Dermal Fillers are hyaluronic acid gels that are injected under the skin to restore volume and lift to sagging skin, improve the appearance of wrinkles and facial lines, hydrate the skin, create fuller lips, correct asymmetry in facial features, and enhance the shape of your face.

It is a relatively safe procedure, is non-permanent, and can be dissolved if preferred.

What areas or concerns can be addressed?

Dermal fillers can be used anywhere on the face to achieve a specific purpose(s), including:

• Nasolabial folds - soften heavy folds
• Perioral area around the mouth - treat wrinkles, including smoker’s lines
• Lips - for hydration or fuller lips
• Jawline - sharpen, smooth, or masculinise the jawline
• Chin - increase projection or masculinise
• Temples - for hollowing

Fillers vary in consistencies and properties, and different fillers are injected at different depths in the skin to achieve the desired outcomes. We will recommend the most suitable filler for you based on your individual circumstances during the initial assessment.

We stock Belotero® and Restylane® fillers - these are highly reputable products in NZ and internationally.

What is the cost?

Our charges are based per ml (or syringe) of product - $850 per ml.

All procedures are performed by a qualified doctor.

What is the process involved?

We will book you in for an initial consultation, where your concerns and desired treatment outcomes will be discussed. A facial assessment is performed, and a treatment plan outlined. This may involve planning a series of treatments, and including other modalities for treatment, such as botulinum toxin treatments, to achieve your desired outcome.

For certain areas which are more sensitive, such as the lip, topical anesthetic cream may be applied 30 min before treatment. A dental block may also be performed if required.

Cannula treatments for the rest of the face tend to be well tolerated without local anesthetic. During the treatment you may feel pressure or popping sensations. All dermal fillers used in our clinic contain local anaesthetic so there is little pain after the procedure.

During each step of the way, we will review the outcome and check that it is to your satisfaction.

The entire process takes approximately one hour depending on the number of areas treated; allow an additional 30 min if numbing cream is required.

When can I expect to see results?

You will be able to see the results immediately; lips can remain more swollen and fuller for the first two weeks before settling down to its final shape.

Results will last 6 - 18 months, depending on the type of treatment, area, and product used.

What are the potential side effects of dermal filler treatment?

Short term:

Side effects are typically localised to the site of treatment and can include:

• Swelling, redness, tenderness - this settles within 24 hours
• Bruising - can appear within or after 24 hours, especially for lip treatments
• Intermittent Itching or increased swelling later on in the week
• Cold sores - can be triggered, please advise at the time if you are prone to these so we can provide prophylactic medication

Medium to long term

• Hard, painful nodules - can be dissolved with hyalase

Rare side effects:

• Allergy to product - may occur months or years later
• Nerve damage - causes pain/altered sensation
• Infection - rare, may need antibiotics and filler dissolved
• Vascular occlusion - small risk of filler entering an artery. This can cause
• > Skin damage, scarring (evident immediately or within 1 - 24 hrs of treatment)
• > Blindness or stroke (can be permanent/partial recovery)
• > These conditions are treatable if managed appropriately and promptly, though individual recovery will vary depending on the circumstances.

If is imperative that you contact your doctor Immediately if you have any of the following:

• Severe or increase in pain, swelling, redness in /around the treated area
• Change in skin colour or atypical bruising

Do not plan any out of town travel 72 hours following your treatment.

What are the Do's and Don’ts post treatment?

DOs:

• You may wash your face gently as normal
• Apply skin care products by lightly tapping.
• No make up for the rest of the day, you can use concealer after 24 hours to disguise any bruising.
• For swelling - you may use cool packs and antihistamines (given after the procedure)
• For bruising - use arnica or Hirudoid cream

DON'Ts

• Avoid heavy exercise, alcohol, swimming, saunas, hot pools
• No international flights (avoid out of town travel ideally) for 72 hours
• No facials or face massages/pressure for 2 weeks
• No dental work for 4 weeks