Bodywise private practice in Heidelberg-Neuenheim
Hyaluronic acid fillers for selected volume changes and facial contours. Personally assessed, individually planned and medically treated by Dr Michael Pees.Individually planned hyaluronic acid treatment, following a medical examination, consultation and informed consent.
Personal advice at Bodywise
Filler treatment depends on the interplay of facial anatomy, tissue and proportions. Dr Michael Pees assesses whether hyaluronic acid is appropriate for your findings and the change you would like to achieve.
The treatment goal, product, amount of material and costs are determined after a personal examination. Previous treatments, medical history and possible alternatives also inform the plan.
UNDERSTANDING HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of various tissues in the body and can bind water. For use as a filler, it is processed into an injectable gel. The gel occupies a defined volume within the tissue and can therefore support selected structures or address a localised difference in volume.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are not a uniform product group. Products differ in properties such as firmness, shape retention, flexibility, water binding and how they break down in the body. These characteristics need to suit the intended area, the condition of the tissue and the treatment goal. A product suited to one purpose is therefore not automatically appropriate for every other use.
“Filler” is a general term for injectable filling materials. Hyaluronic acid fillers are one subgroup; not every filler contains hyaluronic acid. A hyaluronic acid cream is also not comparable to an injectable medical device: it works at the skin's surface and does not produce a targeted volume effect in deeper tissue.
INDIVIDUALLY PLANNED
At Bodywise, filler treatment is not planned solely around a wish for “more volume”. The first step is to establish the actual findings and what change might be achieved with an appropriate amount of material.
The amount of material alone does not describe the result. One millilitre is a measure of quantity, not a standardised “treatment unit” or an indication of how noticeable a change will be. The initial findings, tissue, product and placement influence the outcome alongside the amount used.
A visible hollow can arise from several factors: muscle activity, skin quality, tissue displacement, anatomical transitions or actual volume loss. If additional material is introduced too quickly when volume is not the main cause, the face may look fuller without meaningfully improving the concern.
Lines that mainly appear during movement are related to muscle activity. Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume and are therefore not suitable for every wrinkle. The appropriate treatment is discussed after a medical examination.
Fine lines, dryness or changes in skin texture are not automatically caused by a lack of volume. Depending on the findings, other procedures or no injectable treatment may be more appropriate. A volume filler is not intended to correct every change at the skin's surface.
Fillers can support existing structures but do not replace surgery. Treatment may be advised against where there is significant excess skin or tissue, pronounced laxity or findings that would be worsened by adding volume.
ANATOMY AND PROPORTIONS
The face consists of several layers and structures: skin, subcutaneous tissue, fat compartments, connective tissue, muscles, blood vessels and the underlying bones. These layers do not change in the same way in everyone. Sound planning therefore considers the findings in context, rather than focusing on a single line.
Dr Pees assesses the face at rest, in motion and from several angles. Existing asymmetries are taken into account because no face is a mirror image from one side to the other. The key question is whether adding volume would appropriately support the existing proportions or create new imbalances elsewhere.
Skin thickness, elasticity, tissue mobility, tendency to swell and previous healing patterns influence how a filler behaves and how predictable the planned change is. Whether the tissue offers sufficient support or has already descended noticeably can also affect the assessment of suitability.
Existing fillers may still be relevant even if treatment took place some time ago. Information about the product, date, area, amount and any reactions, as well as available treatment records, is helpful. If the previous material is unknown or there are lumps, recurring swelling or other unexplained symptoms, further assessment may be needed first.
The medical history includes conditions, allergies, previous severe allergic reactions, current infections and all regularly or occasionally taken medicines and supplements. Substances that affect blood clotting may increase bruising or bleeding. Prescribed medication must not be stopped or changed independently for an aesthetic treatment.
| Procedure | How it works | What it does not automatically do |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid fillers | Add volume and can support selected contours or tissue structures. | Do not automatically address facial muscle activity or every change at the skin's surface. |
| Procedures for skin quality | Target features such as skin texture or hydration, depending on the method and product. | Do not automatically create a defined contour and are not equivalent to a volume filler. |
Volume and skin quality describe different treatment goals. The table distinguishes these goals; it does not recommend combining procedures. Each additional treatment requires its own medical indication, informed consent and assessment of benefits and risks.
STEP BY STEP
Booking online does not determine the product or amount of material. Treatment at the first visit is not guaranteed; unanswered questions, missing records or medical reasons may mean that the appointment is limited to consultation and examination.
You describe the change that concerns you, when it is visible and what you specifically do not want changed. The discussion also covers medical conditions, allergies, medicines, supplements, previous treatments and any reactions at the time.
Dr Pees assesses the findings at rest and in motion, taking into account anatomy, proportions, skin, tissue, asymmetries, tendency to swell and any previous treatments.
Only the examination can determine whether a hyaluronic acid filler is suitable. Other procedures, a smaller treatment scope, a later appointment or choosing not to have treatment are also discussed.
Before you give consent, the intended area, product, planned amount of material, expected course, common reactions, relevant risks, aftercare and anticipated total costs are explained.
Once the examination, information and consent process is complete, the skin is hygienically prepared and the selected product is injected according to the agreed plan. The scope or approach may be adjusted if the findings require it.
You receive specific guidance for the treated area, including which reactions to expect, when you should get in touch and how to contact the practice if you have symptoms.
Results and progress
A volume effect may be visible immediately after injection. At the same time, swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising can temporarily change the appearance. The first look in the mirror is therefore not suitable for a final assessment.
