Everything you need to know about dermal fillers

By Dr. Aaron Stanes

A person with a beard smiles while looking into a mirror labeled Cosmetic Connection. Another person is adjusting something near their ear. The setting appears to be a room with a white wall.
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Dermal fillers are one of the most significant developments in modern aesthetics. Before fillers, changing your appearance meant surgery. Now, you can enhance and rejuvenate your appearance in minutes, on your lunch break.

There is a huge amount of information about dermal fillers available online. And often it is incorrect. Researching dermal fillers often becomes overwhelming, and can be off-putting. A shame, because dermal fillers have so many amazing benefits.

So, here is a guide to the most important things to know about dermal fillers. This information is factual and impartial. It is here to help you make an informed decision about dermal fillers.

Introduction to Dermal Fillers

What are dermal fillers, and how do they work?

Dermal fillers are an umbrella term for injectable gel implants. Made of various compounds (usually hyaluronic acid), they work by volumising the skin and fatty tissue.

Our facials bone and fat determines how we look, and this changes with age and weight gain and loss. We can therefore use dermal fillers to alter our appearance by changing the underlying facial structure. This can be done to treat signs of ageing caused by a loss of structure, or to change our natural features.

What are the different types of dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are categorised into temporary and reversible, temporary and irreversible, and permanent.

Temporary and reversible fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA). This is a natural-occurring sugar-based molecule found in our skin. It is a great option to improve your appearance, and hydrate your skin. The key advantage of these fillers is that they are reversible.

Of the HA fillers, there are many options available, all with different properties. We use the following characteristics to classify HA dermal filler:

  • HA concentration – how much dermal filler molecules are actually in the gel-product
  • Cross-linking – how entangled the gel particles are, often linked to ‘thickness’ and longevity
  • Hygroscopicity – how much water the dermal filler attracts to the local area
  • Cohesivity – how ‘sticky’ the gel is, related to how well it holds together after injection
  • Viscosity – how thick the gel is, more important when determining the best way to inject the product

Temporary and irreversible fillers are also known as collagen stimulators. Made of various compounds like calcium hydroxyapatite, they are not reversible. The key advantage of these fillers is that they stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives your facial tissues strength. These products therefore actually reverse ageing at the molecular level.

Permanent fillers are rarely used. While the idea of a one-and-done treatment sounds appealing, there are many issues. Not only are complications much more severe, but as your face ages, the filler doesn’t change. This means a good result now, will not look good forever. If your permanent filler begins to look out of place over time, you will need surgery to remove it.

When selecting a dermal filler, it needs to match to your goals, risk tolerance, tissue quality and the treatment area. Using the right filler, in the right place, in the right quantity is the best way to achieve a beautiful result. Beware clinics that allow or encourage you to choose which filler to have. Your practitioner should apply their expertise to determine the most suitable product for your treatment.

Where on the body do you usually get dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are mostly used to rejuvenate facial features like your lips, cheeks, nose and jawline. However, they can be injected anywhere on your body (including the genitalia).

The reason we use them in many different areas is because they have a range of benefits.

  • Improve sun damaged skin on areas like your chest, shoulders and hands.
  • Reshape facial features are restore volume lost with age.

Dermal fillers can even increase the size of the penis, and add projection to your nipples.

Can you mix different types of dermal filler?

Yes, we can mix different types of dermal filler. You can have different types placed in the same area, in the same appointment.

 

Can you layer different dermal fillers?

Yes, we can layer different types of dermal filler.

Dermal filler layering allows us to take advantage of the specific properties of each type of filler. This is an effective approach for achieving natural-looking results.

 

How much dermal filler is required for the procedure?

We measure dermal fillers in millilitres. The number of mL required for your dermal filler procedure will vary substantially depending on the following:

  • The treatment area
  • The severity of your concerns
  • What results you’re looking for
  • Your skin quality
  • Smaller areas like your lips and nose need far less filler than larger areas like your cheeks and jawline.

