Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are sterile gels that consist of naturally occurring carbohydrate molecules found within the skin called glycosaminoglycans. These molecules play an important role in maintaining the skin’s integrity and healing, as well as retaining vast amounts of moisture for skin. Dermal fillers are injected into the skin and deeper tissue to correct lines, wrinkles and folds and to help sculpt lips and contour the face. Dermal fillers can also help restore elasticity to the skin and reduce some skin surface irregularities.
Common areas in which dermal fillers are used include nasolabial folds (also called “bracket lines”, running from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth), lips to create more volume, and around the cheeks to pad out hollow cheeks and eyes.
Do fillers hurt?
As with all needles, there is a momentary sting when the needle pierces the skin. To help minimise any pain, Dr Zammar uses a highly concentrated local anaesthetic cream prior to treatment which greatly reduced any pain felt during injection. Patient’s should not experience any pain once the treatment is complete as all fillers contain a local anaesthetic incorporated into the gel. .
How long do fillers last?
The effects of dermal filler treatment can last 6–12 months, but this period may vary from person to person and depends on the area treated and the volume injected. Follow-up treatment may be necessary to create the desired effect and is recommended to maintain the effect.
How much do fillers cost?
The cost of a 1mL gel filler ranges between $400-500 depending on the type and brand of filler used.
What are the risks associated with fillers?
Temporary side effects related to injections can occur and may include swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness. These reactions are generally mild to moderate and self-limiting with an average duration of one week.
There have also been isolated reports of small lumps developing at the treatment sites, and in very rare cases significant complications if the operator accidentally injects filler into blood vessels, the most common being potential skin loss. Dr Zammar carefully assess all his patients for potential adverse reactions and can reverse any serious effects from dermal fillers using a reversing agent stored on site.
Please note that every procedure carries potential side effects and these are best discussed with your doctor at the time of your consultation.
What to consider when getting filler treatment.
- Choose a practitioner who is a qualified and experienced to perform the procedure.
- Attend a consultation before committing to the injectables, and ask for a treatment plan to outline how much work you need and how often you’ll need to return.
- Consider the ongoing cost of keeping up with the treatments.
- Avoid booking any treatment within a week of a special occasion. This is to allow time for any swelling or bruising that may develop from treatment to subside.
Note: Due to TGA restrictions in Australia, we are unable to mention drug or brand names on this website.