Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers

Soft Tissue Augmentation

Dermal fillers safely and effectively address changes observed in the ageing face or bring more attractiveness to younger faces. The art of dermal filling has changed from the filling of lines to the correction of the whole face. This is called Pan Facial Rejuvenation. The process known as soft tissue augmentation uses injectable filler materials to treat fine to deep wrinkles, folds and depleted volume in the face or hands. Dermal fillers enhance your natural looks by restoring your skin’s volume and revitalising your appearance.

Sometimes referred to as “collagen replacement” or soft tissue enhancement, dermal filler injections take only a few minutes to perform and the cosmetic result are instant, natural and long lasting.

When filler is injected into the area where the facial support has been weakened; any deep lines can be raised to the level of the surrounding skin. Skin texture, scars and smoothness will also be improved.

Where can fillers used?

There are several types of dermal fillers:

1. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
1. Hyaluronic acid with a smooth, soft consistency manufactured by Allergan (California)
2. Hyaluronic Acid with granular consistency manufactured by Q-Med (Sweden)

Hyaluronic Acid fillers are a crystal clear gel made of a substance called Hyaluronic Acid, a natural and very important component of skin structure. These fillers come in different densities and consistencies and their job is to replace the natural hyaluronic acid at different layers of tissue that has diminished with age or was insufficient to begin with, as is the case with thin lips.

Good Hyaluronic Acid Levels = Youthful Skin Appearance

Higher density Hyaluronic Acid injections are used to give a foundation to the face and then topped with less dense filler. This is a layering technique your Cosmetic Physician will implement in order to achieve immediate, as well as natural and long lasting results, which last up to 18 months.

These fillers come in Lidocane enhanced formulas, which have been shown to increase patient comfort. Also, the addition of Lidocane simplifies treatment as it means a separate anaesthetic is not required. Your Cosmetic Physician will choose the perfect formula, or combination of formulas, that best suit your skin’s needs.

• No preparation time is required with facial fillers, though the patient may request topical numbing ice packs or numbing cream prior to the procedure.
• Bruising may occur at injection sites.  Patients should avoid Aspirin, Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Vitamin E supplement or Fish oil prior to the procedure.
• The procedure may take between 15-30 minutes. You should be able to resume normal activities upon leaving the clinic.
• All facial fillers used at River City Cosmetic Medicine Clinic are safe, long lasting, TGA and FDA-approved.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers are a low risk, high quality product and have been successfully used for over a decade to enhance people’s looks in a natural and safe way.

Dermal fillers in combination with Muscle-relaxing Injections provide a natural, long lasting result and this combination is highly recommended

The most important aspect in facial rejuvenation is to achieve a natural look.

Prices start from $350

Calcium Based Filler

Volume and Contours

Calcium based filler is made of tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural water-based gel. It works with the body to stimulate the production of collagen and encourage tissue regeneration. Calcium based filler provides both immediate and extended results. Initially, the water-based gel helps fill the wrinkle, line or fold.  As this gel begins to dissipate, the calcium-based microspheres form a something akin to a “scaffold”, stimulating collagen production and encouraging tissue growth in and around the treatment area.

Calcium based filler is biocompatible and naturally absorbed by the body over time. This filler treatment also provides smoother skin texture after a period of several months due to the collagen regeneration.

WHAT IS CALCIUM BASED FILLER USED FOR

There are few reported side effects and these are commonly associated with injection of all types of filler materials. These may include swelling, bruising, pain, itching and tenderness at the injection site.  The side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days.

Calcium Based Filler Summary

• Immediate correction of moderate to severe wrinkles
• Stimulates the body’s own natural collagen production
• Replaces volume loss, reshapes face
• Volumises and rejuvenates Hands
• Feels soft and looks natural
• Provides results that last a year or more in many patients
• Allows an easy and convenient procedure as the patient is quickly back to normal activities

Collagen Simulating Injections with

Poly-L-Lactic Acid

The Collagen stimulating injection is a unique product and different from other dermal fillers as it works exclusively by stimulating the body to create collagen. Therefore, unlike other dermal fillers, the Collagen stimulating injection does not produce immediate results. Although the body begins to respond immediately, it takes a few months before the skin starts to feel thicker, hollows begin to diminish, wrinkles begin to disappear and lost volume is gradually restored.

The result is usually visible after a few months. Most patients will need 2-5 treatments to achieve optimal contouring that will often last up to 2 years or more. The improvement can be so gradual that some patients will not perceive them: however, comparing ‘before’ pictures with ‘after’ pictures often reveals significant differences. To sustain the positive results of the Collagen stimulating injection treatments, patients should return for touch up treatments periodically.

A facial assessment of the different regions of the face from both a frontal and lateral view should initially be made. In applying the rules of prevention, beautification and restoration, areas that need treatment should be identified and a treatment plan developed. This plan should include relaxing the necessary facial muscles with relaxing injection treatments and correcting volume loss with fillers in the upper, mid and lower face.

The Collagen stimulating injection is a bio-stimulant dermal agent indicated for the management of facial lines and wrinkles. It is also indicated for treatment of the loss of fat beneath the skin that sometimes causes sunken cheeks, indentations and hollow eyes. The Collagen stimulating injections are typically used to correct wrinkles by buttressing them, rather than filling them, as well as helping fill concave facial areas. In addition, the unique activities of this product improve the thickness of your skin, as creepy skin texture become smoother due to collagen production. A volumising effect can assist in restoring facial volume, resulting in a fuller, younger looking face.

The most commonly reported side effects might include temporary injection-related events at the site of injection, such as tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising, or swelling. Side effects of Collagen stimulating injection may also include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally, these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. This side effect is usually minimized or alleviated by a thorough massaging of the treated area immediately following administration of the product.

The most important aspect about your facial makeover is

achieving a natural look

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Skin Rejuvenation/ Tightening

Platelet Rich Plasma is the latest technology in skin rejuvenation. It uses your own cells derived from your blood, which are then re-injected into your skin to stimulate collagen and new skin cell formation.

Your blood is rich in red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma. We only use the plasma portion of your blood.  A small collection of blood is taken and processed to give us the Platelet Rich Plasma required for this treatment. This plasma is then injected into your skin, similar to other cosmetic injections. Results take around two to three weeks to become apparent and a series of treatments is recommended. Your skin should still continue to improve with time following your treatment program.

Key Outcomes of Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment

• Skin Tightening
• Improves Skin Texture and Colour
• Reduces Pore size -Rejuvenates Soft Tissue lost through ageing and sun damage.

Side Effects

Expect minimal swelling, bruising and redness for 12-24 hours. Swelling for 24 hours. A bruise at the site where we take the blood may be visible for 2-3 days.

How Many Treatments are Required?

This will depend upon the health and age of your skin. Normally it is advised to have 2 or 3 treatments 4 weeks apart. However your Doctor will determine your treatment protocol according to your skin condition.

An annual maintenance treatment may further enhance results

Contraindications

• Smokers, Drug and Alcohol Users
• Platelet Dysfunction Syndrome
• Critical Thrombocytopenia