To find out how much filler you need, start with a consultation with an experienced doctor. Remember that you may need more or less than that estimated during your consult.

 

How much dermal filler is needed for contouring?

For facial contouring, most people need 1-2 syringes of dermal filler per area.

Larger areas of your face generally need more filler. You’ll also need higher volumes of dermal filler if you want a more dramatic result.

 

What is the best dermal filler for the nose?

The best nose dermal filler is thick and cohesive. It should mimic the underlying cartilage and bone that gives your nose its shape.

These properties allow for precise nose reshaping, and a stable result.

 

What is the best dermal filler for lips?

The ideal lip dermal filler depends on on your natural lip tissue, and treatment goals.

A soft, hydrating filler is great for people with loose lip tissue, and for those who want to improve hydration.

For volumisation and definition, we use a moderately thick lip filler that has good stretch and elastic properties. This allows the filler to move naturally with your lips.

 

What is the best dermal filler for jawlines?

The ideal jawline dermal filler is thick and cohesive. Using such fillers to enhance your jawline allows for a sharp, crisp contour to be sculpted. It also gives a stable result.

 

What is the best dermal filler for nasolabial folds?

The ideal filler for nasolabial folds has moderate lifting capacity, and good stretch and elastic properties. This allows us to improve your nasolabial folds while preserving a natural-look when you speak and smile.

 

Dermal Fillers vs. Botox

What are the differences between dermal filler and Botox?

While both are used in facial rejuvenation, Botox and dermal fillers are not the same. Dermal fillers are injectable gel implants designed to restore or enhance volume. Botox is a protein that relaxes muscles. Both can treat wrinkles, but their mechanism of action is different. We typically use them in conjunction to achieve more natural looking results.

Does getting fillers hurt more than Botox?

The discomfort experienced from dermal fillers and Botox is quite different. Botox is typically felt as a sting that only lasts less than a second. Fillers generally give a dull ache-like discomfort during injection.

Most people believe that Botox is more painful than dermal fillers. However, most clinics will offer a range of numbing options to ensure your treatment is comfortable.

Effectiveness and Longevity of Dermal Fillers

How long do dermal fillers last?

The manufacturers of dermal fillers report that they wear off slowly over 6-24 months. The dermal filler’s thickness determines how long it lasts (thicker fillers generally last longer). However, new research is revealing that sometimes dermal fillers last far longer than expected. This is especially true when an area is treated more than once.

How can you make dermal fillers last longer?

The only proven way to make dermal filler last longer is to have a second treatment before the results from your previous session wear off. Another option is to use a thicker filler, however this increases the risk of lumpiness.

What happens when dermal fillers wear off?

As dermal fillers wear off, the treated area will slowly return to normal. However, if you’ve had fillers for a long time, they will have disguised the ageing process. When they wear off, the underlying ageing will be revealed. To avoid this problem, collagen stimulating fillers are a better option. Because these products restore collagen, when they wear off your facial tissues will be in better condition. This means you’ll look younger compared to if you never had the treatment.

Does smoking affect the longevity of dermal fillers?

No, smoking does not impact how long dermal filler last.

 

Suitability

Who are dermal fillers not suitable for?

Dermal fillers are suitable for almost anyone wanting to enhance or rejuvenate their appearance. However, there are some groups that are unsuitable:

  • Under 18 years old
  • Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • People who are expecting an unrealistic result

Should I get dermal fillers?

You should consider dermal fillers if you want to enhance your appearance, or treat signs of ageing like hollowness, sagging, wrinkles, and skin folds.

Dermal fillers achieve natural looking results, that last 12-24 months and are fully reversible.

 

What is the right age to start using dermal fillers?

The right time to start dermal fillers is when you are concerned about your appearance enough to justify the cost and risks involved.

Do dermal fillers work for people over 40?