How quickly the treated area settles depends on the product, area, amount of material, tissue and individual response. Many local reactions subside within days to a few weeks; a fixed timeframe cannot be promised in an individual case.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are intended to have a temporary effect and are broken down by the body over time. The duration of a visible effect depends on factors including the chosen product's properties, the treatment area, tissue movement, metabolism, amount of material and any previous treatments.
General claims such as “always lasts twelve months” are therefore not reliable. Dr Pees can provide more specific guidance only once the product, area and treatment plan have been agreed. A later top-up should also be decided after a fresh examination, rather than by the calendar alone.
Make an informed decision
What you should know before and after treatment. Dr Pees will discuss your personal questions during the medical consultation.
Filler treatment is a medical procedure. The information provided covers both common, usually temporary reactions and rare complications for which rapid action can be crucial.
Severity and duration vary. A reaction that worsens instead of settling requires a different assessment from mild swelling immediately after treatment.
The most serious rare complication is unintended interference with the blood supply, for example if filler enters or blocks a blood vessel. Possible consequences include tissue death, permanent skin damage, visual disturbances including loss of vision and, in very rare cases, a stroke.
Whether filler treatment is appropriate is decided individually and with reference to the specific product being considered. The following examples are not a complete list of contraindications, but illustrate typical reasons to postpone treatment, investigate further or recommend against it.
Infections, vaccinations or dental procedures close to the treatment date may also be relevant to planning, as delayed inflammatory reactions at filler sites have been reported. This does not imply a general prohibition; timing is assessed during the medical consultation.
Specific aftercare depends on the product, treatment area and progress. General rules found online do not replace the practice's individual guidance.
Costs and appointments
The amount appropriate for your findings is determined only after a personal examination. The planned scope and expected total cost are explained before treatment.
The price of €250 applies to 1 ml of hyaluronic acid filler. It does not imply a minimum amount needed or a particular result. Less or more material may be appropriate depending on the findings; the examination may also lead to a recommendation against filler treatment.
At Bodywise, medical services are billed in accordance with the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). A purely aesthetic consultation and treatment are different appointment types. The cost of a consultation-only appointment and whether treatment is possible at the first visit should be clarified with the practice in advance.
Personal care for you
Dr Michael Pees is a specialist in surgery with many years of experience in senior roles in aesthetic surgery.
At Bodywise, he provides consultations, examinations, assessment of suitability, information and medical treatment. His surgical training and long-standing experience in senior clinical responsibility are relevant when assessing anatomy, tissue, proportions and potential complications.
Experience does not make injectable treatment risk-free. It is also reflected in explaining limitations, recommending a smaller amount of material, arranging further assessment, postponing an appointment or advising against treatment when the expected benefit is not convincing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body that can bind water. “Filler” is the general term for injectable filling materials. A hyaluronic acid filler is a processed gel based on hyaluronic acid; not every filler contains hyaluronic acid.
It may be suitable for selected, clearly localised volume changes or to support certain facial contours. Whether adding volume actually addresses the cause of your concern is determined during the examination. A volume filler is not automatically the right procedure for lines caused purely by facial movement, pronounced skin laxity or every type of skin texture change.
No. Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume and may support selected contours. Lines caused mainly by muscle activity or changes in the skin surface are not automatically caused by a lack of volume. Suitability is assessed during a medical examination.
An initial volume effect may be immediately visible. However, swelling, redness or bruising can temporarily distort the appearance. A reliable assessment is only appropriate once the early reactions have largely settled. The exact timeframe depends on the product, area, amount, tissue and individual response.
The effect is temporary because the material breaks down over time. Duration varies according to the product, area, tissue movement, metabolism, amount of material and previous treatments. A specific estimate in months is only meaningful after the treatment plan has been agreed and remains a guide, not a guarantee.
At Bodywise, filler treatment costs €250 per 1 ml. The amount appropriate for the findings and the total cost are determined only after the medical examination. One millilitre describes the amount of material, not the strength or quality of the result.
If possible, bring information about previously used fillers, the treatment area, date, amount and any reactions at the time. List all medicines and supplements, particularly those affecting blood clotting, as well as allergies, medical conditions and current infections. Prescribed medication must not be stopped independently.
Hyaluronidase can break down hyaluronic acid and may be used for certain medical or aesthetic corrections. It does not work on every filling material and is not a guaranteed “undo button”. The material, area and cause of the findings must be assessed first; corrective treatment also has its own risks, including allergic reactions. Further information is available on our page about filler correction in Heidelberg.
At a glance
Explore medical services, personal consultations and individual treatment planning at Bodywise.
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Facial expression
Medical assessment of expression lines: suitability, limitations and risks before a treatment decision.
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Jaw muscles
Medical assessment and treatment planning for overactive jaw muscles and bruxism.
Learn morePatient reviews
Selected Google reviews about consultations and treatment at Bodywise – Dr. Michael Pees. Translated from German.
Google reviews
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A very pleasant atmosphere in pleasant surroundings. Dr. Pees gave me knowledgeable advice that was easy to understand.
I am very satisfied with the result of my treatment. I would be very happy to recommend the practice.
Dr. Pees is a knowledgeable and empathetic doctor with more than 30 years of professional experience. This is also reflected positively in his thorough, open and individual advice and care. I felt very well looked after by Dr. Pees and can recommend him without reservation.
I visited Dr. Pees again today for injectable treatments. Such a wonderful doctor; I would not go to anyone else. He deserves more than just 5 points.
I can really only recommend him.
Dr. Michael Pees gave me excellent advice, and solutions to my problem were found quickly.
Thank you ❤️
Private practice in Heidelberg-Neuenheim
You do not need to choose a product or desired amount before booking an appointment. A medication list and, where available, information or records about previous aesthetic treatments are helpful.
