Dermal Fillers

At CCM we use high-quality, non-permanent hyaluronic acid fillers. These have a variety of uses including restoration of volume loss due to ageing, enhancement of youthful and attractive facial contours, and smoothing of deep creases. Dermal fillers can also create a subtle lifting of the face when used in certain areas. As we age, we lose volume in bone, facial fat, and skin, while accumulating fat and lax skin in unwanted areas (e.g. the jowls). Dermal fillers can help improve these aspects of ageing, while helping to promote collagen restoration. Dermal fillers can also be used to treat scarring, including acne scarring. It is imperative you choose an experienced injector for best and natural looking results.

Pricing varies depending on the dosage and area treated and starts from $350 for half a ml and $550 for 1ml. Results generally last from 6 to 18 months, but can vary widely depending on the person, product, and treatment area.

What to expect?

• Downtime: no
• Pain: mild
• Treatment time: 30-45 mins
• Onset: Immediate effect with improvement continuing over 4 weeks.
• Duration: Lasts 6-18 months (but can last years in some instances)

Whats are Dermal Fillers

Most dermal fillers, including those used at Charlestown Cosmetic Medicine, are comprised of hyaluronic acid gel. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced in our bodies that binds water to create a volumizing effect. It is essential, for example, to create volume in the skin and lubrication in the joints. Different HA fillers have different molecular structures and properties, which make them suitable for different treatments. A filler we’d use to fill out a wrinkle in the skin is very different to that we’d use to restore the structure of bone in the jawline.

Procedure

The procedure involves placement of a small amount of dermal filler into different areas of the face. We do this by injecting with a fine needle or gently fanning product with a cannula (a blunt needle, after a needle hole has been created).

What part of the body?

Some popular areas dermal filler can be used include:

• Lips – to rejuvenate ageing lips, create a plumper outline, correct downturned corners and smooth creases. Lip filler doesn’t have to look big and fake!
• Cheeks – to replace volume loss in the mid face and improve extended crow’s feet
• Jawline and chin – to subtly reshape the jawline for a more flattering definition and proportions. To improve the jowls and lift the lower face
• Tear troughs – to improve the sunken appearance of the eyes and reduce dark circles
• Temples – to correct temple hollowing and restore a more youthful contour of the upper face
• Marionette lines & nasolabial folds – to reduce the appearance of these deep creases on the face
• Wrinkles – lines around the mouth and eyes can be softened with the use of very soft fillers into the skin.
• Hands – volume restoration in ageing hands

Possible side effects

Expect to have some swelling and redness. This can be treated with the gentle application of ice and is not indicative of the final result. Sleep on a soft pillow. Most swelling and redness should resolve in 3-7 days.

Mild lumpiness can be gently massaged smooth during the first 48 hours, but excessive massage can diminish the effect of the product.

Bruising is common especially with injections in the lips, corners of the mouth or around the eye. It can last a week to 10 days. Arnica, Hirudoid or Lasonil cream can help. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, Vitamin E, Ginko Biloba or anticoagulants can make the bruising worse so avoid these at all costs.

You may also experience tenderness or mild-moderate pain, which usually resolves in 2-5 days.

If you have had a dental anaesthetic block, you will have lower facial numbness for 1-4 hours. Care should be taken when chewing or drinking hot liquids.

Lip fillers can reactivate previous cold sores. This can be avoided by taking Famciclovir tables at the time of injection. Dr Jan Mudaliar can write you a prescription if needed.

Blockage of a blood vessel is rare, affecting 1 in 1000 patients but it is very serious. If you notice changes to your skin such as pale, blue, mottled, painful or have visual impairment, notify us immediately. These side effects are usually immediate but can occasionally take a day to present.

Infection is rare, but any redness, tenderness or swelling should be reviewed by Dr Jan Mudaliar. Infection is usually apparent after a few days.

Because Hyaluronic acid is a collagen naturally found in the skin, an allergic reaction is very rare, affecting 3 in 1000 patients. If you do have an allergic reaction to the injections, you should notice immediate swelling and itching. However, after many months it is possible to get tender, swollen lumps or granulomas. If you notice any of these signs please contact the clinic immediately.

Aftercare

Avoid make-up or any ‘active’ skin products (e.g. retinoids) for 24 hours and use clean hands when touching the face.

Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours to not worsen any swelling.

Discuss with your treating practitioner if planning to undergo any beauty treatments including facials, waxing, IPL in the following days.

Avoid anything that causes firm pressure on the face for 2 weeks (e.g. massage)

Reduced air pressure on long-haul flights can worsen swelling, and treatments should ideally not be performed within 2 weeks of air travel.

Book a consultation at Charlestown Cosmetic Medicine today!

Discuss your skin concerns with experienced cosmetic practitioners and receive tailored advice and treatment plans. Contact the clinic today.