Dermal Fillers

Due to restrictions from the TGA, the actual name of the dermal fillers cannot be used here. This is because it is a prescription medication and it is illegal to advertise prescription medication directly to the public. 

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal Fillers are products primarily used to replace volume loss that occurs in the mid and lower face as we age. This can help restore a more youthful appearance. In the midface, volume loss typically occurs in the cheek area. In the lower face volume loss is usually noticed as nasolabial folds (wrinkles between the outer lower nose and the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (wrinkles at the corner of the mouth extending downward towards the chin). As marionette lines deepen the corners of the mouth begin to turn downward and this can give the mistaken impression of sadness or anger. Therefore, using dermal fillers can create a more youthful appearance as well as conveying a more positive emotion.

Other uses of dermal fillers include:

• Lip augmentation

• Cheek augmentation and rejuvenation 

• Eyebrow shaping and lifting

• Reshaping noses

• Chin augmentation
  

Dermal fillers can also be used to treat finer wrinkles, particularly smokers lines around the mouth and accordian lines or smile lines in the lower cheeks. However, dermal fillers often need to be used in conjunction with other modalities such as anti-wrinkle injections, skin needling or laser resurfacing in these areas.

What is the Best Dermal Filler for me?

There are a variety of dermal fillers on the market. Years ago collagen was the most popular dermal filler but it is rarely used these days. Dr Wassall uses a variety of dermal fillers at Skin Integrity. They all consist of a synthetic form of a naturally occurring substance found in the skin and many other areas of the body. They are classified as temporary fillers with results lasting between 3 months and 18 months depending on the product used and the area treated. With repeated treatments results can often last longer. Various viscosities are available for different applications and the thicker products tend to last longer. One of the great advantages of temporary fillers is that they can be dissolved if the patient has an adverse result such as the formation of a lump or if the product is visible under the skin.

Some products are more suitable for injecting close to the surface of the skin for treating fine wrinkles whilst others are designed to be injected deeply to address volume loss and deeper folds and wrinkles. They can all be used for lip rejuvenation with slightly different outcomes.

There is no single "best" dermal filler. The choice of filler needs to be matched to the clients needs and expectations.

There are a variety of dermal fillers on the market which claim to have a life span of many years or decades. Whilst this may sound attractive, they are associated with greater risks. These risks include ongoing lumps, infection and ulceration. These products are firmer to touch than temporary fillers and not suitable for fine lines. Dr Wassall does not use these products in his practice.