There is a variety of products in this category, and at the Cosmetic Medical Centre we have all dermal fillers currenly available in Australia. Dermal fillers are used for the correction of wrinkles and folds, such as crow's feet, worry lines or smokers' lines, as well as for lip augmentation and any skin deformities like scars and degenerative lesions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dermal fillers?
Do I need a test dose before treatment?
What happens during the implantation procedure?
Does it hurt?
How long does it last?
What will it look like straight afterwards?
Can I put makeup on straight afterwards?
What other advice do I need to follow?
How much does it cost?

What are dermal fillers?

The active ingredients in dermal fillers are substances which naturally occur in the skin and play a vital part in maintaining its appearance. For example, collagen gives the skin its resilience, while hylaform keeps the skin moist and elastic.

Do I need a test dose before treatment?

This varies with the specific dermal filler used. Newer dermal fillers are based on natural polysaccharides which occur in many tissues in our bodies. They are identical in all species and are impossible to be allergic to. Some older dermal fillers require a test dose as they are derived from cattle and can cause an allergic reaction.

What happens during the implantation procedure?

The treatment site is cleaned with alcohol swabs and the dermal filler is injected into the skin. It adds volume to the skin to obtain the desired level of correction for lips, wrinkles, and folds.

Does it hurt?

Normally, no anaesthesia is necessary when treating wrinkles and folds. Treatment around sensitive areas like the mouth and lips can be painful, and the use of local anaesthetic or Emla anaesthetic cream may be recommended. The patient's need for pain relief is assessed before the injections take place.

How long does it last?

This will vary from patient to patient and the area of the face you have treated, as well as the specific type of dermal filler used. Obviously, with such a number of variables it is impossible to define a precise length of time the correction will last. However, it most cases six to twelve months will pass before the treated area reverts back to its original state.

What will it look like straight afterwards?

Straight after treatment the treated area will look slightly red. This will settle very quickly. The coolness of an ice pack on the skin after treatment will lessen any swelling and soothe the area. Sometimes injection sites are associated with pinpoint bleeding, however this would resolve spontaneously soon after the injection. In about 2% of patients local swelling and mild redness can occur, though this would resolve within a few hours or days.

Can I put makeup on straight afterwards?

It is not a good idea to put makeup over the treated area during the first 12 hours, as you may get pimples. You can, however use makeup freely the following day.

What other advice do I need to follow?

It is not a good idea to expose yourself to prolonged sunlight, hot baths, or long hot showers for 24-48 hours after having the treatment. This is primarily in order to allow the treatment the maximum chance to achieve the intended result, without interference from other factors.

How much does it cost?