Everything You Need To Know About Dermal Fillers

Are you toying with the idea of getting Dermal Filler? Dermal fillers are a commonly known filler treatment for lip enhancement, but did you know they can also be used to help contour and plump other areas of your face? Dermal fillers have been growing in popularity over recent years, but like any injectable procedure, it pays to have all the information before you get a treatment. In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about dermal fillers, including where you can get dermal filler injections, what to expect at your appointment and how to work with an expert to get your desired result.

 

In this article we cover:

What is Dermal Filler? 

How does Dermal Filler work? 

What areas can Dermal Fillers be used for? 

What to expect when getting Dermal Filler 

How long does Dermal Filler last? 

What are the benefits of Dermal Fillers? 

Are there any side effects of Dermal Fillers? 

Answering your frequently asked Dermal Filler questions

What is Dermal Filler?

Dermal Filler is a clinically tested cosmetic injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid – a naturally occurring substance in your skin. According to Aesthetic Advancements, Dermal Fillers made their debut in the 1970s when various animal collagens had been tested and approved to use on humans. Thankfully dermal filler has come a long way since the 70s! Hyaluronic fillers were developed and approved for use in the early 2000s which changed the game for Dermal Fillers.

How does Dermal Filler work?

Dermal Filler works by having the filler product (at Caci, we use Juvaderm dermal filler and Belotero dermal filler) which is typically a clear injectable made from hyaluronic acid injected into the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that can be found naturally in our bodies. In the body, hyaluronic acid attracts water, which allows the skin to be more hydrated. As we age, the muscles, fat, bone and skin in our face begins to thin, leading to a loss of volume in the skin and lips and the appearance of fine lines.  Dermal Filler works by injecting Hyaluronic acid into the skin, delivering instant plumpness and hydration to the area. It helps to smooth the skin’s surface, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and folds and adds volume to the cheeks and lips. You can expect to see instant results. 

What areas can Dermal Fillers be used for?

You can get Dermal Filler injections in a number of facial areas to improve the look of your face and your confidence. At Caci, we treat the following areas:

Cheeks 

Dermal Filler can help to add volume to deflated and sunken cheeks and to create the look of more defined and lifted cheekbones.

Marionette lines

Marionette lines are the facial folds or lines between the corners of the mouth and chin and can create sagging in the lower half of the face. Dermal Filler can be used to fill and reduce the appearance of these lines and plump the lower half of the face. 

Nasolabial folds or smile lines

Nasolabial folds are the lines between the sides of the nose and the corners of the mouth, also known as smile lines. As we age these lines can deepen and become more defined. Dermal Filler helps to plump up the area and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  

Jawline

Dermal Filler can be used in a couple of different ways along the jawline. It can be used to soften sharp or overly angular jawlines, or add a bit of definition to a weak jaw and chin. 

Upper lip and corners of the mouth

Lines and wrinkles on the upper lip and around the mouth are caused by a decrease of collagen production, environmental factors like sun exposure or even lifestyle factors like smoking and vaping. They can be effectively treated with dermal filler for a smoother, plumper appearance. 

Lips

As we age, one of the areas we lose volume is our lips, creating thin or shrunken lips. Dermal Filler helps to add volume and definition to thin or shrunken lips, plumping them back up. It can also be used to correct uneven lips and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the lip area.

What to expect when getting Dermal Filler

You should be selective about where you choose to get Dermal Filler, and only receive treatment from trained professionals. At Caci, injectables are administered by qualified registered nurses. Before we pick up a needle though, we offer free consultations where you have the opportunity to discuss the treatment in full and we cover your medical history. After your free consultation, you will be booked in for an appointment to be treated.  

The procedure itself involves a quick injection with a fine needle that delivers volume with an instant ‘plumping’ effect to the treated area. The filler instantly plumps up the skin, smoothing away deep lines, folds and wrinkles in the face or adding volume to lips. Plus, at Caci, our Dermal Fillers contain 0.3% Lidocaine—a local anesthetic that provides comfort both during and after injecting. The injection process tends to be quick -  a lip treatment, for example, can take around 15 mins. Your Registered Nurse will be there for you to check in with you to see how you are feeling after your treatment, and to answer any questions you might have.