Yes, dermal fillers are one of the best treatments for people over 40. People in this age-group are often experiencing the signs of ageing related to volume loss. Dermal fillers are therefore a great option to restore this volume, giving a naturally refreshed appearance.

 

Can I have dermal fillers if I’m under 18?

You can legally have dermal filler if you are aged under 18. However you must wait at least 7 days after your consultation before having treatment. Here at Cosmetic Connection, we do not treat people under the age of 18.

 

Can dermal filler repair forehead dents from injury?

Forehead dermal filler is a great option to improve the appearance of forehead dents, whether due to genetics or from injury.

We use volumising dermal filler to plump the forehead skin, effectively filling in the hollow area.

 

Can dermal filler treat cleft chins?

Chin dermal filler is a great option to improve a cleft chin.

Also known as a bum-chin, it is usually due to the shape of the underlying bone. We can inject dermal filler to volumise the cleft, giving your chin a smoother appearance.

 

Can dermal fillers treat earlobes?

The earlobes are an area often overlooked when it comes to anti-ageing. Becoming stretched, deflated, and wrinkled over time, we can use dermal fillers to rejuvenate your earlobes.

Earlobe dermal fillers can help people:

  • With stretched earlobes from heavy or large jewellery
  • Who have deflated and saggy earlobes due to ageing
  • With asymmetrical or deformed earlobes, either from genetics or trauma
  • Who have scarring from previous earlobe repair surgery

 

Where can dermal fillers be used?

Dermal fillers are a very versatile treatment that can rejuvenate and enhance almost any area of your face, neck and body. Areas dermal fillers can treat include:

  • Forehead dermal fillers
  • Temple dermal fillers
  • Brow dermal fillers
  • Upper eyelid dermal fillers (also known as A-frame dermal fillers)
  • Under eye dermal fillers (also known as tear trough filler)
  • Cheek dermal filler
  • Nose dermal filler
  • Nose tip dermal filler
  • Lip dermal filler
  • Nasolabial fold dermal filler
  • Marionette line dermal filler
  • Chin dermal filler
  • Jawline dermal filler
  • Earlobe dermal filler
  • Penis dermal filler
  • Hand dermal filler

 

When should I have dermal fillers before my wedding?

You should have dermal fillers at least 4 weeks before your wedding.

Importantly, you may need more than one session to achieve the ideal result.

We recommend starting your dermal filler treatment 3-6 months before your wedding. This allows plenty of time to build up your result.

Read more about dermal fillers before your wedding on our blog.

 

Results

What are the benefits of dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers have many benefits, which is why they are such a popular treatment. These include:

  • Instant results
  • Quick treatments taking 10-20 minutes
  • No downtime required
  • Reversible results (for hyaluronic acid fillers)
  • Versatile, with applications for most concerns and areas of the body
  • Highly precise, with results tailorable to very fine details

Do fillers help with facial lifting?

Despite what many claim, dermal fillers cannot lift the facial tissues. They can add structure and soften skin folds giving the illusion of a lift. This is a great option for people with mild sagging. Moderate to severe sagging cannot be effectively treated with fillers alone.

Will 1ml dermal filler make a difference?

1ml of dermal filler is enough for smaller areas of your face, like your lips, nose, and under eyes.

Other areas may more filler to see a visible difference.

 

Can you feel dermal filler in your face?

After having dermal filler, the treated area may feel slightly firm when you touch it. This is related to local swelling.

As your skin heals and the filler integrates, it softens, and starts to feel like your normal facial tissue.

 

Will my face go back to normal after my dermal filler wears off?

Yes, eventually your body will break down the dermal filler and you will look like your normal self.

If you have been having dermal filler for some time, remember that dermal filler does not stop the ageing process; it hides it.

Once your dermal fillers wear off, the underlying ageing process will be revealed.

 

Can fillers look natural?

