, smooth lines and enhance facial contours. The filler integrates with your tissue and attracts water, helping the treated area look plumper and more supported. Over time, the product is gradually broken down by your body, so results are noticeable but not permanent.
What should I do before my dermal filler appointment?
Before your dermal filler appointment, have a thorough consultation and be honest about your medical history, allergies and medications. Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor. In the days before treatment, many people avoid alcohol and non-essential blood-thinning supplements to reduce bruising, but follow professional advice. On the day, arrive with clean skin, minimal makeup over the treatment area, and no active cold sores. It is sensible to avoid booking major social events immediately afterwards in case of temporary swelling.
What happens during a dermal filler treatment and how long does it take?
During a dermal filler treatment, your practitioner reviews the plan, cleans and disinfects the skin, and may apply a numbing cream. Using a fine needle or cannula, small amounts of filler are injected into targeted areas, with gentle moulding to shape the result and check symmetry. You may feel pressure or brief stinging but usually not intense pain. Including consultation and aftercare instructions, a typical appointment takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated.
Do dermal filler injections hurt and will I need downtime?
Most modern dermal fillers contain local anaesthetic, and a numbing cream is often used, so pain is usually mild and short-lived. You may feel small pinpricks, pressure or a brief sting. Many people are able to return to everyday activities soon after treatment. However, expect temporary swelling, redness and possible bruising, especially in sensitive areas like the lips. These effects are typically most noticeable in the first 1–3 days, so avoid planning important events immediately after your appointment.
What side effects should I expect after dermal fillers?
Common, expected side effects after dermal fillers include swelling, redness, tenderness and small bruises at the injection sites. Some areas can feel slightly firm, lumpy or uneven in the first few days as the product settles. These changes usually improve over a week or two. Less common but more serious risks include infection, allergic reactions and vascular complications, which need urgent assessment. If you notice significant pain, unusual discolouration or anything that worries you, contact your provider promptly during office hours.
How long do dermal fillers last and when will I see full results?
Dermal filler results are temporary and typically last several months, depending on the product used, the area treated and your metabolism. You will see an immediate change after treatment, but this is often accompanied by swelling. The more natural, settled result becomes clearer over the first 7–14 days as swelling subsides and the filler integrates with your tissue. Maintenance sessions are planned individually, with some patients choosing a review once or twice a year to keep their results looking consistent.
Are dermal fillers safe and what are the risks?
Dermal fillers are widely used and considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner using reputable products and proper technique. However, they are a medical procedure and carry risks. Common minor issues include bruising, swelling and tenderness. Less common but serious complications can involve infection, allergic reactions, lumps, or accidental injection into a blood vessel, which needs urgent treatment. A thorough consultation, careful injection technique and appropriate aftercare help reduce these risks, but they cannot be removed completely.
Can dermal fillers be reversed if I don’t like the result?
Many hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be adjusted or dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down the product. This reversal process is itself a medical procedure with its own risks, and it should only be done by someone experienced with injectables. In some cases, minor issues can be improved through massage or small top-up injections rather than full reversal. It is still important to choose a provider who plans conservatively and aims for subtle, natural changes from the start.
How much do dermal fillers typically cost ($/$$/$$$)?
Dermal filler pricing varies based on the type of product, amount used, and the areas treated. A small, focused treatment (for example, a subtle lip enhancement or single fold) is often in the $–$$ range. More comprehensive facial work, such as cheeks, jawline and multiple zones, tends to fall into the $$–$$$ range. Complex, full-face plans with larger volumes and staged treatments are typically $$$–$$$$. During your consultation, you will receive a clear treatment plan and a detailed practice statement to submit to your medical scheme for reimbursement directly.
How do I choose a trustworthy dermal filler provider in Roodepoort?
In Roodepoort, look for a provider with formal healthcare training, recognised registration and experience in aesthetic treatments. Check that they discuss risks, alternatives and realistic outcomes, not just benefits. Ask to see before-and-after photos and whether they use reputable, registered products. A good provider will take a detailed medical history, offer a proper consultation rather than rushing into treatment, and provide clear aftercare and follow-up. At Dr Chalita le Roux Inc., dermal filler care is integrated with dental and facial aesthetics, with a focus on safe, natural-looking changes.
Book a consultation
If this would be your first filler treatment, book the consultation separately from the treatment. Deciding on the day, in the chair, is how people end up with more than they wanted.
To arrange a facial aesthetics consultation, WhatsApp the practice on 083 710 9131, call 071 884 3204, or email info@drchalitaleroux.co.za. The practice is in Amorosa, Roodepoort, with free on-site parking, and treats patients Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00.
Related pages: Dermal fillers in Roodepoort · Lip fillers · Anti-wrinkle treatment · Facial aesthetics
Last verified: October 2026. This article is general information about dental treatment and is not clinical advice for your situation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an examination. Written by Dr Chalita le Roux, BChD cum laude (University of Pretoria, 2020), HPCSA registration DP 0118702, member of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.