dermal fillers, facial volume, Non-surgical Procedures

Why I stopped filling faces…

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan (MBBS, cosmetic doctor, liposuctionist)

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan has a background in intensive care, anaesthesia, and emergency medicine. Since 2005, Dr. Chan has provided cosmetic procedures, including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, liposuction and laser treatments. He is a doctor trainer for various dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Read More


Over the last decade or so, dermal fillers have become a popular non-surgical anti-ageing solution. Composed of a substance that’s naturally found in your skin, dermal fillers can be used to add volume, shape and proportion to your face. But in a recent YouTube video, Dr. Gavin Chan (MBBS, Cosmetic Doctor, Liposuctionist) revealed why he’s not ‘filling’ faces anymore. He explains that a slimmer face is generally regarded as being more attractive but using dermal fillers can actually do the opposite and create a puffy, bloated appearance. “Many people will contend that as they age, they tend to lose facial volume and therefore they should replace that volume with dermal fillers. But it’s quite often the case that patients tell me that they actually like their face as they get a bit older.” In your teens and 20’s, your face will be rounder with less cheekbone definition than when you’re in your 30’s or 40’s. Dr Gavin Chan continues, “As you get older and lose some facial volume, you can appear more attractive than in your 20’s.”

Why dermal fillers shouldn’t be used to define your jawline and cheekbones

In 2019 Dr Gavin Chan and Dr Mobin Master using MRI scans discovered that dermal fillers last a lot longer than 6 to 18 months. According to Dr Gavin Chan, this explains why so many people have overfilled faces that appear bloated and puffy. Having dermal filler treatment every 6 to 18 months to help define your jawline and cheekbones may actually create the opposite effect. Dr Gavin Chan explains, “my belief is that fillers tend to flatten and spread a little bit with time. So, instead of having a well-defined jawline or cheekbones, your face can become puffy.”

One of the best ways to get defined cheekbones or jawlines is to be at an ideal certain body weight and fat percentage level, so the fat over the cheekbones and jawline is thin enough to show the definition of your bony structure. However, some people take this too far and their face becomes sunken around their cheeks, temples and eyes which can appear unattractive. 

If you feel like your face has become too rounded or puffy looking, there is a solution. Dermal fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks them down if they’ve been placed excessively, unevenly or incorrectly. With dermal fillers having a lifespan of up to a decade or more, if you don’t like them you can get them dissolved.

How 1mL of dermal filler can transform your face

Dr Gavin Chan still uses dermal fillers, but only to balance and add proportion to your face. From enhancing your chin and temples to smoothing out the transition from your lower eyelid to cheek to reduce your tear troughs. He cautions, “Only tiny volumes of dermal filler are needed to make your face more attractive. My most common volume of treatment is actually 1 mL of filler where I place it very strategically in different parts of the face to support, to balance and to smooth transitions. The key message for people to remember is that every drop of dermal filler you place in your face should have the end goal of making you look more attractive. A small amount of dermal filler can create a really big change to your appearance.” This highlights the importance of choosing a highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctor or Cosmetic Nurse for your dermal filler treatment who has advanced facial aesthetic and injecting skills.

 

The ideal solution if your face has lost a lot of volume

If your face has lost a significant amount of volume, dermal filler treatment may not be appropriate. It takes a lot of filler to increase the volume of the whole face, making this treatment cost-prohibitive and inappropriate for most people. Dr Gavin Chan notes that a better option is to have a Facial Fat Transfer procedure. Performed under general anaesthetic, this surgical procedure involves harvesting fat from your thighs, hips and abdomen before transferring it to your face. This procedure is 100% natural because it uses your own fat and stem cells, which results in a more youthful healthy appearance. We do not perform fat transfer procedures at Victorian Cosmetic Institute. Ideally, you should try to return your body weight to a healthy body weight first prior to doing any cosmetic treatments.

 

Where to find experienced dermal filler doctors in Melbourne

Dr. Gavin Chan and his team of highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Cosmetic Nurses have been treating patients successfully with dermal fillers since 2005. In the surrounds of their modern medical clinics, they’ll discuss the most appropriate treatment solution for you. To book your dermal filler treatment, call our helpful and friendly customer service team today 1300 863 824.