Yes, almost all results from dermal fillers look natural and undetectable. Unfortunately, bad filler results are obvious, which is why they often have a bad reputation. This is why it is crucial to ensure your dermal fillers are done by an experienced doctor with a proven track-record. Reviewing dermal filler before and after results is a great way to see what’s possible.

Do dermal fillers look fake?

When performed correctly by a qualified and experienced cosmetic doctor, the result from dermal fillers should never look fake.

Fake-looking dermal fillers are always caused by injecting the wrong filler, the wrong amount or the wrong part of the face. It can also happen by having treatments too frequently.

Here at Cosmetic Connection, our mission is to provide natural-looking improvements in your appearance. We aim to boost your confidence; not to make you look overfilled, fake and like a different person.

How do we achieve this?

  • All our injecting staff are qualified and highly experienced in cosmetic medicine.
  • We use only premium quality products approved for use in Australia.
  • We adopt a less-is-more approach. Building up a result conservatively over time is always the best option.

Can dermal fillers make you look younger?

Yes, dermal fillers are one of the most effective ways to look younger. With age, your face loses volume, causing a saggy, hollow appearance. Dermal fillers restore facial volumes, instantly and effectively reversing these signs of ageing.

Can dermal fillers tighten skin?

Collagen stimulating fillers can improve skin tightness. By stimulating collagen, the skin becomes stronger, thicker and tighter. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers cannot tighten skin.

Can I get rid of dermal filler if I don’t like the results

Yes, we can reverse hyaluronic acid dermal fillers with hyaluronidase.

There are 3 reasons why we would consider dissolving your dermal filler:

  1. If you change your mind, or don’t like the result.
  2. If you decide to proceed with surgery instead.
  3. If you have a side effect from the treatment.

 

What affects the longevity of dermal filler?

The degree of cross-linking is the biggest determinant of dermal filler longevity. Cross-linking refers to how entangled the dermal filler molecules are, with thicker fillers being more cross-linked.

The area injected also affects filler longevity. Fillers don’t last as long in mobile parts of your face like the lips.

Exercise level has not been proven to affect the longevity of dermal filler.

 

Can dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections fix facial asymmetry?

Yes, dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections can fix facial asymmetry.

Dermal fillers reshape uneven facial features. Anti-wrinkle injections lift and lower your eyebrows and mouth corners, and slim the jawline to improve symmetry.

 

Procedure and Aftercare

Is it safe to take vitamins or supplements before dermal filler injections?

You can continue taking most vitamins and supplements before dermal filler injections. Some supplements like fish oil increase the risk of bruising.

Ideally, you should stop your supplements a few days before your treatment. However, do not stop them if you are taking them for medical reasons.

 

Is getting dermal fillers painful?

The discomfort experienced during dermal filler is highly dependent on the person injecting them. Pain with experienced providers is often surprisingly little. We keep pain to a minimum by using small needles, gentle techniques, and appropriate anaesthetic. Very painful procedures may indicate that your provider is inexperienced or careless.

What should you expect after a dermal filler procedure?

After dermal fillers it is normal to experience localised redness, swelling and tenderness. Bruising may occur, but these all typically resolve over 2-3 days. The treated areas may feel firm to touch for the first few weeks.

It is normal to feel slight worry about the results in the first few days. Expect to spend time looking in the mirror wondering if things will settle. It’s important to be patient and let your body heal. Almost all concerns go away as the treated areas settle.

Will I bruise after dermal fillers?

Bruising can occur after dermal filler injections. Certain areas like lips and under eyes are more prone to bruises than others.

To minimise bruising, we use advanced injection techniques, and use a cannula where possible.

You can apply a wrapped ice pack after your treatment to further minimise bruising.

If you do bruise, you can cover it with makeup that day after your treatment.

 

How soon after dermal filler do you bruise?

Most bruising occurs at the time of dermal filler injections, but it can worsen after your appointment.

Applying a cold pack after your appointment can keep bruising to a minimum.

 

How long does swelling last after fillers?

