There is a lot of noise out there about dermal fillers. Social media half-truths, outdated information, and conflicting advice - it is enough to make anyone hesitant. Here are five of the most common myths, and the real story behind each one.
By Maureen Garrett, RN, BSN
There is a lot of noise out there about dermal fillers. Here are five of the most common myths - and the real story behind each one.
But when filler is done thoughtfully, with a careful plan and a conservative hand, the results are subtle and natural-looking. At Aesthetic Journey in San Clemente, Maggie and Maureen believe an informed patient is an empowered patient. Here are five common myths, along with the real story behind each one.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore volume, soften lines, and enhance facial contours. They are commonly used for areas like mid-face volume, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lip fullness, and jawline definition. The key word: restore. Great filler work does not change you. It brings you back to yourself.
Myth 1: All Fillers Are the Same
Not even close. Fillers vary significantly in their formulations, textures, and intended purposes. The most commonly used types include:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers (like Juvederm and Restylane): contain hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that attracts and retains water. Commonly used for lips, cheeks, and, with the right product, under-eyes.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (like Radiesse): denser, often used for deeper volume and jawline support. It also helps stimulate your own collagen.
Poly-L-lactic acid (like Sculptra): works differently from traditional fillers. It is a collagen-stimulating injectable that works gradually, helping your skin build its own collagen over time.
Each has distinct properties: viscosity, flexibility, longevity, placement depth. Choosing the right one for your face, your anatomy, and your goals is exactly what your provider is trained to do.
Myth 2: Fillers Are Permanent
Most fillers used today are temporary. Your body naturally breaks them down over time. HA fillers typically last 6 to 18 months, sometimes longer, depending on the product used, the treatment area, and individual metabolism.
HA fillers are also dissolvable with hyaluronidase if needed, which is a reassuring safety net. Sculptra and Radiesse are not dissolvable, which is one reason product choice matters and why your options are discussed carefully before treatment.
Myth 3: Fillers Look Obvious and Overdone
This is the one we hear most often, and we understand it. The filler people notice is usually the filler that stands out. Thoughtful, well-placed filler tends to go unnoticed, which is why you may not realize how many people have had it.
A natural look comes down to technique, product choice, and using only what the face needs. At Aesthetic Journey, the philosophy is subtle enhancement, building gradually rather than doing too much at once. The goal is a result where people notice you look refreshed - not that you have had something done.
Myth 4: Fillers Are Dangerous
When performed by an experienced, medically trained injector, fillers have a strong safety profile. Like any injectable treatment, there are side effects to know about:
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Swelling
Bruising
Redness
Tenderness
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Lumps or asymmetry (usually correctable)
Delayed swelling
Infection (rare with proper technique and sterile materials)
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Vascular occlusion (filler blocking a blood vessel), which requires immediate treatment
This is why training matters. FDA-approved dermal fillers are available only through licensed healthcare professionals. An experienced injector knows facial anatomy, uses techniques that lower the risk of complications, and is prepared if one happens.
Your face deserves skilled hands and a provider who will talk through all of this with you before you begin.
Myth 5: Once You Start, You Cannot Stop
This is one of the most persistent myths, and it is simply not true. Filler is not addictive, and your face does not depend on it. As filler gradually metabolizes, treated areas typically return toward their natural appearance over time.
Many patients come in for a series of appointments and then take a break or stop altogether. Others find they love how they look and maintain regularly. The timeline is entirely yours. We will never push you toward more than you need or want.
Filler at Aesthetic Journey
Injectable treatments at Aesthetic Journey are performed by Maggie Richard, RN, BSN and Maureen Garrett, RN, BSN. With over 18 years of combined experience as aesthetic injectors, they lead with anatomy, artistry, and genuine care for each patient. Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation: a detailed facial assessment, honest product discussion, and clear expectations about results and timelines.
The approach is always conservative, anatomy-based, and centered on you - not a copy-paste of someone else. Because every face tells a story, and the goal is always to honor yours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermal Fillers
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Many patients find it more comfortable than they expected. Many filler products include built-in lidocaine, and topical anesthetic is available. Most people describe it as a brief pinch, though some areas, like the lips, are more sensitive than others.
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Mild swelling and bruising are common after filler treatment and typically improve within several days. Depending on the treatment area, subtle swelling may persist for up to two weeks while the filler settles.
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Yes. Depending on your goals, fillers pair well with neuromodulators (like Botox or Dysport), skin-tightening treatments like Sofwave, or collagen-stimulating injectables. Your provider will always talk through what makes sense together, and what to space out.
For more information about what dermal fillers are and what to expect, check out our Beginners Guide to Dermal Fillers blog post.
Ready to Get the Real Story on Your Options?
You deserve honest answers, not more noise. If you have been curious about fillers and want to talk through whether they are right for you - without pressure and without a hard sell - we would love that conversation.
Book your consultation at Aesthetic Journey in San Clemente today. Visit aestheticjourneyoc.com to connect with Maureen Garrett, RN, BSN, or Maggie Richard, RN, BSN.
About the Author
Maureen Garrett, RN, BSN is a master injector and co-founder of Aesthetic Journey in San Clemente, CA. She has over 25 years of nursing experience and 8 years specializing in aesthetic treatments. Her clinical background includes a decade as director of the NICU at CHOC Children's Hospital at Mission. She focuses on natural-looking results using neurotoxins and dermal fillers tailored to each patient's anatomy and goals. → Learn more about Maureen
**Individual results vary. Articles are for educational purposes and are not medical advice. A consultation is the best way to learn what is right for you.
