I currently work at my own private practice in Nişantaşı, Istanbul.
Body filler is the injection of a filler substance into areas outside the face to add volume or soften a hollow appearance. This page covers applications such as hand, groom and breast filler, their limits, risks, alternatives, cost factors and what to check when choosing a doctor.
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I currently work at my own private practice in Nişantaşı, Istanbul.
Body filler is the injection of a filler substance into areas other than the face. The back of the hands, the genital area, the breasts and the buttocks are the main areas where it is used. It works on the same principle as facial filler, but most body areas need far more product. This makes the treatment more costly and the effect usually temporary.
Hyaluronic acid is the substance used most often on the body. Calcium hydroxylapatite may also be chosen for the back of the hands. Both are broken down by the body over time.
Health authorities are cautious about large-volume body filler. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved dermal fillers for breast or buttock enlargement and advises against this use. Injectable liquid silicone is not approved for any cosmetic purpose. Liquid silicone can cause blocked blood vessels, permanent disfigurement and death.
Body filler is most often used on the back of the hands, the penis and the breasts. Each area differs in purpose, the amount of product needed and the level of risk.
| Application | Purpose | Duration of effect (usually) | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand filler | Reduce visible veins and tendons that appear with age | 6 to 12 months or longer | Swelling can limit hand use for a few days |
| Groom filler | Increase penile girth | Varies by product, temporary | Does not add length; lumps and irregularity can occur |
| Breast filler | Add volume to the breast | Temporary, absorption varies | Can make breast imaging harder; authorities advise against it |
| Buttock filler | Add volume to the buttocks | Temporary | Needs very large amounts; authorities advise against it |
Hand filler restores volume to the back of the hand when the skin thins with age and veins and tendons look more prominent. It does not remove sun spots or fine wrinkles. Among body applications, this is the most established.
Groom filler is the injection of hyaluronic acid into the penis to increase its girth. It does not change length. The filler is absorbed over time, so repeat treatments may be needed. Known problems include lumps, an uneven surface, asymmetry, infection and filler moving out of place.
Breast filler is the injection of a large amount of hyaluronic acid into the breast to add volume. In 2012 the manufacturer of a hyaluronic acid product developed for this purpose stopped its use in the breast. The reason was that it could interfere with reading mammograms. Filler in the breast may hide a lump or look suspicious on imaging. Implants and fat transfer are the common methods of breast enlargement.
Body filler is an injection procedure done under local anaesthesia after an examination and planning. The time it takes depends on the area and the amount of product.
Body filler can be used for healthy adults who need a small, limited amount of volume and who accept that the effect is temporary. For people who want a large change in volume, surgical methods are often the more suitable option.
The procedure is usually not performed or is postponed in these situations:
The final decision on suitability is made by the doctor after an examination.
The effect of body filler is temporary, and how long it lasts depends on the area and the product. Hand filler usually lasts 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer with certain products. In large-volume treatments, absorption differs widely between people. Repeat treatments are needed to maintain the effect.
Swelling, bruising and tenderness can last a few days after treatment, and longer in large areas such as the breasts or buttocks. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to each activity. Redness, fever or increasing pain can be signs of infection and should be reported to a doctor.
The risks of body filler become more significant as the amount of product increases. Common effects are swelling, bruising, pain and tenderness. Other risks include:
Products of unknown origin and liquid silicone can cause serious and permanent harm. This is why it matters to see the product name and its sealed box before treatment.
The amount of product used is the biggest factor in the cost of body filler. Other factors include:
The exact fee is set after an examination and a written treatment plan.
Choose a doctor whose specialty matches the area being treated. Dermatologists or plastic surgeons treat the hands, while urologists or plastic surgeons perform groom filler. You can use this checklist:
For a marked change in the shape of the hips or waist, surgical options such as liposuction and fat transfer are usually discussed instead. You can compare doctors who perform these treatments on DoktorNo.
The information on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. The suitable method for you can only be determined by a physician examination.