Most swelling will resolve 2-3 days after having dermal fillers. Some areas like the lips take longer to heal, and you can speed up the healing process by gently applying a cold pack. Prolonged swelling may signal a side effect.

You can reduce swelling by carefully following the dermal filler aftercare instructions.

When can I touch my face after dermal fillers?

You should avoid applying firm pressure to the treated area for 7 days after having dermal fillers. You are able to touch the area before this, but you should be gentle.

 

What are the dermal filler aftercare steps?

Dermal filler aftercare is a straightforward process. The principles of dermal filler aftercare are to practice good hygiene, avoid things that delay healing, and to not disturb the filler.

  • Avoid smoking, alcohol and intense exercise for 24 hours
  • Avoid makeup for 24 hours
  • Refrain from applying pressure to the treated areas for 5 days
  • Gently use a cold pack to reduce swelling

Is it bad to smile after getting fillers?

You can smile confidently after getting dermal fillers without worrying, as it will not affect your result.

What’s the best way to sleep after getting fillers?

After fillers you should try to sleep on your back. You won’t need to use extra pillows or sleep upright. Sleeping on your back avoids pressure to the treated areas, and allows any fluid to drain from the swollen areas.

How should you wash your face after fillers?

It’s important to keep your skin clean after having dermal fillers. When washing your face use your normal products with warm water. Just ensure to be gentle to avoid moving your fresh dermal fillers for the first 5 days.

Can you wear makeup after fillers?

You can wear makeup 24 hours after having dermal fillers. Applying makeup too early increases infection risk. It can result in skin tattooing if the ink gets into an injection site.

Can I put makeup on one day after dermal filler treatment?

Yes, you can apply makeup one day after dermal fillers.

Applying makeup too early can increase infection risk, tattoo your skin, and make it hard to notice signs of a side effect.

 

When can you brush your teeth after fillers?

You can brush your teeth immediately after having dermal fillers.

 

Can I exercise after dermal fillers?

You can exercise immediately after dermal filler. Avoid exercising too strenuously for 24 hours as this can increase swelling.

 

Can fillers move if you touch them?

Yes, applying pressure to your fillers in the first few days after your treatment can move them. This is why it is important to be gentle when touching the treated area.

 

Can dermal filler move after being injected?

Yes, dermal filler can move after it has been injected. A common cause of filler moving is the actual injection process. Injecting too much filler too quickly can cause it to spread further than planned.

Over time, facial movement and over-filling certain areas of the face like the lips can cause gradual movement of the filler. This is known as filler migration.

 

Can dermal filler move in your sleep?

Dermal filler does not move in your sleep.

You should be careful to avoid sleeping on your face for 7 days after fillers. This can compress them, causing a loss of your visible result.

 

Does drinking water help dermal fillers?

Yes, drinking water can help to get a more pronounced result from dermal filler.

Dermal filler attracts water to the treated area. By staying hydrated, the filler will be able to volumise the treated area more effectively.

 

Does dermal filler feel hard at first?

It is normal for your dermal filler to feel firm and hard for a few days after your treatment.

Dermal fillers soften gradually over 1-2 weeks.

 

How long does dermal filler take to set in position?

Dermal fillers give an immediate result, but can take around 7 days to settle in position. During this time, the fillers are malleable.

Avoid applying pressure to the fillers before they settle, as they can be moved and reshaped.

 

When can you fly after dermal fillers?

You should avoid short interstate flights for 24 hours, and long flights for 7 days after having dermal fillers. Flying too soon after fillers can worsen swelling and delay healing. There are also some side effects that can occur in the first few days after fillers than may need urgent review and treatment.

Read more about flying about dermal fillers.

 

Can I smoke after dermal fillers?

We advise that you avoid smoking after dermal fillers. Smoking will delay the healing process, and increase your risk of infection.

Read more about smoking after dermal fillers.

 

Can I vape after dermal fillers?

