Dermal fillers are substances injected at varying depths within the skin and soft tissues to fill facial imperfections such as wrinkles, creases and concave scars, as well as to enhance the fullness, or volume and shape of facial tissue.

Dermal Fillers

The dermal fillers offered in our clinic are generally classified into two main categories: Radiesse and Hyaluronic Acid fillers.

Radiesse is an injectable implant which is soft, safe, simple and immediately effective. The cream-like texture of Radiesse stays soft, feels natural and remains in place for many months to years. Radiesse is made up of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. It does not contain any animal or human derived components. The CaHA spheres are composed of calcium and phosphate ions which occur naturally in human tissue.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance between the skin cells that binds moisture and provides fullness. Injectable dermal fillers are created in a lab to mimic these natural substances.

Semi-permanent and permanent dermal fillers are those used to correct deeper facial creases and in larger volume restoration. These fillers generally include microsphere particles suspended into a liquid or gel formulation or compounds that do not readily absorb, injected deep with the soft tissue for more long-lasting and large volume correction. Permanent Dermal Fillers are not used in our clinic.

Dermal fillers are TGA approved to treat mild to moderate facial creases and signs of aging in the mid- to lower face, namely the nasolabial folds or creases that develop from the nose to the outside corners of the mouth.

Dermal fillers are commonly used in facial rejuvenation: to enhance the lips and to add volume and shape to the midface, the jawline and chin. These fillers can also be used to improve hollows and depressions below the lower eyelid, often called the tear trough. Although less common, dermal fillers can provide temporary correction to a pinched or asymmetric nasal tip, or fill depressions at the nasal bridge.

Dermal Filler FAQs

Are dermal fillers safe?

When prescribed by a properly qualified and trained doctor and injected in an appropriate medical setting, TGA-approved temporary dermal fillers are extremely safe.

What are the potential risks associated with dermal fillers?

Risks include hematoma or blood pooling beneath the skin, and although rare, infection and necrosis or skin loss is possible. An unsatisfactory outcome is also a risk. Bruising and swelling are often reported, but usually these syptoms have abated within a week.

Can I be allergic to a dermal filler?

Only dermal fillers derived from animal sources have a risk of allergy. Products derived from animal sources are no longer used in our clinic.

What if I don't like my results?

One advantage of this clinics' injectable treatments is that they are temporary. If you don't like the results they will diminish in time.

Are dermal fillers only used on the face?

Dermal fillers should not be used to rejuvenate the hands, injected into the breasts or injected into any part of the body other than the face. In select cases, a scar, cellulite dimple or other limited depression can be treated with a TGA-approved dermal filler for temporary improvement.

Is there an age limit for dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes should not be administered to anyone under 18 years of age.

Will I be able to feel the filler once injected into my skin?

In the first few days after injection, the treated area may feel a little firm; however, this should rapidly improve. In general, a dermal filler should not be felt under the skin.

Are there other forms of dermal fillers?

Your own fat can also be used as a dermal filler. Substances that are not specifically approved as dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes and substances that are not properly branded, named and defined as dermal fillers approved by the TGA risk your health and your beauty.

How long does a treatment take?

Each treatment takes around 20 minutes and the effect is immediate.

Does the treatment hurt?

Any treatment involves injection into the skin, therefore you will feel discomfort. A local anaesthetic is usually always used for the trearment of lips. Ice is generally sufficient to help dull the pain from injections in other areas.