Dermal fillers have moved a long way from the overfilled, obvious results that defined the early years of the treatment. Done properly, by a clinician who understands facial anatomy, fillers can restore lost volume, soften the appearance of tired features, and subtly enhance balance — without ever looking like work has been done.

At Alchemy Clinic in East Kilbride, dermal filler treatments are delivered by experienced clinicians using hyaluronic acid-based products, supported by on-site ultrasound imaging and a strict consultation-first approach. Our focus is natural, proportionate results and — above all — patient safety.

Consultations start from £30.

What dermal fillers actually do

Dermal fillers are injectable gels, most commonly made from hyaluronic acid — a substance the body produces naturally and recognises. They work by replacing volume that has been lost through age or genetics, supporting the overlying skin, and subtly reshaping specific areas of the face.

They are well suited to addressing:

• Volume loss — particularly in the cheeks, temples, and around the mouth, where the face can begin to look hollowed or drawn.

• Static lines — deeper creases that are visible at rest, such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines.

• Facial balance and proportion — small, targeted adjustments to the chin, jawline, or nose to improve overall harmony.

• Subtle enhancement — a conservative increase in lip definition or cheek projection, tailored to your existing features.

Fillers are not a substitute for a facelift, they do not treat skin texture or pigmentation, and they are rarely the right answer for very deep-set concerns that would be better addressed surgically. We will tell you honestly at consultation if we think your concern would respond better to a different treatment — or to no treatment at all.

Areas we treat

Cheeks

Cheek filler can restore the natural lift and projection that is often the first thing lost with age. Subtle placement in the cheekbones supports the mid-face, softens the nasolabial area indirectly, and can make the face look rested rather than done.

Lips

Our approach to lip filler is conservative. We work with the natural shape of your lips rather than against it, focusing on definition, hydration, and subtle enhancement rather than dramatic volume. Most patients prefer a gradual, built-up result over several appointments.

Tear trough / under-eye area

The tear trough is one of the more technically demanding areas to treat and is where poor technique most often produces visible, long-lasting problems. We treat this area selectively, only where it is clinically appropriate, and always with careful assessment of skin quality and anatomy first.

Chin and jawline

Chin projection and jawline definition can make a significant difference to facial balance, particularly in profile. This is an area where small volumes of filler, placed precisely, produce disproportionately natural-looking improvements.

Nasolabial folds and marionette lines

Rather than filling these lines directly, we often address them indirectly through structural support in the cheeks and mid-face. Where direct treatment is appropriate, we use softer products at conservative volumes.

Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty)

Small volumes of filler can correct visible dips, bumps, or asymmetry in the nasal bridge. This is a higher-risk area vascularly and we only carry it out after detailed consultation and, where appropriate, ultrasound mapping.

Why ultrasound matters

Most clinics treating dermal fillers in Scotland do not have on-site ultrasound. At Alchemy, we do — and it changes how we practise.

Diagnostic ultrasound allows us to:

• Visualise blood vessels before injecting in higher-risk areas, reducing the chance of vascular complications.

• Assess existing filler from previous treatments — where it sits, how much is present, and whether it is contributing to a problem.

• Identify complications such as vascular occlusion, nodules, or migrated product, and treat them appropriately.

• Give patients a far more informed consultation — particularly those who have had multiple treatments elsewhere and are not sure what is under their skin.

Ultrasound is not routinely used for every treatment — it is a clinical tool we deploy where it adds value. Having it available is part of what makes us a suitable clinic for patients who take the medical side of aesthetics seriously.

Your consultation

Every dermal filler treatment at Alchemy begins with a dedicated consultation, which costs £30. We do not treat on a walk-in basis and we do not run same-day promotions, because a treatment plan should be built around you rather than a time slot.

At your consultation, your clinician will:

1. Review your medical history, medications, and any previous aesthetic treatments — including filler you may have had elsewhere.

2. Ask what has brought you in and what you would like to change.

3. Assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and proportion.

4. Explain what filler can and cannot realistically achieve for you.

5. Discuss the products we use, the risks involved, and the aftercare required.

6. Provide a written treatment plan with transparent pricing, so there are no surprises.

Treatment can often take place at the same appointment if you choose to proceed and it is clinically appropriate — but there is never any pressure. We would rather you took time to think it over.

