As we age, our faces naturally lose fullness and begin to sag, causing wrinkles, often making us appear older than what we feel. The latest and extremely popular treatment for adding volume to cheeks, restoring lip fullness and improving jawline definition (to name a few) is dermal fillers. Dermal fillers offer a natural-looking result, can sometimes treat wrinkles more reliably and can easily be dissolved if desired.

What Is A Dermal Filler?

A dermal filler can work to soften jowls, improve skin texture and hydration and even treat wrinkles. Dr MJ is an expert when it comes to dermal fillers and aims to provide a holistic approach that enhances facial features for a glowing, voluminous look. The most commonly used dermal filler gels are made from Hyaluronic acid which is a complex sugar that naturally occurs in the human body. Unlike other injectables that use neurotoxins to freeze muscles in order to reduce wrinkles, dermal fillers actually fill the wrinkles. These more modern fillers have the ability to store moisture, giving skin a plump and hydrated look.

Which Areas Can A Dermal Filler Target?

Dermal fillers are often viewed as a wrinkle filling technique, but they can be used for far more than simply smoothing out wrinkles. There are a number of other common issues that dermal fillers can help to address including:

• Smoothing out lines around the nose and mouth

• Enhancing and restoring volume to sunken temples or cheeks

• Diminishing vertical lip lines

• Plumping and enhancing the lips

• Smoothing out chin creases

• Improving symmetry among facial features

How Long Does A Dermal Filler Last?

Once you receive a dermal filler, you will be able to notice the effects immediately with improvements over the next 1 – 2 weeks as the gel begins to integrate with other skin structures. One of the reasons that hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are increasingly popular is their ability to add volume and decrease wrinkles after just one session. The results typically last from 6 – 18 months depending on the location of the injection.

What Is The Dermal Filler Process?

During your complimentary consultation, Dr Janjic will take your medical history, assess your aesthetic needs, recommend the type of filler and dose, discuss contraindications, the procedure details, potential side effects, aftercare and maintenance plan. The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes. The dermal filler gel contains an anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during the procedure.

Camouflage mineral make-up can be used during the first few days if redness or bruising needs to be covered. You should wait at least 2-4 weeks before having any other aesthetic or anti-ageing procedures.

Are There Any Possible Side Effects?

Side effects may include mild redness, tenderness, bruising, firmness, swelling and lumpiness. Side effects are generally temporary and dissipate within a week of treatment. Long term side effects are rare.

Which Dermal Filler Is Right For Me?

Different dermal fillers do different things and while the bulk of a filler is made with hyaluronic acid, different particle sizes will provide different results. Those with larger particle sizes can be used to rebuild thinned cheekbones while smaller particles work better at plumping lips and addressing fine lines. The most natural-looking results may require more than one weight of filler. Dr MJ will explain in detail and create a treatment plan that is best suited for your personal needs.

Who Should I Choose To Give Me Dermal Fillers?

Injection is an art, so you will want to find a person whose artistry and handiwork you appreciate. It is imperative that you research and view before and after images in order to gauge where your doctor’s strengths are. Each practitioner has different techniques and levels of experience so don’t be afraid to ask about their training and certification too. Although dermal fillers are available at Medspas, you should only visit a licensed and trained physician for an injectable treatment. There are risks for infection, discolouration and lumps if the injection is done incorrectly.

Bad dermal fillers can happen when you cut costs or visit someone who isn’t qualified, resulting in poor results. But there is no need to panic as in most cases, you can have it adjusted. A professional might inject more filler for balance or there is the option to dissolve it all together with an enzyme. Dr Mirjana Janjic is Fellow of Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Fellow of Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) and Board Certified Aesthetic Medicine Physician (AAAM).

With a special interest in women’s health, Dr Janjic strives to offer her patients the best of care and learn about innovative approaches in managing health issues.

If you would like more information on dermal fillers, or to request a consultation with Dr Janjic, please contact us today.