DERMAL FILLERS

What are Dermal Fillers?

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At Medical skin and Laser, we utilise the safest and most popular dermal filler derived from plants. The sugar complex is naturally found within the tissues of living cells, including human skin. Not only does this sugar complex integrate with collagen and elastin to help provide skin structure and lift, it assists in skin hydration and elasticity by attracting and holding water.

 

 These fillers have a varying portfolio, with some able to mimic the structure of bone. Others have softer consistencies which are used for gentle skin/lip volumisation/wrinkle revitalisation, enhancing facial features.

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 What does the procedure involve?

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Treatment with injectable dermal filler is a non-surgical procedure taking anywhere between 15-120 minutes.

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Before any procedure, a Medical Skin and Laser Doctor will explore your experiences, goals, and expectations, formulating an individual plan.

 

High strength, compounded topical anaesthetic is often applied to the area approximately1 hour before treatment.

 

The dermal filler products also contain local anaesthetic incorporated for added comfort. As with any injection there may be some slight discomfort and redness at the injection site. This varies for every individual, with some treatment sites more sensitive than others. Our medical team often use cannulas (blunt administration instruments) to assist delivery of your filler, to also minimise the risk of bruising. 

 

Pre Treatment Instructions

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• Avoid taking and medications which may increase bleeding such as: aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Mobic®, Nurofen®, Naprosyn®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Krill oil, Gingko Biloba , St. John’s Wort and high doses of vitamin E for at least 7-10 days before your appointment, unless medically necessary.

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• You may take Panadol® (if not contraindicated) one hour before your appointment to prevent any discomfort you may experience. If you have concerns about discomfort.

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• If you are taking prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin/ Marevan (Warfarin) or Plavix, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Xarelto,  please inform your treating Dr 7-10 days before your treatment date.

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• If you have any history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face, make sure you inform the doctor that you have made your appointment with, one week prior to your appointment; this will allow us adequate time to prescribe a medication to prevent an outbreak.

• Avoid dental procedures (including cleaning) 2 weeks pre filler and 2 weeks post filler

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• Come to your appointment with a clean face. **This means NO MAKEUP, sunscreen, or MOISTURIZER**

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• Eat a small meal or a snack before your appointment.

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• Bruising and swelling will be worse for the first 24-48 hours after you receive your dermal filler treatment injections. Refrain from exercising for the remainder of the day following your injection(s). You may want to refrain from going to any special events during this time.

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Aftercare?

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You should generally be able to resume normal activities upon leaving. 

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• The majority of reactions to dermal fillers are redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness after the injections. These usually subside a few days after the treatment, but can last up to a week. If any of these symptoms persist longer than a week, or if you develop allergic reactions or other symptoms, please contact our office.

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• Cold compresses may be used after the treatment to reduce swelling and decrease soreness. You may take Panadol (if not contraindicated) every 4-6 hours after the treatment to help with any discomfort you may have.

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• Make-up may be applied a few hours after the treatment, if no complications are present, such as open wounds, bleeding or infection.

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• In the first 24 hours following treatment, limit exposure to sunlight or UV lamps. Extensive sun or heat exposure and alcoholic beverages may cause a temporary increase in redness, bruising or swelling at the injection sites. If there is persistent swelling or redness after the injections, you should limit exposure to sunlight or UV lamps until these symptoms subside (for at least 5-7 days). If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a sun block with an SPF of 30 or greater, combined with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

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• Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours to prevent moving the filler or increasing blood flow to the face.

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• Avoid taking aspirin (unless medically necessary) or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Mobic®, Nurofen®, Naprosyn®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Krill oil, Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort and high doses of vitamin E for 5 days after the treatment, as these may cause an increased risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection sites.

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• Avoid excessive touching or massaging the treated areas for about 6 hours after the injections. The treated areas can be washed with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil® or QV®.

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• Avoid dental procedure (including cleaning) 2 weeks post filler

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• Your satisfaction is important to us! We would like you to return to the office in 2 weeks to see whether a touch-up is necessary. If follow up treatments are necessary, there will be additional charges at the regular rate. 

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• Remember your sunscreen daily.

 

How long do the results last?

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The longevity of treatment with dermal fillers treatment varies from person to person depending on how quickly your body metabolises (breaks down) the product, and whereabouts the filler is placed. Estimated timelines related to longevity are generally 12-24 months. Maintenance or top-up treatment can be done during this time so that obvious changes in your appearance are minimised.

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Studies have shown that the previous belief of filler completely dissolving, may not always occur. Therefore, it is not uncommon for patients to have a review 3 years after treatment, and still have excellent support. To avoid an overfilled looking face, our team will review yearly, however only administer more filler if it is actually required. It is important to note that we often refer to your initial photos, to make sure that we do not deviate from your natural self. With many technologies on offer, our expert team advocate to combine technologies to promote long lasting natural results.

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What are the possible side effects?

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While you may experience no side effects at all, as with all medications, side effects an occur. Reported side effects of dermal fillers include injection side redness, pain, firmness, swelling, lumps & bumps, bruising, itching or discolouration. In the vast majority of cases these effects are temporary and should resolve within 1-2 weeks. More serious (although rare) side effects involve skin death/ necrosis, vessel occlusion and blindness. Therefore, to minimise these risks, please choose your injector wisely, and have a complete consultation prior any treatment.

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Dermal Fillers Cost?

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Medical Skin and Laser administer dermal filler per 1ml syringe. We use only the highest quality fillers in the world. Depending on type of filler selected, the costs start at $850 (nurse)/$900 (Dr) per ml. As a general guide, 1ml of filler is required for every decade of life. It is easy to become fixated on the cost of filler per ml, when "shopping around" for a product. Dermal filler is a schedule 4 medication under the Australian TGA. Prescribed only by Medical Doctors, it is not without side effects and complications. When choosing an injector or treatment facility, the safety, experience, follow up, and ability to medically assess complete suitability is paramount. Medical Skin and Laser team are dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes, in a safe educated environment. With personalised boutique experience, we ensure you understand your procedure, before, during and after.