Fillers

Fillers is a broad term for substances or elements added to occupy space, increase bulk, or modify properties across different fields. They are used in cosmetic medicine, food production, manufacturing and construction, and in language studies to describe speech habits.

In cosmetic medicine, dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore facial volume, smooth wrinkles, and contour features. Common materials include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate. Effects are typically temporary to semi-permanent, lasting from several months to a few years depending on material and individual factors. Safety depends on proper technique and patient selection; risks can include swelling, bruising, infection, nodules, and vascular complications. These procedures are generally regulated and performed by trained clinicians.

In linguistics and beyond, fillers refer to non-lexical or discursive elements that occur in spontaneous speech, such as “um,” “uh,” “well,” or “you know.” They serve to signal hesitation, plan next words, manage turn-taking, or convey social meaning, rather than to add propositional content. In transcripts, fillers are often marked to reflect speech patterns rather than grammar.

In food and consumer products, fillers are substances added to increase volume, texture, or stability, often with little nutritional value. Examples include starches, cellulose, gums, and other inert materials. In some contexts, fillers also refer to additives used to reduce cost or alter processing characteristics, with regulatory standards governing their use.

In manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, fillers or excipients are inert substances that facilitate processing, dosage, or stability of products. Examples include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, talc, and various polymers used in plastics, rubber, or tablet formulations.