Dermal Filler Guide: What to Know

Dermal fillers are a much more common procedure today than just 10 years ago. They help to improve the look of wrinkles and more - but are they for everyone? If you’ve toyed with the idea of trying out fillers but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. 

Today, I’m going to explain what dermal fillers are and how aesthetic nurses use them to boost your appearance! From wrinkles to jawline definition, there’s a surprising amount of facial tweaks that these fillers are perfect for.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal filler injections are a type of cosmetic injectable that involves injecting a small area of your skin with a filler, usually made of Hyaluronic Acid. However, I’ll go over the different types of fillers later.

These injectable treatments essentially add more volume to the area they’re injected into, making it look more full or defined. In some cases, this means that fillers are perfect for restoring volume in areas of the face that have lost collagen over time. Another ideal use case for dermal fillers is filling out the appearance of wrinkles on skin, for a smoother look.

Or, these fillers can enhance the natural contours of your face, such as strengthening your jawline or adding definition to your chin. This is an incredibly versatile, non-invasive treatment that can rejuvenate your appearance.

Types Of Dermal Fillers

So, what are the different types of dermal filler treatments out there? Is there only one kind? Here’s a quick guide to the different possibilities and what sets them apart from each other. 

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

This is one of the most well-known dermal fillers. Hyaluronic Acid is a fantastic skincare ingredient that occurs naturally within the body, making a Hyaluronic Acid filler an ideal choice for cosmetic fillers. 

Benefits:

• Provides immediate results.
• Natural-looking finish.
• Suitable for multiple treatment areas including lips, cheeks, and lines.
• Reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

This non-toxic and biocompatible dermal filler injection comprises microscopic calcium particles suspended in a smooth gel. It has a thicker consistency than HA, making it ideal for deeper lines and volume restoration.

Benefits:

• Provides a natural lift due to its thicker consistency.
• Stimulates collagen production.
• Longer-lasting than some other fillers, often up to 18 months.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

A biodegradable synthetic substance, Poly-L-lactic Acid is a collagen stimulator. Instead of offering immediate plumping, it gradually stimulates the body's own collagen to restore facial volume.

Benefits:

• Provides subtle and natural-looking results over time.
• Ideal for deep facial wrinkles.
• Results can last more than two years.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

PMMA is a semi-permanent filler primarily used to treat medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds, and furrows. It's provided in the form of a microsphere gel and is thicker than Hyaluronic Acid. A dermal filler like this naturally breaks down in the body over time.

Benefits:

• Long-lasting results, often several years.
• PMMA microspheres remain beneath the skin indefinitely, offering structural support.
• Good for deep lines and volume enhancement.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

The longevity of dermal fillers depends on the type of filler used, the area of treatment, and individual factors like metabolism, facial expressions, and lifestyle. Depending on the type of filler, it can last from 6 months to 2 years. It's important to note that individual experiences can vary. Regular touch-up treatments can help maintain your look!

When Do I Need Dermal Fillers

Deciding when to start cosmetic injectables is a completely individual decision - however, it is a great option for treating skin concerns such as deeper wrinkles that skincare can’t address. Cosmetic fillers help to address a wide variety of appearance concerns, so there isn’t just one thing that they can help with!

We suggest that dermal filler treatments are the right option if you are looking for a minimally invasive procedure and instant results. 

Common Locations For Dermal Fillers

Where on the face can cosmetic fillers be injected? The great news about dermal fillers is that they’re incredibly versatile, and are suitable for different areas of your face to achieve your desired look. Some common areas that our aesthetic nurse injects with filler are

Lips

Injecting this area helps to create a more defined lip line and fuller lips. It’s ideal for giving those who wish their pout was just a bit plumper a boost, as well as filling out lips that have thinned due to aging.

Cheeks

Adding filler to cheeks lifts the mid-face for a youthful look. It helps to give the look of more defined bone structure.

Under the Eyes

Using dermal filler for dark circles is like a magic trick! Now you see them, now you don’t. Injecting filler to the under-eye area can help reduce the appearance of dark circles by filling the tear trough, reducing visible shadowing and banishing dark circles once and for all.

Benefits of Cosmetic Fillers

So, why choose to get fillers instead of opting for skincare or other treatments? Firstly, they give instant results. When you walk away from your appointment with the aesthetic nurse, your skin will look exactly as you want it to. Any adjustments are apparent right away!

Another perk of fillers is that they’re non-surgical. They are less invasive to the body, resulting in faster healing times. You can get right back to doing what you love pretty much right away.

One more reason our team enjoys dermal fillers is that they are reversible - at least some types are. This means that they can be dissolved if needed to achieve your ideal look. 

Filler Side Effects

However, it’s still important to remember that getting fillers isn’t a procedure to take lightly - it should only ever be done by a skilled and trained nurse. She’ll have a good understanding of the anatomy of injection sites, and know exactly how much filler to put where to get your desired look. 

Because it is a medical procedure, there are some possible side effects. The most common that you’ll notice right after your appointment are:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Bruising

While dermal filler treatments are generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals, rare complications can arise. In infrequent cases, patients may experience formation of granulomas or hard nodules at the injection site, allergic reactions, and migration of filler material to other parts of the face are also uncommon but possible complications. 

It's crucial to choose a qualified injector and promptly address any post-procedure concerns to minimise these risks.

Where to Get Dermal Fillers in Sydney

At Beauty Affairs, we’re excited to announce that you can book cosmetic injectable appointments for our Sydney CBD and Brookvale Spa locations with our qualified and experienced aesthetic nurse! Book your appointment for $1 now to secure your time slot.