What are hyaluronic acid fillers?
The hyaluronic acid filler is an aesthetic medicine treatment that uses a biocompatible gel of cross-linked hyaluronic acid to redefine facial volumes, correct deep wrinkles and deliver hydration to the deeper layers of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule our body produces naturally; its level decreases progressively with age, contributing to the loss of skin firmness and fullness.
Thanks to its capacity to bind large quantities of water, injected hyaluronic acid produces an immediate volumising effect with a soft, natural consistency that integrates perfectly with the surrounding tissues. The formulation of the gel is chosen according to the area to be treated: more fluid products for superficial wrinkles and lips, denser, more structured products for cheekbones and chin.
Dr. Marco Galati, with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine, selects latest-generation CE-certified products with high safety profiles. The approach is always personalised: every face is different, and the treatment plan is designed in detail at the preliminary consultation.
Areas treatable with fillers
- Lips: volume enhancement, definition of the vermilion border, correction of asymmetry and reduction of perioral lines.
- Cheekbones: restoration of lost midface volume, with a lifting and remodelling effect.
- Nasolabial folds: softening of the lines running from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth, and of marionette lines.
- Cheeks and temples: correction of volume loss that gives the face a hollow appearance.
- Chin and jawline: projection and definition of the chin, improvement of the facial profile.
- Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty): non-surgical correction of minor nasal irregularities, dorsum depressions or a drooping tip.
- Periocular area: reduction of deep under-eye hollows (tear trough) with fillers specific for the eyelid area.
How the treatment is performed
Filler treatment is a rapid, safe outpatient procedure that requires no general anaesthesia and no hospital stay. The main phases of the session are:
- 1. Consultation and facial analysis — Dr. Galati carries out an in-depth assessment of the face: morphology, skin quality, degree of volume loss and expectations. A personalised treatment plan is agreed, with the choice of the most suitable type and quantity of filler.
- 2. Preparation and topical anaesthesia — the area is cleansed and disinfected. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied for around 20–30 minutes, considerably reducing injection discomfort. For the lips, a local nerve block can be performed for optimal comfort.
- 3. Injection of the filler — the hyaluronic acid gel is injected with a fine needle or a cannula (a technique that reduces the risk of bruising), modulating quantity and depth according to the desired result. The patient can communicate with the physician throughout to evaluate the progressive result.
- 4. Moulding and final check — at the end of the injections the physician gently moulds the filler to even out the result and correct any irregularities, followed by a final check in the mirror to ensure the result is symmetrical and natural.
Combination with other treatments
Fillers combine very effectively with botulinum toxin (the "liquid facelift" effect), with microneedling to improve skin texture and with chemical peels to even out skin tone. Thanks to his dual expertise in plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine, Dr. Galati can propose integrated, progressive treatment plans that respect the overall harmony of the face.
Recovery and results
One of the main advantages of the hyaluronic acid filler is the possibility of resuming normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. No hospital stay is required and, in most cases, the patient can return to work or social engagements the same day.
What to expect in the first hours and days
In the hours after treatment, mild swelling, redness or small bruises may appear at the injection points: these are entirely normal, transient reactions that resolve spontaneously within 24–72 hours. Cold compresses (not direct ice) help reduce swelling in the first hours. In the first days it is advisable to:
- Avoid sun exposure, saunas and very hot baths
- Avoid intense physical activity for at least 24 hours
- Not massage the treated areas (unless instructed by the physician)
- Avoid non-essential anticoagulant or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
- Avoid other aesthetic treatments in the same area for at least two weeks
Duration of results and maintenance
Results are visible immediately after the session and improve further in the following days, as the product integrates into the tissues and the swelling subsides. Duration depends on the treated area, the type of filler and individual metabolism:
- Lips: 6–10 months
- Nasolabial folds and deep wrinkles: 10–14 months
- Cheekbones and chin: 12–18 months
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty: 12–18 months
With periodic maintenance sessions — planned with the physician according to individual response — results can be prolonged over time, as hyaluronic acid also stimulates the endogenous production of collagen.
Frequently asked questions
On average 8 to 18 months, depending on the treated area and the type of filler. Lip fillers tend to be reabsorbed faster (6–10 months), while those used for cheekbones or nasolabial folds can last 12–18 months. With periodic treatments the results can be maintained over time and, in some patients, the amount of product needed progressively decreases thanks to collagen stimulation.
It is generally well tolerated. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand, and many products already contain lidocaine in their formulation. In more sensitive areas such as the lips a slight stinging may be felt during injection, but it is short-lived. Dr. Galati uses advanced techniques — including cannulas — to minimise discomfort and reduce the risk of bruising.
Lips, cheekbones, nasolabial folds, cheeks, chin, jawline and nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty). Sunken temples and under-eye hollows can also be treated with specific products for the periocular area, and in some cases fillers are used on the backs of the hands.
Yes, completely. In case of an unsatisfactory result or complication, the filler can be dissolved immediately with an injection of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid within 24–48 hours. This makes the filler one of the safest aesthetic medicine treatments available; Dr. Galati always has hyaluronidase to hand.
Immediately. Mild swelling, redness or small bruises at the injection points may appear and resolve spontaneously within 24–72 hours. For the first days it is advisable to avoid sun exposure, saunas, intense exercise and massaging the treated areas.