Iya Lorainne Baring

Filler Fears? It’s Time To Face Them; Or To Find Alternatives

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<p>“Puffy lips and big cheeks. It must be filler.”  That’s what social media taught a lot of us to imagine when we think about this aesthetic treatment. Fillers shouldn’t get a bad reputation, to be honest!</p><p>Let’s get to know the real deal when it comes to fillers. What do they do? Are they for you? </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753940994451pexels-itslauravillela-31870729.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Pexels</span></span></span></div><p>Fillers are gel-like substances injected into the dermis to address a number of aesthetic concerns. The <a href="https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/non-surgical/injectable-fillers-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American Board of Cosmetic Surgery</a> lists five different types of fillers: <strong>Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), Poly-L-lactic Acid, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), </strong>and<strong> Autologous fat injections</strong>. The first two types are substances that naturally occur in the body, while Poly-L-lactic Acid and Polymethylmethacrylate are synthetic, biocompatible compounds. Fillers come in a variety of brand names like <strong>Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra,</strong> and<strong> Belotero Balance</strong>. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/beauty/2025/6/23/pdrn-salmon-sperm-rejuran-rejuall-rejuvenex-trend-korean-skincare-1842" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Salmon Sperm Is All the Rage in K-Beauty. Here&#x27;s Why You Should Get Into This Skincare Ingredient!</a></div><div><br/></div><p>Autologous fat injections entail an intrusive treatment such as liposuction to extract your own body fat to use in another part of your body. </p><p><strong>Dr. April Geraldez-Rivera</strong>, board-certified dermatologist and founder of <strong>Remedy Skin Solutions,</strong> says, “When administered properly, fillers can rejuvenate the face and soften the signs of aging without the need for surgery.” </p><p>Fillers aren’t just for the lips or cheeks. They can also be for the undereyes, chin, and jawline. They can smoothen lines and give that plump, hydrated look, but they can also give definition to chosen facial features. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753941073354pexels-shvetsa-4586711.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Pexels </span></span></span></div><p><strong>Dr. Mario Emmanuel L. Lopez de Leon</strong>, plastic surgeon at <strong> Le Meur Aesthetics,</strong> says, “Fillers can mimic bone or fat tissue, so it can improve the contours of your face. It can also give you, for example, a more defined chin with the use of a firmer or thicker filler.” He also shares that fillers can help correct volume malposition, such as sagginess. </p><p>Fillers sound great so far, but why are they associated with botched procedures or looking unnatural? Dr. April says, “A common myth is that fillers always result in a ‘fake’ or ‘overdone’ look. This perception typically comes from overuse or poor technique—not from the fillers themselves. When done conservatively, fillers can enhance features without distorting them.” </p><p>Dr. de Leon says it’s all about the skill of the doctor administering the filler. “I always tell my residents, it&#x27;s about using the right product at the right amount, at the right location. Small amounts can make drastic differences.” </p><p>Fillers are also lauded for how they don’t demand too much commitment, and they can also be dissolved. “Fillers can last up to six months. Thicker fillers can last up to 24 months,” says Dr. de Leon.  </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754029101710pexels-cottonbro-7582560.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via Pexels</span></span></span></div><p>“More recently, people are choosing to dissolve past filler work in favor of a more natural, balanced aesthetic. It’s part of a growing shift away from overly filled features toward skin that moves, breathes, and glows, without relying on excessive added volume,” shares Dr. April. </p><p>Fillers, as with any other aesthetic treatment, come with their own hazards. Dr. de Leon warns of hematomas and asymmetry. More serious conditions are interarterial or intravascular injections. </p><p>Alternatives to filler are also abundant. Dr. April says that Remedy champions that fresh, not filled look. “We take a skin-first approach to aesthetics. While we occasionally use dermal fillers when appropriate, our primary focus is on improving skin quality, restoring natural collagen, and achieving subtle, regenerative results.” </p><p>Remedy offers a number of treatments that can give you results people often expect from fillers. There are Biomodulatory Injectables which “work beneath the surface to stimulate collagen, resulting in visible lifting, improved skin density, and long-lasting hydration and elasticity.” SkinPen Microneedling is also offered at Remedy, which is an “excellent option for improving overall skin texture and vibrancy.” </p><p>“There are also less invasive options for skin tightening and lifting like the  Hollywood Laser Facial, Radiofrequency (RF), Radiofrequency Microneedling (RFM), and Ultherapy Prime.”</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/beauty/2025/7/25/ultherapy-prime-seoul-launch-2025-lee-min-ho-jun-ji-hyun-1730" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun Are Not Gatekeeping Their Top Secret to Ageless Visuals</a></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753941195234pexels-cottonbro-7581577.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via Pexels </span></span></span></div><p>On the other hand, Le Meur Aesthetics prides itself in creating treatment plans that can improve your look or complement the use of fillers. “I just advise that all procedures that involve heat or energy devices be done before fillers so you can get that desired lift,” says Dr. de Leon. </p><p>Le Meur Aesthetics carries procedures like Emface that use radiofrequency to lift and tone facial muscles, while Le Meur Youth 360 Pro stimulates collagen production through microneedling for the smooth, wrinkle-free face. </p><p>Whatever you may decide, as with all aesthetic treatments, the best first step is to consult a trusted doctor and make sure you’re filled in with the right information!</p>

<p>Fillers tend to be associated with aesthetic mishaps. Have they been judged too quickly?</p>

Fillers tend to be associated with aesthetic mishaps. Have they been judged too quickly?

The Perils and Perks of Fillers: What Experts Want You To Know

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The Perils and Perks of Fillers: What Experts Want You To Know

Olivia Sylvia Estrada

Published July 31, 2025 02:00 PM PHT

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Updated August 15, 2025 10:34 AM PHT

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