Pricing

Dermal filler pricing depends on the area being treated, the product used, and the volume required — which is why we provide a written plan after consultation rather than publishing a menu of fixed prices.

As a guide, single-area treatments at Alchemy typically start from around £220, with multi-area plans priced according to the specific combination. Your full, transparent pricing will be confirmed in writing at the consultation stage, before any treatment is agreed.

Consultations start from £30 and are deducted from your treatment cost if you proceed on the same day.

The treatment itself

A typical dermal filler appointment takes 30 to 45 minutes. Most of our filler products contain a local anaesthetic and we use topical numbing cream in sensitive areas — the sensation is usually described as pressure with brief pinpricks rather than genuine pain.

You will see an immediate result, though some of this is initial swelling. The final, settled outcome typically becomes clear over the two weeks that follow.

Results from hyaluronic acid fillers generally last 6 to 18 months depending on the area treated, the product used, and your individual metabolism. Lip filler tends to soften sooner, structural cheek and chin filler tends to last longer.

Aftercare

We provide full written aftercare instructions. In brief, for the first 24 to 48 hours we ask patients to:

• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and very hot environments.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Sleep on their back if possible, with an extra pillow.

• Avoid pressing, massaging, or making-up the treated area unless specifically instructed.

• Avoid other facial treatments (peels, microneedling, facials) for at least two weeks.

Mild swelling, tenderness, and small bruises are common and usually settle within a few days. We will see you back for a complimentary review if you would like us to check the result.

 

If you have had filler elsewhere

If you have had dermal filler treatment at another clinic — recently or years ago — and something does not look or feel right, please get in touch. Common concerns we see include:

• Overfilled, heavy, or “puffy” appearance.

• Visible lumps, nodules, or irregularities under the skin.

• Migration of product into areas it should not be — for example, above the upper lip border.

• Asymmetry or disproportion following previous treatment.

• Concerns about how much filler is present, particularly where records are missing.

We offer assessment appointments supported by on-site ultrasound imaging where appropriate, and can provide dermal filler dissolving treatment when it is clinically indicated. More information is available on our dermal filler dissolving and complications management pages.

Serving East Kilbride and the wider area

Alchemy Clinic is based in East Kilbride, and while most of our patients come from EK itself, we regularly see clients travelling from Hamilton, Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Bothwell, Uddingston, Motherwell, Bellshill, Wishaw, Newton Mearns, Giffnock, Clarkston, Busby, Thorntonhall, Eaglesham, and the south side of Glasgow more broadly. Clients also travel from Paisley, Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, and Coatbridge for our more specialist services — particularly ultrasound-supported filler treatment and complications assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Is dermal filler safe?

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have a long safety record when delivered by a qualified clinician after proper assessment. Side effects — mostly swelling, bruising, and tenderness — are usually mild and short-lived. Serious complications such as vascular occlusion are rare but possible, which is why we operate an ultrasound-supported, consultation-first model.

Will it look obvious?

Not when done well. Our approach is deliberately conservative and staged — we would rather you returned for a top-up than walked out overfilled. Most patients tell us that friends notice they look rested, not that they have had filler.

How long does it last?

Between 6 and 18 months, depending on the product, the area, and your individual metabolism. Lip filler tends to soften sooner, structural filler in the cheeks or chin tends to last longer.

Can filler be reversed?

Yes — hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase, if a patient is unhappy with their result or a complication develops. This is one reason we prefer HA-based products.

What about non-HA fillers?

We use hyaluronic acid-based fillers as our primary dermal filler product because of their safety profile and reversibility. Collagen-stimulating biostimulators (such as Sculptra) work differently and are covered on a separate page.

Can I have filler if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Dermal filler treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. We would suggest revisiting your options once that stage of life has passed.

How soon can I have filler before an event?

We would suggest allowing at least two weeks between treatment and a significant event, to let any swelling or bruising settle fully. Longer is better if the event is important.

Book your consultation

If you are considering dermal filler — or are worried about filler you have had elsewhere — we would be glad to see you. Consultations start from £30 and take place at our East Kilbride clinic.