Last updated April 2022

Everything You Need to Know About Dermal Fillers

If you are considering cosmetic injectable treatments, here is everything you need to know before getting dermal fillers. This page will answer all your questions about dermal fillers, from what they are to dermal filler myths.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are an injectable treatment made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. By injecting fillers into the skin, it helps restore volume loss and replenishes the skin.

What can dermal fillers treat?

Dermal fillers can treat a number of concerns like:

Jowls

A jowl reduction can improve the corners of your mouth and create a youthful appearance.

Rejuvenate hands

As we age, our skin becomes loose and thin due to collagen and elastin loss. Using dermal fillers, we can help restore your hands and improve the skin texture and tone.

Tear troughs

Tear troughs develop as part of the natural ageing process. This causes the tear trough area to develop dark circles, appear hollow and sag. Dermal fillers can help smooth out these areas to improve the appearance of the area. At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we treat this concern by injecting dermal filler into the upper cheek area, never directly into the tear trough area, to improve the appearance of the tear troughs.

Lips 

Lips come in all shapes and sizes, meaning some may lack more volume and shape than others. To correct this, dermal fillers can help restore the look and feel of the lips.

Jawline

In some cases, the jaw can be misaligned which causes an uneven look. Using dermal fillers, volume can be added to these areas to make the face more symmetrical.

Cheeks

Cheeks are another area of the face that loses volume with age. Injecting dermal fillers into the cheeks can produce a glowing and youthful complexion.

What are the advantages of dermal filler?

For those who don’t want to go under the knife, dermal filler has the advantage of being a non surgical treatment. 

It is an ideal treatment for those who want to look younger and more refreshed. As there is minimal recovery time, it is suitable for busy parents. 

Dermal fillers can also be combined with other treatments like anti wrinkle injections, to provide a complete facial rejuvenation.

How much face filler do I need?

This will differ from individual to individual as it depends on a number of factors, including goals, treatment plan and lifestyle circumstances. 

It was previously thought that 1 to 2ml of dermal filler is an ideal amount. After reviewing an MRI of a patient’s ‘temporary’ fillers, we found that fillers exist in the skin long after they have been injected, and they can migrate. 

Now we recommend injecting less filler and less often. Most patients only require 1 ml of dermal filler, which can also be injected into different areas of the face like the lips or the chin. 

How long do dermal fillers last?

This will vary for every individual as external factors can affect the longevity of dermal fillers.

It was generally understood that fillers will last anytime from 6 to 12 months, even 18 months. After reviewing an MRI scan, it was uncovered that fillers can last for years. Now we only treat patients with dermal filler every 12 months to produce natural results.

What is better fat transfer or filler?

When it comes to comparing fat transfers to fillers, they both have their own pros and cons. A consultation with a licensed practitioner can help determine whether a fat transfer or filler is more suitable for your desired outcome. 

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we no longer perform fat transfers.  

Are fillers reversible?

Yes, dermal fillers are reversible! 

There are many reasons as to why people would want to reverse their facial fillers.

Thankfully, using hyaluronidase, we can dissolve fillers especially those that appear uneven, were injected incorrectly or excessively.

Not all dermal fillers available in Australia are reversible. At the Victorian Cosmetic Institute we only use dermal fillers that can be reversed.

What is better, needle or cannula?

There are a number of differences between the needle and the cannula.

Typically, dermal fillers are injected using needles. Though the use of cannulas have been on the rise.

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we use cannulas for dermal filler injections. Here are some advantages of using cannulas:

  • Cannulas are blunt and can’t penetrate the skin in the same way as a needle
  • Cannulas are longer than a needle, which is important when injecting specific areas like the lips
  • Practitioners can feel where the filler is being placed

What happens during the initial consultation?

At the initial consultation, photos of the patient are taken to use as a reference for the patient’s appearance post-treatment.

The practitioner will also go over your medical history and discuss your treatment plan and goals with you.

Dermal filler myths

Dermal fillers are a popular injectable treatment, however there are some limitations to the treatment. This includes:

  • Removing wrinkles – Dermal fillers can’t get “rid” of wrinkles. Anti wrinkle injections or laser treatments are more suited to improving the appearance of wrinkles on the face.
  • Lifting sagging skin – Dermal fillers can’t lift the skin, it is unrealistic to restore a 50 or 60 year old face to look like it’s in its 20s or 30s. A thread lift may be a more appropriate treatment to correct sagging skin.
  • Starting dermal fillers early – It’s a common misconception that starting dermal fillers when you are a young adult (18-25 years old), can help you stay younger. Over time, unnecessary regular appointments can lead to more problems like stretched out skin. 
  • Setting unrealistic expectations – Ageing is a natural process, and injecting large amounts of filler will not restore your youthful appearance. It is important to set ideal and realistic expectations

Questions to ask your injector

If you are considering dermal fillers, it is important to choose a qualified and reputable clinic. Some questions you can ask your injector are:

  • Who will be performing the treatment?
  • What level of experience do you have?
  • What products will you be using?
  • What are the risks and side effects of the treatment?

Where to get the best dermal filler in Melbourne?

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute located in Melbourne, our dermal filler injectors have many years of experience in the use of dermal fillers. We allow you ample time to communicate your aesthetic goals to us, and use our expertise to help you achieve your desired outcome. Furthermore, we offer a large range of dermal fillers and we will be able to best advise you on what dermal filler suits you best. 

The first step is simply contacting us for your initial dermal filler consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and achievable outcome, and what to expect from your treatment.

Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task – many of our patients have preferred to book online. We can then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate. Otherwise, you can phone us directly on 1300 863 824.