We advise that you avoid vaping after dermal fillers. Vaping will delay the healing process, and increase your risk of infection.

Read more about vaping after dermal fillers.

 

Is it safe to drink alcohol after dermal filler treatment?

You should not drink alcohol for 24 hours after dermal fillers. Alcohol can worsen swelling and bruising. It also impairs your judgement, meaning you are less likely to follow the treatment aftercare.

 

Is it safe to get a facial massage after having dermal filler treatment?

After facial dermal fillers, you should avoid a facial massage for at least 7 days.

After 1 week you can have a facial massage, but care should be taken to avoid applying firm pressure to the fillers.

 

How long after dermal fillers can I get a face massage?

Ideally you should wait at least a week after having dermal fillers before getting a face massage.

Facial massage can worsen swelling and cause the fillers to move if done too soon after your treatment.

 

When can I use gua sha after dermal fillers?

You should avoid using gua sha for at least 7 seven days after having dermal fillers.

Using gua sha too soon after dermal filler injections can make your swelling worse, and cause the fillers to move compromising your result.

 

Do lumps from fillers go away?

Dermal filler lumps almost always resolve on their own after a few weeks. They are usually due to localised swelling.

As the filler settles and integrates, and the swelling subsides, any lumps should resolve.

If you notice persistent lumps, they can be treated with dermal filler dissolver.

 

What causes dermal filler migration?

Dermal filler migrates (moves away from its injection site) for three reasons:

  1. Poor injection technique, causing instant migration
  2. Applying pressure in the aftercare period can move dermal filler
  3. Injecting too much filler may result in migration

Lifestyle and Dermal Fillers

What foods should you avoid after fillers?

You don’t need to avoid any foods after having dermal fillers. Just avoid anything temperature hot if you’ve had lip fillers, as your lips will be numb and you may burn them.

Does drinking water help fillers work better?

Staying hydrated can help your fillers volumise more effectively. However, it is best to just drink your regular amount of water and build your result based on this.

Can you drink coffee after getting fillers?

Yes you can drink coffee after getting fillers. It will not have any positive or negative effect on your result. Just be careful to avoid very hot coffee after lip fillers, because they will be numb and you may cause a burn.

Side Effects and Other Concerns

Are there risks and side effects associated with dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers have a number of risks.

  • Bruising, swelling, redness and tenderness.
  • Infection
  • Lumps and bumps
  • Nodules
  • Skin injury

While some of these risks are scary, they are extremely rare, especially when your treatment is done by an experienced medical doctor. It is so important to only have treatment at a reputable clinic. Cheap and inexperienced providers have a significantly higher chance of causing life-changing side effects.

Are permanent dermal fillers safe?

There are permanent fillers approved for use in Australia. They are much higher risk than reversible fillers. We do not currently offer permanent fillers at our clinic.

 

What are the risks of permanent dermal fillers?

The risks of permanent dermal fillers are the same as regular fillers, however they are more significant because permanent fillers cannot be dissolved.

The risks of permanent dermal filler treatment include:

  1. Vascular occlusion: where permanent filler has been injected into a blood vessel, blocking blood flow to the skin. This can result in injury and scarring of the skin.
  2. Infection of the filler and surrounding facial tissue.
  3. Granuloma: a delayed inflammatory reaction to the filler

 

How to remove permanent dermal fillers?

To remove permanent fillers, there are 2 options. The first is to puncture the skin and squeeze the filler out. The second is to have surgery to remove the permanent filler. Both should be done only by trained medical professionals.

If you have permanent dermal fillers and want them removed, it is important to consult with a qualified cosmetic doctor or surgeon for advice.

 

Can you get dermal fillers when pregnant or breastfeeding?

As a precaution, most clinics advise against having dermal fillers when pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because treating pregnant and breastfeeding people with fillers has not been studied for safety.

What happens if you get too much filler?

