The Most Frequently Asked Questions on Dermal Fillers

The Most Frequently Asked Questions on Dermal Fillers — Tailored Skin Care Treatments in Benowa, QLD

WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS

As the name suggests, dermal fillers are used essentially to fill out the skin.

In actual fact they can be used under the skin to add volume to key areas of the face as well as into the skin to fill individual lines or scars.

Don’t think dermal fillers are just used to make lips and cheeks bigger.

Well placed, subtle dermal fillers can reverse many of the effects of ageing in a natural way.

WHY ARE DERMAL FILLERS SO IMPORTANT

As you age the key change happening to your face is volume loss.

This is loss of fat from the fat pads that give the face its rounded curves of youth, and loss of bone from the skull.

Together these volume losses cause the temples to hollow, the cheeks to deflate and sag, and loss of a youthful strong jawline.

The face loses its width and curves and becomes elongated and more oblong.

Evidence shows us that faces do not primarily droop or sag with age, they deflate.

The answer is to replenish the lost volume with dermal fillers.

WHAT DERMAL FILLERS ARE USED AT ENVISAGE

We have a variety of dermal fillers at Envisage Clinic.

  • “Temporary Dermal Fillers” These are made of a natural substance present in our bodies termed HA. They are a clear gel. Although termed “temporary” they often last for 1-2 years or longer, and have some collagen building properties that can give a much longer lasting benefit. Some temporary fillers are made very fine and are used for fine lines, some are firmer and are used for volumising larger areas.
  • “Collagen Stimulating Fillers” These work primarily by stimulating collagen production. They take 2-4 months to give their full effect but generally last longer than temporary fillers and can be used to both give volume and to improve the texture of the skin. These are particularly useful where loss of skin elasticity and weakness is causing lines such as smile lines on the lower cheeks.
  • “Permanent Dermal Filler” There is one permanent dermal filler licensed by the TGA. We do offer it at Envisage Clinic but reserve its use for certain indications. For example it can be effective for those who find temporary fillers too short term.

HOW MUCH DO DERMAL FILLERS COST

This varies depending on the exact filler used. Temporary fillers cost from $330 per ml, with the usual volumising filler used being $500 per ml.

The amount of filler required often varies greatly, but usually quite a big change can be achieved even with just one or two mls of filler.

WHAT AREAS ARE MOST COMMONLY TREATED WITH DERMAL FILLERS

The most common areas treated are the cheeks, lips, sunken temples, jawline, and fine lines.

One of the most common areas treated is the lower face where volume loss causes marionette or down in the mouth lines to form at the corners of the mouth.

Dermal fillers can also be used to re-volumise and rejuvenate the hands.

WHAT OTHER AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal fillers can be used almost anywhere, including chins, under the eyes, acne and traumatic scars, forehead, ear lobes, and to straighten the nose.

HOW LONG DO DERMAL FILLERS LAST

This varies depending on the type of filler used, the site placed, and the individual.

In the lips dermal fillers last 6-12 months on average, but they last much longer in other areas where it is not unusual to see effects lasting over 2 years.

HOW SAFE ARE DERMAL FILLERS – WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Modern dermal fillers as passed by the TGA and used at Envisage Clinic are considered to be very safe.

Minor side effects such as short term bruising or swelling can occur but are not too common.

More significant side effects are extremely rare and include allergic reactions and intra-vascular injection.

Such effects occur at a rate of about 1 in 10,000-20,000.

The temporary fillers are fully reversible, so any side effect is generally easily treated.

Article by Dr Chris Leat Medical Director Envisage Clinic Benowa 

Dr Christopher Leat – Medical Director Envisage Skin Clinic Founder and Director.Dr Christopher Leat has 33 years’ experience in Medicine and is a member of The Royal College of Physicians of London. Dr Leat has devoted the last 18 years to Cosmetic Medicine and is recognized throughout Australia as one of the most experienced doctors in the field of Cosmetic Medicine.