Dermal Fillers in Istanbul: Lips, Cheeks & Under-Eye

Dermal Fillers in Istanbul

Last updated: 29 September 2026 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Nihat Dik, Medical Aesthetics Physician · Maya Estetik Etiler, Istanbul

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to replace volume lost with age or due to facial structure, and to define facial contours. The most commonly used type today contains hyaluronic acid, a molecule found naturally in the body. Fillers are used in the lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, nasolabial folds and under the eyes; they last 6–18 months depending on the area and can be dissolved with a special enzyme if needed.

At Maya Estetik, filler treatments are performed by a physician at our Etiler clinic in Istanbul after a medical consultation. Your facial structure, skin thickness and expectations are assessed to plan which product, in which consistency and what amount, is used in each area. The goal is a natural result in harmony with your facial proportions — not an "overfilled" look.

Fillers at a glance

Area	Goal	Average duration*
Lips	Volume, contour, symmetry	6–12 months
Nasolabial folds	Softening deep lines	9–12 months
Under the eyes (tear trough)	Hollowness and tired look	9–12 months
Cheekbones	Mid-face volume, lifting effect	12–18 months
Chin and jawline	Profile balance, defined jawline	12–18 months
Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty)	Camouflaging a small hump, lifting the tip	9–12 months

*Duration varies with the product, amount used, age and metabolism.

What are fillers and how do they work?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that holds water in the skin and gives tissue its fullness. With age, the skin's hyaluronic acid, collagen and fat decrease and the underlying bone thins. As a result, cheeks flatten, the under-eye area hollows, lips become thinner and lines deepen.

Hyaluronic acid fillers replace this loss directly. Products of different densities serve different purposes: softer products are used for lips and fine lines, firmer products for areas that need support such as the cheeks and chin. An important safety advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if an unwanted result occurs.

Fillers and Botox are different treatments: Botox relaxes muscles to soften lines caused by movement, while fillers replace lost volume. When sagging is significant, options such as the French thread lift may be considered.

How is filler treatment performed? Step by step

Consultation and planning: A facial analysis is done, and your medical history and any previous fillers are discussed.
Preparation: The area is cleansed; numbing cream may be applied. Many products also contain a local anaesthetic.
Injection: A fine needle or blunt-tipped cannula is used depending on the area. The procedure takes 15–45 minutes depending on the number of areas.
Shaping: The physician shapes the product so it is evenly distributed.
Review: After swelling has settled, a follow-up is done within about 2 weeks.

Who can and cannot have fillers?

Fillers may be suitable for healthy adults with volume loss, visible lines, thin lips or an unbalanced profile. They are not given, or are postponed, in the following situations:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Active infection, acne flare-up or cold sores in the area (a history of cold sores must be mentioned before lip filler)
A permanent or semi-permanent filler previously injected in the same area
Uncontrolled autoimmune disease or a history of severe allergy
Dental treatment or vaccination planned in the near future (ask your physician)

Aftercare: what to do after fillers

First 24 hours: Do not massage or press the area; avoid make-up.
First 48 hours: Avoid sauna, steam rooms, intense exercise and very hot environments.
First few days: Cold compresses help with swelling; sleeping with your head slightly raised reduces puffiness.
First 2 weeks: Ask your physician before facial massage, laser or radiofrequency treatments.

Possible side effects

Swelling, redness, tenderness and small bruises are common after fillers and usually resolve within a few days to a week. Less commonly, asymmetry, a palpable product or small lumps may occur; most can be corrected at the follow-up visit.

Seek medical help immediately: If you notice severe or increasing pain, whitening of the skin, a purplish net-like pattern, coldness or any change in vision during or after treatment, contact the clinic without delay. These signs may indicate a very rare blood vessel blockage and require early intervention.

Having fillers during a visit to Istanbul

Filler treatment is done in a single appointment, but the final result is seen after about 2 weeks, once swelling has settled.
If possible, plan your treatment early in your stay so that you can attend a check-up before you leave.
Swelling is usually most visible in the first 48–72 hours, especially in the lips; keep this in mind when planning events or photos.

How is the cost of fillers determined?

The cost depends on the area treated, the amount of product needed (in ml) and the type of product. Under Turkish Ministry of Health regulations, prices for healthcare services are not published on websites. A personalised plan and cost are shared after your consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How long do fillers last?

Hyaluronic acid fillers last 6–18 months depending on the area and product. Lip fillers usually last 6–12 months; less mobile areas such as the cheeks and chin 12–18 months.

When does swelling go down after fillers?

Swelling is usually most noticeable in the first 48–72 hours and largely settles within a week. It can be more visible after lip fillers. The final result is seen at about two weeks.

Can fillers be dissolved?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase, which allows correction in case of asymmetry or an unwanted result.

Do fillers hurt?

Thanks to numbing cream and the local anaesthetic contained in most products, the procedure is usually well tolerated. The lips are more sensitive than other areas.

Do fillers make the skin sag?

Fillers placed in the right area and in the right amount do not cause sagging. Excessive or poorly planned injections can weigh the tissue down, which is why a measured, gradual approach is preferred.

When can I wear make-up after fillers?

It is recommended to avoid make-up until the injection points have closed, usually for the first 24 hours.

Is under-eye filler suitable for everyone?

No. Dark circles may be caused by pigmentation, thin skin or fat bags. With prominent bags, surgical options are more appropriate than filler. Suitability is decided at the consultation.

Can fillers and Botox be done on the same day?

Yes, when the physician considers it appropriate they can be planned in the same session.

Let's plan the right treatment for you at your consultation. For questions and appointments, message us on WhatsApp or call us.

WhatsApp: +90 532 301 99 52 · Phone (within Turkey): 444 9 454 · Maya Estetik Etiler, Istanbul · Directions

Medical review: This page has been reviewed by Dr. Nihat Dik, founding physician of Maya Estetik. Dr. Dik graduated from Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1997, trained in medical aesthetics in Germany and has been performing medical aesthetic treatments at Maya Estetik since 2004.

Sources

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right treatment for you is decided by a physician after examination.