What to expect from dermal fillers for acne scars

Fillers are most relevant to certain depressed or rolling acne scars, rather than every scar type. During assessment, the clinician considers whether acne is active, how tethered the scar is, and whether its depth and position make filler suitable. The skin is cleaned, and a numbing product or local anaesthetic may be used.

Small amounts of filler are placed beneath or around selected scars with a needle or cannula. The area may look fuller immediately, but swelling can temporarily obscure the result. Bruising, tenderness, redness, lumps, or unevenness can occur while the product settles. Fillers do not remove the original scar tissue or treat active acne.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about touching, cleansing, makeup, exercise, heat, and pressure on the treated skin. Do not massage a lump unless the injector specifically tells you to. Keep review appointments so the clinician can assess symmetry after early swelling eases and decide whether any adjustment is appropriate.

Tell the injector about previous fillers, allergies, skin infections, medicines that affect bleeding, and any history of cold sores before treatment. Delay treatment if the skin is actively infected or inflamed unless a qualified clinician advises otherwise.

Contact the injector promptly for worsening pain, marked colour change, unusual paleness, mottled skin, or swelling that is rapidly increasing. Changes in vision, severe headache, weakness, or difficulty speaking after facial injections require emergency assessment. Fever, pus, or persistent hardening also needs clinical review.

Ask which scar types can respond, what product is proposed, how long it is expected to last, what alternatives fit your skin, and which symptoms require immediate contact after injection.