Dermal fillers are one of the most popular, non-surgical cosmetic treatments for helping treat a multitude of aging skin problems. As we age the effects of sun exposure, gravity, and loss of facial volume (fat and muscle loss) leads to the development of facial hollowness, wrinkling and folds. Dermal fillers do just as the name suggests, they fill in the area under the skin, helping to fill in, plump up, and re volumise various parts of the face.

What are dermal fillers made from?

Dermal fillers are a smooth injectable gel made from a natural complex sugar called Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in skin that has the capacity to attract and hold vast quantities of water. Hyaluronic acid also combines with collagen and elastin to help provide skin structure and elasticity.

As we age the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin diminishes resulting in loss of moisture, plumpness, elasticity and volume in our skin. The use of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can restore the skin to a more youthful condition. Given these dermal fillers contain ingredients already found in your body, the likelihood they will react with your skin is very low.

What is involved in the dermal filler procedure?

The dermal filler is administered through injection into the desired area, by a trained medical professional. The product does contain anaesthetic, but further anaesthetic may also need to be added (topical or injected).

Most procedures take between 15-30 minutes, and clients can usually resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment. The result of the dermal filler treatment can be immediately post procedure.

What are dermal fillers used for?

Dermal fillers are injected below the skin surface to:

‘Fill-in’ wrinkles and fine lines

‘Plump-up’ small areas such as lips

‘ Re-volumise large areas such as the cheeks and temples.

Improve and redefine facial contours

In doing so the aim is to either enhance or restore the client’s natural features.

Where in the face can dermal fillers be used?:

Dermal fillers can be used to restore volume, redefine, recontour, and smooth out almost any area in the face. Areas prone to skin volume loss include:

Are there any risks or side effects of dermal filler therapy?

Dermal fillers are a very safe and popular cosmetic treatment but should always be done by an experienced cosmetic injector. The side effects are usually mild and temporary; the most common of these include pain, redness, swelling, lumps and bruising at the injection site. These are largely self-limiting and should resolve within a week. Allergic reactions and major vascular trauma are very rare complications of dermal fillers.

Is there any downtime with dermal fillers treatments?

With dermal fillers there is very little downtime, with most people able to resume their usual activities immediately after. There may be some swelling or bruising, which can often be covered with makeup. It is advisable to get your dermal filler treatment a few days before an important event to allow the swelling and bruising (should they happen) to settle. Alcohol, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, fish oil, gingko, garlic, green tea and other herbal products may all thin the blood. It is advisable to stop taking any of these for at least a week prior to your dermal fillers treatment, to minimise the risk of bruising.

How quickly do you see results from the dermal fillers treatment?

The results of dermal fillers treatments are usually visible immediately after the completion of the procedure. The full result will become apparent over the next couple of weeks as the filler ‘matures’ and attracts moisture, and any swelling subsides.

How long do dermal fillers last?

The hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are not permanent fillers, and the body will break it down over time. The duration of time the dermal filler will last will depend on the exact product used, and can be anywhere between 6-24months. Client factors including smoking history, metabolism and those actively trying to lose weight may affect the longevity of the dermal filler result.

Contact Dr Tandra Paul for more information about Dermal Fillers treatments using the contact page here.