How long does Dermal Filler last?

Results do vary, but typically dermal fillers last between 6-24 months (depending on product used, area treated, your individual metabolism and skin care regimen). We recommend that treatments are carried out 1-2 times per year to achieve and maintain your desired results. 

What are the benefits of Dermal Fillers?

Dermal Filler helps to soften lines, contour cheeks, add lip volume or help define and enhance your best features. Whatever look you are after, the expert team at Caci can help you achieve your desired result. At Caci we are passionate about our customers feeling confident in their skin. Our team of Registered Cosmetic Nurses at Caci use products and treatments specifically designed to work immediately and deliver long-lasting results.

Are there any side effects of Dermal Fillers? 

Any pain after a Dermal Filler treatment is usually minimal. The most common issue is temporary swelling. Although this is highly variable on the individual and it depends on how much your lip has been enlarged, and on your individual healing characteristics. Swelling and/or bruising can last up to two weeks, although this is rare. Many of our customers go straight back to work after their treatments. Any temporary discomfort that you might feel after a procedure can usually be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. 

Answering your frequently asked Dermal Filler questions 

What is the difference between Dermal Filler and anti-wrinkle injectables (Botox)?

Dermal Filler is an injectable gel that provides volume. Anti-wrinkle (Botox is the brand name of an anti-wrinkle injectable) injectables are not a filler and instead work by relaxing muscle activity and are used to treat moderate to severe lines caused by repeated facial expressions.

Is the Dermal Filler treatment painful? 

Dermal Filler injections may feel like a little pinching sensation when they are administered. The injection process is quick and the needles used are very fine so the treatment hardly hurts at all. Most customers describe the treatment as a bit uncomfortable rather than painful. 

How much does the treatment cost? 

Costs vary depending on the area being treated and these will be discussed at a free consultation. At Caci we aim to make Cosmetic Injectables affordable with our membership plans. Amerase, our cosmetic injectables plan offers affordable payment options to suit your budget, so you can pay off your treatments weekly, fortnightly or monthly. With an Amerase membership, there are also additional benefits including a personalised schedule of regular treatments, exclusive membership discounts on beauty therapy, and 10% off Skinsmiths skincare and treats, such as free facials! 

Is it worth getting Dermal Filler injections?

For the results that Dermal Fillers offer, many happy customers claim that it’s worth it! At Caci, we are aiming to enhance your natural look. Each individual customer has a consultation to discuss their concerns, how the treatments will work and the results. Each treatment is personalised because we understand that you don’t want to look frozen or overdone and want to simply look and feel your best! 

Ready to book your Dermal Filler treatment?

Dermal Filler can help to give you a rejuvenated, refreshed look or plump up an area of the face that may have lost volume over time. At the end of the day, feeling confident in your skin is the ultimate goal. Ready to talk fillers with an expert or still unsure? Get in touch with your local Caci clinic today to discuss your options at a free consultation. 

 

Disclaimer

JUVEDERM ULTRA® & JUVEDERM ULTRA PLUS® injectable gels are Prescription Medicines containing 24 mg/mL cross linked hyaluronic acid. They are used for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. They should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler. People with autoimmune disease; or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, age under 18; or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. Possible Side Effects: Injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling /itching/pain on pressure); induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have any side effects or concerns, speak to your doctor. Note: Juvederm® treatment lasts from about 12-24 months. Allergan New Zealand Ltd. PO Box 1873 Auckland 1140, New Zealand

 

BELOTERO® is hyaluronic acid dermal filler. It is used to improve the look of facial fold and wrinkles and restore volume, including contouring, shaping and volumising of the lips. Always read the label and consult your Healthcare Professional for more information. This medical device must be administered by a Healthcare Professional.You should tell your practitioner and avoid treatment with BELOTERO® if you: have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients; if you tend to develop keloids or heavy scars; have any bleeding disorders, poor wound healing, inflamed or infected skin, or general infection; are under the age of 18; are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inform your practitioner of any diseases you have or have had. These include in particular cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems, skin infections or severe allergies. If you take medication or vitamins, have had previous cosmetic procedures, or have been treated with other implants, please inform your practitioner. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Healthcare Logistics (HCL). 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022. 

Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines , horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz . Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.