Dermal fillers

+ What should I expect during the treatment?

All injectable treatments require a thorough consultation with a Registered Nurse and consent from a Doctor prior to administration as dermal fillers are a prescription medication. At consultation you can discuss your desired outcomes and any concerns you may have. Infomed consent is obtained prior to treatment after your risks and side effects as well as aftercare have been discussed.

Topical numbing cream can be applied prior to treatment upon request.

Dermal filler is administered using a fine needle or a cannula. Technique varies depending on the individual.

+ Are the results immediate and how long do dermal fillers last?

Yes the results are immediate, however swelling and bruising may occur and can take up to 2 weeks to settle. Dermal fillers generally last 9-12 months. Over time your body will slowly break down the dermal filler. Individual results vary with dermal filler lasting much longer than this in certain people.

+ What are the risks and side effects?

Common side effects include: swelling , bruising, redness and tenderness. Like all medical treatments, dermal fillers carry a risk of adverse events occuring. These include infection, granuloma and vascular occlusion with potential blindnesss if the blood vesssels feeding the eye are occulded.

+ How long until I will see the final result?

Typically it will take approximately 4-6 weeks for dermal filler to settle and for the final treatment result to be seen.

+ Who cannot get dermal fillers?

• If you are pregnant or breast feeding
• If you are under the age of 18 years old
• If you have had vaccination within 2 weeks prior or plan to have a vaccination 2 weeks after your treatment
• If you have had dental work within 2 weeks prior to your appointment or plan to have dental work 2 weeks after your appointment
• If you have had cosmetic tattooing to the area within 2 weeks prior or plan to have cosmetic tattooing in the area within 2 weeks of your treatment
• Those who are allergic to dermal fillers or lidociane cannot have dermal fillers
• Certain medical issues such as epilepsy and autoimmune conditions are cautioned with dermal filler treatment. If these conditions are well controlled it is unlikely there will be issues however this will be fully discussed with your practitioners prior to treatment

+ What should I do to prepare for my treatment?

• Avoid alcohol, fish oil and anti-inflammatory medication for 48 hours prior to your appointment
• Ensure you do not have any active infection in the area such as cold sores
• Vaccinations should be either carried out 2 weeks before or 2 weeks dermal filler treatments
• Dermal fillers cannot be administered if dental work has been withing the last 2 weeks or if it is planned in the 2 weeks after the appointment. This will reduce the risk of infection
• Ensure you do not have international travel commitments within 2 weeks of your appointment
• Ensure you are not pregnant or breast feeding. If you are currently trying to become pregnant, it is important to know on the day of treatment that you are not pregnant

+ What is the aftercare?

• Apply cold compress on day of treatment and next day as required
• Avoid alcohol, exercise and anti inflammatories for 24/48 hours post treatment as this will minimise bruising and swelling
• Hirudoid cream (availabale from pharmacies) can help reduce bruising and swelling and can be applied from 24 hours post treatment
• Do not touch or massage the area within 24 hours to reduce risk of infection
• Do not apply make-up to the area until the following day
• Allow 4 weeks for full settling before critically evalutaing the outcome of the treatment