Injectable dermal fillers have been used for many years, and have been very popular for the improvement of lines, augmentation of the lips, and for replacing missing volume, resulting in a fresher look. These injectable gels are used to gently restore structure and volume to the face, creating more harmonious and balanced features.

There are numerous types of fillers available and the outcome you desire will determine the type of filler used – sometimes a combination of product is required. This will be discussed at your personalised consultation where we conduct a full facial assessment.

You can use dermal fillers to restore any loss of volume to the face, giving a rejuvenated and fresher appearance. These can also be used to create a certain look, such as more enhanced cheek bones or a more defined jaw line. Results will vary depending on genetics and lifestyle.

There are some reasons why dermal fillers may not be suitable for you. These include:

• Allergy to any specific filler
• Allergy to local anesthetic
• Presence of an autoimmune disease

Lumpiness, uneven result, rapid loss of result are some potential complications – all of which can be addressed if they arise, and will be discussed in greater depth at your consultation.

Most dermal fillers can be injected immediately though you may be required to have a test dose to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. We advise you to arrive 30 minutes prior to your treatment for numbing cream.

We recommend that you avoid the following 2 weeks prior to your dermal filler treatment:

• Fish oil
• Krill oil
• Chia seeds
• Green tea
• Aspirin
• NSAIDS (eg. Neurofen)
• Alcohol (3-4 days prior to treatment)

You will see an immediate result on your first treatment, though once the dermal filler has settled (2-4 weeks) you may require a touch up.

A numbing cream is used prior to treatment so patients usually find they feel very little or no discomfort. The gel is then injected into the treatment areas with a very fine needle, giving an immediate result.

You may find your face a little red, blotchy or puffy, and in the case of lips, you may be swollen. There is also a potential for bruising.

All of these reactions are a response to the injections and are normal. They will resolve in the following 1 to 5 days for most patients. Some dermal fillers create more swelling than others.

Dermal fillers are considered minimally invasive by patients and can be done in less than an hour, requiring no down time or time off work for recovery. Some bruising may occur at the point of injection however, in most cases, this can be covered with make-up and usually resolves over 4-5 days. If you have had local anaesthetic as part of your treatment you may be numb in areas for up to 2 hours, most effects should wear off in 30 to 60 minutes.

While you may experience no side effects post treatment at all, you may be experiencing some redness, discomfort/tenderness, firmness, swelling, bruising, itching or discoloration at the treatment site.

Recommendations to help ease these side effects and keep you feeling your best include:

• Avoiding any active cosmeceutical products on the skin for 1-3 days post treatment
• Sleeping on an extra pillow for the next few days to help reduce any swelling
• Avoiding any pressure on the area treated for 2 weeks post treatment
• Using a bruise treatment cream morning and night, commencing the day after treatment, on any areas of bruising or swelling
• Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol, as this will increase swelling
• Avoid vigorous exercise, saunas and hot baths for 24 hours
• Use ice packs to the treated area to reduce swelling if required
• Keep the area free of oil based cosmetics and moisturiser for 24 hours
• Flatten product in the skin as directed if necessary.

Top up treatments are required every 5-9 months, and up to 18 months, dependent on the area treated and the product used. Each individual’s metabolism and how much product is used, may also affect product duration.