Information on dermal fillers

TOP FIVE THINGS ABOUT DERMAL FILLERS

1. Dermal fillers can correct age related volume loss in the skin such as around the mouth or eyes.
2. Dermal fillers can be used to enhance areas such as lips and cheeks
3. Dermal fillers are Schedule 4 medications and legally  must be prescribed by a medical doctor
4. Temporary fillers have far less complications than permanent fillers and if you don’t like the result it is reversible and temporary.
5. Dermal fillers are a safe and effective non surgical method of facial rejuvenation

What are Dermal Fillers?

As our skin ages lines, creases and depressions start to appear due to the breakdown of the skins normal supporting framework of collagen (a protein) and hyaluronic acid (a sugar). Facial lines, wrinkles and scars can be softened or removed by injecting products into the skin to fill these areas.  As these products are injected into the dermal layer of the skin they are commonly termed dermal fillers.

Where is it commonly used?

Dermal fillers are especially popular around the cheeks (smile lines), lips (smoker’s lines), forehead (frown lines) and eyes (crow’s feet).  Dermal fillers can also be used to enhance areas such as creating fuller lips or smoothing out depressed scars. Dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular as a means of adding volume and giving a younger and fresher rejuvenated appearance.  Although getting older is inevitable looking older is now optional.

What product is used?

Several different dermal fillers are now available in Australia and the most suitable product will depend on the area to be treated and the requirements of each individual patient.  The products used as dermal fillers are restricted to use by medical practitioners and as such the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) restricts the promotional use of the products names in Australia.

At the Cosmetic and Laser Medical Centre our doctors specialise in the use of temporary fillers based on the naturally occurring collagen and hyaluronic acid.  As natural products collagen and hyaluronic acid based fillers are safe and very well tolerated by the body, however, because they are natural products they will be gradually absorbed by the body, and follow up treatments may be needed once or twice a year.

Who does the treatment?

Dermal Fillers are Schedule 4 medications which means dermal fillers should only be provided on the written prescription by a medical practitioner. (Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2006 SR No. 57/2006 Part 2 Division 6 – Administration). Any person receiving dermal fillers must legally be seen by a medical practitioner before any treatment is undertaken.

At the Cosmetic and Laser Medical Centre all dermal filler treatments are only performed by fully registered medical practitioners experienced in use of these products.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment with dermal fillers may involve the use of a topical cream or a local anaesthetic to help numb the area being treated. The dermal filler is then comfortably injected into the treatment site. The area is often red after treatment for several hours and there may be swelling. Swelling is usually only pronounced when treating lips. Bruising can also occur but make up can be worn immediately after treatment. The majority of people resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Are there any side effects?

Because the temporary dermal fillers we use at the Cosmetic and Laser Medical Centre are naturally present within the skin and not derived from animals there is no need for any allergy testing before dermal filler treatment.  Temporary dermal fillers have been clinically studied and used for many years and clinical trials have shown the products to be very well tolerated.

The injection typically causes minimal discomfort and side effects if any are generally temporary site related effects such as redness, discomfort, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising discolouration which if they occur typically last 3 days or less. The majority of patients resume their normal activities immediately following treatment.

Can dermal fillers be combined with other treatments?

Many people often also use cosmetic products and/or procedures in combination with dermal fillers and antiwrinkle injections to achieve optimal results

To prolong the effects of dermal fillers they are often administered in combination with muscle relaxing injections and this is especially effective for frown lines.  This works because when the wrinkle causing muscles are relaxed the filler tends to last longer due to the reduced muscle activity.

For more information see Wrinkle Treatments

How long do dermal fillers last?

The majority of patients find the temporary fillers we use last between 6-12 months. Areas that have a lot of muscular activity such as around the mouth tend to breakdown quicker whereas in areas where there is less muscular activity such as the cheeks the product lasts much longer. As suggested by their name semi permanent and permanent fillers last longer than temporary fillers however the trade off is that permanent fillers are more expensive and are associated with more potential side effects.

What is the cost?

The cost will depend on the choice of temporary filler and the mount of product used. Fillers come in prefilled syringes and these are single use. Some patients require only one syringe whereas other may require several. The cost starts at $550 plus GST for one syringe. There is no medicare rebate and the Government charges GST of 10% on dermal filler treatments.