Dermal Filler Cost and Procedure Guide

If your skin doesn't look as tight, smooth or supple as it used to, you may be interested in exploring dermal fillers. Over time, our skin can lose volume and elasticity due to sun damage, genetics, skin conditions like acne or just general aging, leading to saggy jowls, deep wrinkles and uneven texture.

Luckily, men and women today have a range of dermal fillers to choose from. Whether you are looking to restore lost volume, smooth pesky wrinkles or just refresh your appearance, dermal fillers offer a versatile way to help you renew your radiance and regain your confidence.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a category of different gel-like solutions injected under the skin to plump, contour, soften and enhance features, depending on the area and the desired results.¹

Dermal fillers may also be referred to as wrinkle fillers, soft tissue fillers or injectable fillers.

Common uses

Though they are sometimes thought of as just wrinkle fillers, dermal fillers can be used in a variety of ways to lift, plump and reshape the face and body.

Here are some of the most common uses for dermal fillers:¹

• Acne. Help lift and smooth recessed scarring
• Cheeks. Restore or increase the volume around the cheeks
• Chin. Contour or smooth
• Eyes. Used by the brow line to lift and restore volume to the temple (they can also be used to smooth tear troughs under the eye)
• Forehead. Smooth brow furrows (sometimes called the 11 lines) or frown lines
• Hands. Rejuvenate and plump
• Lips. Reduce vertical lip lines, as well as plump and define the lips themselves
• Mouth. Smooth marionette or smile lines around the mouth
• Nose. Reshape the nose or soften nasolabial folds

Common types

So, which dermal filler is right for you? It depends. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, "Each [dermal filler] is uniquely formulated to have a certain texture, density and injection depth, which means that certain fillers work better for certain areas of concern."¹

For example, softening lines around the eyes will call for a different filler than one that can build structure to enhance cheekbones.

Some of the most common types of dermal fillers include:¹

• Hyaluronic acid (HA). This filler can be used to lift scars and skin depressions, smooth wrinkles and plump lips. The soft, gel-like texture of hyaluronic acid makes it a good choice for subtle results in highly visible areas of the skin.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). A thicker dermal filler, calcium hydroxylapatite is best suited to help correct moderate to severe wrinkles and lines, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and frown lines.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). A semipermanent dermal filler, PMMA can provide long-lasting results, filling medium to deep lines, wrinkles and furrows, lifting pitted scars and plumping lips.
• Poly-L-lactic acid. A biodegradable synthetic dermal filler, poly-L-lactic acid plumps deeper lines and wrinkles around the nose, mouth and cheeks by stimulating the body's own collagen production.

Dermal Filler Costs

The cost of a dermal filler treatment depends on the specific filler as well as the volume injected. The geographic location and qualifications of the provider may also impact the price.⁷ 

The national average cost* of dermal fillers per vial can range between $868-1,323. Note that some treatment providers may charge by the vial while others may charge by the syringe. The treatment area and desired results will impact the number of syringes or vials needed.²

The overall cost of dermal fillers can also be impacted by the specific filler brand, experience of the injector, and type of clinic.²

Average cost of dermal fillers by type

Below are the average costs* for different types of dermal fillers:²

Average hyaluronic acid filler cost by state/district

The cost of dermal fillers can also be impacted by your geographic location. The average cost* of hyaluronic acid is $868 but can range from $683 to $1,567.²

Below are the average costs* of a vial of hyaluronic acid by all 50 states and the District of Columbia:²

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

How long a dermal filler can last depends on the specific filler used, as well as the area that is being treated. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are usually the most temporary, lasting six to 18 months. Synthetic dermal fillers like poly-L-lactic acid are longer lasting, as they are not absorbed by the body.¹

• Hyaluronic acid (HA). Lasts six to 18 months¹
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). Lasts 12 months for many patients¹
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Results can last up to 5 years³
• Poly-L-lactic acid. Requires monthly treatments over the first three to four months, but leads to semipermanent results lasting 2 years¹

Where a dermal filler is used can also impact how long it lasts. For example, hyaluronic acid filler in the lips will dissipate faster than the same filler used in the lines around the mouth.¹ Be sure to talk with a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to understand the best dermal filler for your needs and how long you can expect it to last.

Potential Side Effects and Complications of Dermal Fillers

As with any cosmetic procedure, dermal fillers can have the potential for side effects. Common side effects from the procedure itself can include bruising, redness, swelling or infection at the site of the injection.⁴ Some fillers, such as those made with polymethylmethacrylate, may be visible under the skin and lead to lumps, bumps or asymmetrical results.³ Others, such as those made with hyaluronic acid, may offer only short-lived results and will require regular treatment for continued results.⁵

Although rare, one of the more serious complications is when dermal fillers are accidentally injected into a blood vessel, which can lead to a blockage in the blood vessel.⁴

What Dermal Fillers Can't Do

While dermal fillers are versatile, they do have limitations. For some reshaping and lift results, treatments such as an eyelid lift or full facelift may be a better fit for your needs.⁵ It's also important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary, and regular treatments will be required for continued results.⁵ It is best to meet with a qualified plastic surgeon to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can address your areas of concern and suggest the best treatments to achieve your desired results.

BOTOX^® Cosmetic vs. fillers

Dermal fillers are also different from wrinkle relaxers like BOTOX Cosmetic. Dermal fillers lift and plump the skin in areas where depressions are not caused by muscle contractions. Treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic work by temporarily relaxing muscles in areas like the eyes and forehead that regularly contract and cause lines and wrinkles.⁶

How to Find a Dermal Filler Provider

Depending on the specific procedure desired, dermal fillers may be available at a plastic surgeon's office, a dermatologist or a medical spa. Be sure to check out a provider's training and qualifications as well as before and after photos of the specific procedure you are considering.¹ Search for a provider that is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.⁷

Although dermal fillers and other injectables may be less invasive than a facelift, they are still medical procedures that require a qualified and experienced medical professional.¹

Financing Dermal Fillers With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting dermal fillers or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.