One of the primary reasons our faces start looking older is volume loss. This occurs in several different ways. Our skin loses thickness and elasticity. The layer of subcutaneous fat that supports our skin diminishes. Even our bone structure changes. As this process progresses, we start to see wrinkles and sagging that reveal our advancing age, even if we feel as youthful and vibrant as ever.
Dermal fillers (also called facial fillers or soft tissue fillers) are a quick, convenient and relatively painless way to address these changes. These versatile products can enhance nearly any area of the face, delivering subtle yet significant results. Many patients feel they look five to 10 years younger without any surgery at all.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers can slow apparent ageing by improving facial contour. The injections are placed strategically to enhance the volume and shape of the surrounding soft tissue and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fillers are also used to sculpt the face and improve facial proportions. For example, some of the most common requests that are not for anti-ageing purposes are fillers for lip augmentation, nonsurgical rhinoplasty and cheek, chin or jaw contouring. Comprehensive facial rejuvenation using dermal fillers is sometimes known as a ‘liquid facelift’.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
At AF Aesthetics, we specialise in injectable treatments using wrinkle relaxers and fillers. Our fillers are made from a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the skin and connective tissues. Its main function is to keep the skin lubricated and hydrated. When it is injected as part of a dermal filler formula, the molecule attracts water to hydrate the skin from within. This helps to counteract the moisture loss that naturally occurs as we age. It’s also what gives fillers their plumping effect that can fill out depleted areas of the face, smooth unwanted lines and contour targeted features.
What Can Be Treated With Dermal Fillers?
Fillers are used to:
- Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
- Increase lip size and improve lip definition
- Fill in vertical lip lines (smoker’s lines or lipstick lines)
- Reshape the chin and jawline
- Fill hollow temples
- Build the nasal bridge
- Minimise a bump on the nasal bridge
- Volumise the forehead
- Reduce the appearance of scarring
- Increase projection in the mid-face
- Define the cheekbones
- Minimise under-eye hollowing (tear troughs)
- Create a more oval-shaped face
- Restore a youthful surface to the backs of the hands
Who Are Sydney Dermal Fillers For?
Facial lines and volume loss happen to everyone at different times and with varying degrees of intensity. Age alone does not indicate whether someone may or may not benefit from soft tissue fillers. Provided that you are in good health generally and your aesthetic concerns can be addressed effectively with fillers, you may be a suitable candidate for this treatment. Dermal fillers are safe for any skin type or colour.
Fillers are not recommended for individuals with an active skin condition or infection in the area to be treated. They are also not appropriate for those with a known sensitivity to any ingredients in the product and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The best way to determine your suitability is through a consultation with an AF Aesthetics doctor.
How Are Dermal Filler Treatments Performed?
Dermal filler products and delivery methods have evolved, and today’s patient outcomes reflect the positive advances made. To ensure the safety of our patients, filler treatments are done by our fully qualified and trained medical and nursing professionals in our clinic. This minimally invasive procedure is very quick with minimal recovery time.
After gaining an understanding of the areas you wish to enhance, your cosmetic practitioner will inject the soft, gel-like filler into targeted areas. The injections may be administered with a needle or blunt-tipped instrument called a cannula. Dermal filler treatments typically take 15 to 30 minutes.
What Is the Expected Recovery After Dermal Filler Injections?
There is no required downtime after dermal filler injections and aftercare is minimal. Possible side effects include mild redness, bruising, swelling, asymmetry and small bumps at the injection site. Plan to avoid strenuous movement, such as exercise or sports, and massaging the treated area for 24 hours. If there is swelling, apply a cool compress, avoid excessive salt or alcohol intake, and sleep face up with your head slightly elevated.
How Long Does It Take for Dermal Filler Injections to Work?
You will notice the initial effects of your treatment straight away. The injected area will immediately look fuller and smoother, but the filler will need time to settle before you see your final results. It’s normal for dermal filler to take a couple of weeks to fully integrate with the soft tissues and reach its fullest potential. At this point, your results can be assessed and a touch-up can be done if necessary.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
The effects of dermal filler injections typically last for six to 12 months. The longevity of your treatment will depend on various factors, including the specific product types, the anatomical regions of the treatment area, the structure of your skin and your body’s response to the treatment. Some people metabolise filler faster than others. Your body will absorb the product over time, and maintenance treatments will be necessary to maintain your results.
The Nonsurgical Antidote to Ageing — Discover Dermal Fillers at AF Aesthetics
If you’re considering a Sydney dermal filler treatment, make sure to speak with a trained and qualified practitioner who can evaluate your case and recommend the best treatment for your needs. The administration of injectable fillers is an art and requires detailed facial analysis as well as communication to create a look that suits your unique features. The AF Aesthetics team will take into consideration not only your anatomy, but also your preferred aesthetic, your facial proportions and any important work or personal events you have coming up.
To schedule a consultation, contact AF Aesthetics today. We can be reached via our website or by phone on 8004 3323.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do filler injections hurt?
Although tolerance levels vary, many people are pleasantly surprised to discover that the discomfort from filler injections is negligible. Many fillers contain a numbing agent to reduce pain during the treatment.
Can filler be removed if I don’t like it?
The dermal fillers used at AF Aesthetics can be dissolved with the injection of an enzyme that accelerates the breakdown of the filler. Results vary person to person and the enzyme injections are not suitable for everyone.
Fillers vs. anti-wrinkle injections — which one do I need?
The difference between fillers and anti-wrinkle injections is best understood by what they target. Fillers volumise, which makes them effective for concerns that benefit from a plumping effect, such as hollowness or facial lines caused by volume loss. Anti-wrinkle injections decrease muscle movement, which means they are suited for smoothing expression lines caused by muscle activity.