Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers are the second most common non surgical cosmetic procedure used in the world.

They are used for a huge number of cosmetic reasons, be that treating sagging and volume loss, improving proportions or treating stubborn lines and wrinkles- there is a lot we can do with dermal fillers and this is where the real art of cosmetic medicine comes into play.

FAQ

WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?

At Restore Cosmetic Medicine we only use Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. They are an injectable gel containing Hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin (although of course this Hyaluronic acid is made in a lab). The benefit of Hyaluronic Acid is that it can be dissolved if needed.

DOES IT HURT?

The initial injection can be a little sore, like a blood test needle. Dermal fillers contain local anaesthetic so sting slightly initially (like an injection at the dentist) but are quite comfortable once the treatment has started. For particularly sensitive areas like lips, we use topical anaesthetic. Although not usually needed, we also have the option of local anaesthetic nerve blocks. Your comfort is a high priority.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

Please see our “pricing” page.

WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME LIKE?

This will vary between each individual and depends on the area treated. Initially the area will feel numb (due to the local anaesthetic that is in the dermal filler), you may have some bruising and swelling and may feel slightly tender. Areas like lips swell over the next few days, which settles after roughly a week. Most people return to normal activities straight after their treatment, but we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours following treatment to reduce swelling. You should avoid alcohol, anti-inflammatories and fish oil supplements the day on and prior to your treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. 

WHAT AFTERCARE IS NEEDED?

Keep the area clean and avoid makeup for the rest of the day. Use cold compresses if needed for discomfort and swelling. Avoid strenuous exercise or getting very hot e.g. in spa or sauna, and excessive alcohol for 24 hrs to avoid further swelling and bruising. If you experience any severe or increasing pain, change in skin colour or swelling you should contact us straight away.

HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

Dermal Filler lasts much longer than was previously thought (years to even decades in some cases). This does vary individual to individual and between different products.  As volume loss is an ongoing process, once we have completed “baseline” treatments, most patients return for “tweaks” every year or two. 


All images are taken by Dr. Cherie with consistent camera settings and are not retouched in any way.


 

BELOTERO® is a Class III medical device to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore of enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Belotero® has risk and benefits. Ask your specialist if Belotero® is right for you. Contains transparent cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel of non-animal origin with lidocaine 0.3% to reduce local pain. Do not use if you have a skin inflammation or a skin infection or until the infection is healed. Precautions. There is a risk of infection. Tell your doctor if you are on blood-clotting medicines as there could be an increased risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Possible side effects: swelling, bruising, redness hardening of the skin, pain, altered colour or itching. Lasts 6-12 months. You will need to pay for this product and doctor’s fees apply. Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.


RESTYLANE® is a gel containing hyaluronic acid and lidocaine that is injected by a healthcare professional into or below the skin to smooth facial wrinkles and enhance lips by restoring volume and fullness. Restylane® is a Class III medical device has risks and benefits. Restylane® treatment may result in some redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, itching and/or bruising which may last a few days. Inflammatory reactions can begin up to two to four weeks after treatment in rare cases. See your healthcare professional if any side effects concern you. Exposure to excessive sunlight or extreme cold should be avoided until redness or swelling has resolved. Restylane® should not be used in an area where there is a non-resorbable implant or in irritated or infected skin, Restylane® should not be used in people taking blood thinning medicines or who have an allergy to hyaluronic acid, lidocaine or other local anaesthetics. Caution if you take medicines that prolong bleeding time. Treatment lasts 12-24 months. Restylane® has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN. Galderma, Auckland. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.

Juvederm Ultra™ & Juvederm Ultra Plus™ are medical devices Class III for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. Contains 24mg/mL. cross-linked hyaluronic acid Juvederm has risks and benefits. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler, people with autoimmune disease, or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years of age or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. People on blood thinning medicines. Possible side effects: injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling, itching/pain on pressure) induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Product and treatment costs will apply. Note: Juvederm treatment lasts about 12-24 months. For product information check with your doctor or product information at Allergan (NZ) Limited, Auckland.