Shilpa Jain explores whether there is still a place for dermal fillers in 2025 and what the latest trends in facial aesthetics are.
A lot has transpired in the facial aesthetics field in the last few years – buzzwords such as exosomes, regenerative treatments, polynucleotides, Sofwave etc have become increasingly popular.
Why? There has been a shift towards a more holistic approach to the face and skin; think less line chasing and more collagen banking.
In 2021 I wrote an article discussing ‘deflating faces‘ – a reference towards celebrities dissolving their dermal fillers. It’s safe to say that, after four years, ‘filler fatigue’ is still trending. More and more people who have had previously overfilled faces have now started to see the light. They are now realising that their filler has either migrated or just isn’t suiting their face shape anymore.
Furthermore, there are now many options out there that can help achieve similar results.
Despite the shift towards natural rejuvenation, the key is that dermal fillers are not obsolete. I feel many of these celebrities are getting refilled, but this time the focus is on undetectable, refined and strategic placement of good quality filler as opposed to an overfilled ‘pillow face’. You can still have a natural looking result with dermal fillers – but the focus needs to be on the type of products used, injector knowledge and managing expectations.
Combination treatments
In the mainstream media, Lindsay Lohan is a prime example of a natural looking rejuvenated face. In my opinion she looks the best she has ever looked and there is much speculation in the field as to what she has had done.
She has neither confirmed or denied having plastic surgery, dermal fillers or a combination of both; but what is key here is the outcome. There has clearly been careful consideration to her whole face – her skin, the texture and appearance of pores, structure, volume, makeup and even her hair.
It’s a holistic approach, likely achieved by a combination of different treatments which is what gives her the ‘glow’.
Collagen banking
Prevention is better than cure; this is true in dentistry and the same approach works well within the facial aesthetic field too. This wave of wanting to preserve the collagen and elastin levels in our skin is prominent for 2025. We know every year, we lose around 1% after the age of 25 – so there is merit in trying to preserve it.
Treatments such as medical grade skin care, lasers, peels, polynucleotides, Sunekos skin boosters, LED light therapy, PRP therapy and collagen drinks/capsules can all be used in combination with traditional injectables to help preserve collagen.
Polynucleotides are treatments which I can personally say are very popular as they can offer a range of anti-ageing benefits with minimal downtime. They are derived from salmon or trout DNA and are usually injected under the skin. They work by stimulating the production of collagen and can offer a brighter, more hydrated appearance to the skin.
One thing to note is these types of treatments take time to yield results, and often require repeat courses. Like within dentistry, it’s all about managing patient expectations.
Lasers, red light therapy and treatments using ultrasound therapy such as Sofwave are also making movements in the industry right now for the same reasons as above – the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin and offer ‘skin tightening’. Patients are becoming more aware of these types of treatments through channels such as social media and are keen to achieve results with little to no downtime.
Wild West
As of 2025, the UK facial aesthetics industry remains largely unregulated, meaning anyone can perform non-surgical facial aesthetic procedures like dermal fillers after doing a one-day course. The lack of regulation means complications, post operative infections and poor outcomes are on the rise.
The silver lining is I feel like patients are becoming more aware of this and seeing the benefits of having a medically trained and highly qualified individual. Dentists make such great facial aesthetic practitioners because most of us have a good eye for detail and we are also uniquely placed with the ability to combine dental and facial treatments.
My biggest pet peeve is seeing a post-op picture of some filled lips but with stained or crooked teeth. As dentists, we can help patients achieve the refined yet youthful look they are after by combining skincare, dental care and general facial aesthetic treatments via a holistic combined approach.
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
