Dermal Filler Injections - Benefits, Cost & Side Effects

For smoothing wrinkles, sculpting lips, and improving other facial features, Dermal Filler injections are a growing favourite. Dermal Filler can produce positive results on facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. Another benefit is the long-lasting results, as the effects of Dermal Filler treatments can last six months or more.

The Dermal Filler Procedure

Dermal Filler injections are administered in the doctor's office, typically for patients aged 35 to 60. It is most often performed with local anaesthesia, especially if the lip is being treated. Dermal Filler now contains lidocaine like collagen, patients experience very little pain and discomfort from the needle during injection. Depending upon the extent of the treatment, the procedure can take from a few minutes up to 30 minutes. Patients return home shortly after the procedure.

Dermal Filler is a clear liquid gel, a non-animal-based hyaluronic acid (a natural sugar compound).

• Step One: The doctor may first select one or more injection points for each location to be treated. 
• Step Two: The doctor will then identify the correct amount of Dermal Filler to be used.
• Step Three: The Dermal Filler is then injected beneath the skin. Hyaluronic acid in the filler adheres to the skin as the water contained in the acid helps to retain volume under the skin's surface. The acid acts as a magnet for water, which helps to preserve the renewed volume of the skin.

Results are fully evident within one week. Dermal Filler has a success rate for reducing or eliminating deep wrinkles that cannot be accomplished with other procedures such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion.

Recovery after Dermal Filler Treatment

Swelling may be pronounced, lasting for two or three days. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, though patients are advised to stay out of the sun. Unmanageable pain, as well as symptoms that are progressive or abnormal, should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Dermal Filler treatments reduce wrinkles by about 80 percent. Dermal Filler is a temporary solution and follow-up treatments may be needed.

Complications and Risks of Dermal Filler

The most common side effects of Dermal Filler include headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms, redness, and pain at the injection points. Infrequently, patients experience muscle weakness, which resolves itself within days, or in some cases, months after the procedure.

Your doctor should help you understand the possible complications and remedies during your initial consultation.

Alternative and Additional Treatments

There may be alternative treatment options, depending on your condition. Consult with your doctor as to which may be right for you.

Other minimally invasive procedures include B... and Collagen Replacement Therapy. For severe signs of aging, surgical procedures may be more appropriate, such as a facelift, forehead lift, and eyelid surgery. Your doctor may recommend additional treatments in conjunction with Restylane, such as chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing, or microdermabrasion. 

Consult a Qualified Doctor

Finding a doctor with specific dermal filler injection experience is important for safety and for achieving optimal results. Dr Sharron Phillipson and Dr Les Brown have extensive knowledge and experience with skin-enhancement procedures. Consulting a qualified doctor will also help ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Here are some tips to consider when consulting a doctor:

• Review the doctor's credentials, education, training, type of certification held, and number of times that the treatment has been performed by the doctor.
• Find out the dosage that will be required to achieve a satisfactory result for your condition.
• Ask your doctor to estimate the number of treatments required to maintain the results you are expecting.
• View before-and-after photos of patients who received Restylane and alternative procedures.
• Ask about complication risks and possible side effects, including the impact of smoking.
• Be sure to discuss current medications you're taking and their impact on Restylane treatment.
• Request a list of pre- and postoperative instructions. Following these instructions can reduce the risk of complications.

The Cost of Dermal Filler

Patients commonly receive further dermal filler treatments after about six months. Cost varies since the number of targeted areas and their severity differ among patients.

The average cost for dermal filler injections ranges from $330 to $660 per syringe.