If you get too much filler your appearance will become distorted. This is called ‘Facial Overfilled Syndrome’ (FOS), and is characaterised by a swollen, puffy face. People with FOS often appear to have a big face, large swollen lips, and small, inset eyes. FOS is extremely common because their are so many clinics that prioritise profits and don’t care about your result. Fortunately, it is extremely easy to avoid if you go to the right place.

Can dermal fillers cause ageing?

Dermal fillers do not cause ageing. They are an effective way to treat visible signs of ageing like facial hollowness.

Does dermal filler age you?

There is no evidence that dermal fillers age you.

Dermal filler has the opposite effect. By supporting and hydrating your skin, it improves the quality of your facial tissues.

There is some evidence that dermal fillers also stimulate new collagen fibres.

 

Will dermal filler age the skin over time?

Dermal fillers don’t age your skin.

By supporting and hydrating your skin, they have a rejuvenating effect.

 

Are dermal fillers safe?

Dermal fillers restore volume, enhance facial contours, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They are safe when administered by trained and experienced healthcare professionals.

Dermal fillers are composed of a natural substance found in the body, minimising the risk of side effects. However, risks and side effects associated with dermal fillers can occur. These include swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. Rarely, serious complications like infection, allergic reactions, and vascular occlusion can occur.

Choose a qualified and reputable clinic to maximise safety. They will assess your needs, discuss potential risks, and use safe injection techniques. You should also follow the aftercare instructions and promptly report any concerning symptoms to your practitioner. These help minimise risks and ensure a positive and safe outcome with dermal fillers.

Trust the team at Cosmetic Connection to perform your dermal fillers safely, and effectively. Our qualified medical professionals ensure your dermal fillers are performed safely by using premium products and evidence-based techniques.

 

Why is there a blue tinge to the skin where I have had dermal filler injected?

There are If you notice that your skin looks blue after dermal filler injections there are 3 possible explanations.

  1. Bruising: This is usually seen straight after your fillers, alongside swelling and tenderness.
  2. Tyndall effect: Occurs when dermal filler is placed to shallow.
  3. Vascular occlusion: This very rare side effect occurs in the first few days after dermal fillers. It can result in permanent skin injury, and we must treat it quickly with filler dissolving.

 

Can dermal fillers be dissolved?

We can dissolve hyaluronic acid dermal fillers using hyaluronidase. Dermal fillers are dissolved if you don’t like the result, change your mind, or have a side effect.

 

Are permanent dermal fillers safe?

When performed correctly, permanent dermal fillers are a low risk treatment. However, if you are unfortunate enough to experience a complication, it will generally be much more severe and difficult (if not impossible) to treat without surgery.

Further, as your face changes with age, permanent fillers may start to look out of place, because they don’t change over time.

 

Can permanent filler be dissolved?

Permanent dermal fillers cannot be dissolved. They often require surgery to remove.

 

Do dermal fillers show up on xrays?

No, dermal filler is not visible on xrays. We can use ultrasound and an MRI to visualise dermal fillers.

 

Cost of Dermal Fillers

How much do dermal fillers cost in Australia?

The cost of dermal filler in Australia varies significantly depending on the following:

  • Quality of dermal filler used
  • Amount of dermal filler
  • Experience of the provider
  • Area being treated

High quality fillers done by an experienced provider generally start from around $800.

Why are some places so expensive for dermal fillers?

It is not that some places are expensive, rather many places are very cheap for dermal fillers. The reason there are so many cheap places is because new businesses have made becoming a cosmetic nurse extremely easy. As there are so many cosmetic nurses available, they compete on price an quality. This means they have to cut costs, and resort to using inferior quality fillers, don’t invest in training, and often resort to rushed, dangerous and cookie-cutter techniques.

 

We hope this dermal filler guide has been helpful for you. If you have any questions about fillers, please get in touch so we can help.

If you’re interested in finding out if dermal fillers are right for you, we invite you to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced medical doctors.

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