Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers may be used to restore or add volume, soften the appearance of selected lines and adjust facial contours.
Because facial anatomy, ageing and treatment goals vary, treatment begins with an assessment of your concerns, medical history, previous procedures and the areas you would like reviewed.
At the Skin Specialist Centre, temporary hyaluronic acid fillers may be used when clinically appropriate. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which is a type of complex sugar found naturally in skin and other tissues. Injectable filler is manufactured as a gel and is gradually broken down by the body.
The product, amount and placement are selected for the individual. Results and how long they last vary according to the product, treatment area and person, and further treatment may be considered after review.
Hyaluronic acid filler can sometimes be reduced with hyaluronidase. However, this is a medical treatment and does not guarantee that every effect or complication can be reversed. Expected benefits, limitations, alternatives and risks will be discussed before treatment.
Are injectable fillers for me?
Injectable filler may be considered for selected concerns involving facial volume, contours, folds or lines. A natural-looking result is usually the aim, but the response varies and not every concern or treatment area is suitable for filler.
The appropriate product, amount and injection site depend on your anatomy, medical history and treatment goals. Areas that may be considered after assessment include:
- Folds between the corners of the mouth and chin
- Cheeks
- Under-eye hollows
- Temples
- Lips
- Selected facial lines and scars
Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary. The duration of an effect varies by product, area and individual, and maintenance treatment is optional. Treatment is generally deferred during pregnancy or breastfeeding and where there is active infection or inflammation in the proposed treatment area. Please disclose allergies, medical conditions, medicines and previous filler treatments during your consultation.
How does the treatment work?
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which is a type of complex sugar rather than a protein. It binds water and can add volume within treated tissue. Filler is placed at selected depths using a needle or cannula, depending on the product, treatment area and clinical assessment.
Some hyaluronic acid fillers contain local anaesthetic. Additional anaesthetic or cooling may be used when appropriate. Discomfort, bruising and swelling vary between patients and treatment areas.
What are the risks and side effects?
Common effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, discomfort and temporary unevenness or lumps at the injection sites. These usually improve over several days but can sometimes last longer.
Less common complications include infection, inflammation, persistent lumps or nodules, asymmetry, allergic reaction and reactivation of cold sores. Further treatment may occasionally be required.
Rarely, filler may enter or obstruct a blood vessel and reduce the blood supply to nearby tissue. This is called vascular occlusion and can cause skin damage or tissue death. Rare but serious complications include visual impairment or blindness and stroke, and these effects may be permanent.
Contact the clinic immediately if you develop unusual or severe pain, skin that becomes white, grey, blue or mottled, or symptoms that are worsening unexpectedly. Call 111 immediately for any change in vision or signs of a stroke, such as facial drooping, weakness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, dizziness or confusion.
Hyaluronidase may be used to dissolve hyaluronic acid filler in some situations. It does not guarantee that every complication will be prevented or reversed and is not a substitute for urgent assessment when blood supply or vision may be affected.
After treatment
Redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising are expected after treatment. Use a cool pack only as directed and do not massage or manipulate the treated area unless your clinician specifically advises you to do so.
Follow the individual aftercare instructions provided by the clinic. Before treatment, tell us about all medicines and supplements you take, particularly anticoagulants, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. These may increase bruising or bleeding. Do not stop any prescribed medicine unless the clinician who prescribed it has advised you to do so. Please also tell us if you have a history of facial cold sores.
Can fillers be combined with other treatments?
Other treatments may be considered depending on your concern. The timing of filler in relation to botulinum toxin, laser, energy-based treatment or surgery should be planned individually with your clinician.