Our skin loses youthful volume and fullness over time due to ageing, health, lifestyle, environmental and other factors. Fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment for addressing these concerns.

Fillers can restore lost volume and improve the contour of the face, lips and hands. It is also referred to as dermal fillers, soft tissue fillers or soft-tissue augmentation.

The downtime is relatively short. Some types of fillers deliver almost immediate results.

There are a number of filler brands available with different qualities, purposes and results. They are primarily aimed at reducing the signs of ageing.

Fillers can be effective for:

• Restoring fullness to the face, cheeks, eye area and jawline
• Reducing lines and wrinkles
• Plumping up the lips and defining the lip outline
• Diminishing the visibility of some scars
• Hand rejuvenation

• Ensure that your skin professional is experienced and qualified to conduct these treatments.
• The treatment should be performed in an appropriate treatment room.
• It is necessary for your clinic to first assess your skin, review your medical history and other criteria to determine whether this treatment is recommended for you.
• The results vary and outcomes are largely based on the skills, knowledge and technique of your practitioner as well as selecting the correct high-quality product from established brands.
• A well-trained skin professional can inject fillers safely and effectively.
• Dermal fillers have been popular and advances were made since.
• It is generally safe for all skin colours.

Individuals benefit from these injections diminishing facial lines and plumping up sagging skin on the face and hands. With ongoing improvements in filler technology and treatment techniques, it has become more achievable to see natural-looking results that last longer. The pain has also been reduced.

There are numerous different types of fillers and brands available. They contain different substances and were developed for various purposes. Your skin professional should guide you with the fillers most applicable for you.

When conducted properly and should your skin be agreeable to the type of filler used for the treatment; your skin will look more youthful, smooth and refreshed. Lines and wrinkles are less noticeable. The face is fuller and hollow areas under your eyes look more contoured. The lip profile and plumpness is enhanced and hands appear younger.

We recommend that you first consult with your skin professional to discuss your goals and desired results. They should advise you through options and whether fillers are recommended for you.

Ensure that you inform your skin clinic about your full medical history, health, medical or cosmetic treatments you are undergoing or have done. Include medication, supplements and products you use. It is in your interest to reduce risks and side effects.

Ask questions, clarify any concerns and note important information. It is useful to know what to expect and the risks involved to support your decision making.

Find out about:

• How long the results last
• The risks and side effects
• The brand of filler recommended
• The cost of the treatment
• What to expect
• The treatment plan and time between treatments should you opt for a course of fillers
• Aftercare instructions

It is imperative that your skin professional is made aware of anything that can affect your treatment and usage of fillers.

Examples of important information:

• Aesthetics treatments you are doing or have done including injections and implants
• Aesthetics products you might be using
• Any allergies
• Skin prone to scaring
• Cold sores
• Blood and bleeding disorders
• Overall health and a heart condition
• Sensitive and irritable skin
• Prescription and other medications
• Supplements, vitamins, minerals and herbal substances you are taking.

It is advisable to state everything used currently and in the past however unimportant it might seem.

Should fillers be appropriate for you, the procedure and treatment steps vary based on:

• Practitioner technique and depth of knowledge about skin
• Product type, usage instructions and protocols
• The body part being treated
• Your treatment plan and goals

Most treatments can be completed within 30 minutes in a treatment room.

Following a skin assessment, the skin area is first prepared and thoroughly cleansed.

In some areas, an anaesthetic might be applied to the skin to reduce discomfort.

A test area is injected to see your skin’s response. Your practitioner will then inject the filler in measured amounts where required in a particular pattern and sequence covering several injection points for best results

There can be a stinging sensation each time the filler is injected. A fine needle is used to minimise this.

The treatment completes and the practitioner will review the skin area.

Your skin professional must have expertise in placing the filler and be using the correct product for natural-looking results. Fillers should be used in moderation.

The downtime varies depending on the filler used. Most fillers have minimal or no downtime. Individuals can return to their daily activities as usual. One might experience slight redness and swell from the injections.

Your practitioner will advise you about aftercare and provide information to take care of your skin and maintain the results. If you wear makeup, enquire about how soon after treatment it can be applied.

Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and other tanning facilities. It is advisable to wait a day or two before exercising and doing strenuous activities.

The results are usually visible almost immediately.

A single filler treatment has temporary results. Periodic repeat treatments to replace lost volume helps to maintain the benefits and your desired look.

After filler injections, some individuals can experience minor side effects such as:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Sensitivity
• Redness

These should be temporary and will clear within a few days.

Complications can arise if your skin professional does not have sufficient qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience about skin and fillers. Check that your treatment is conducted in a medical setting by an appropriate provider.

Fillers can result in:

• Areas that are over-filled
• Swelling
• Allergic reactions
• Infection
• Ridges and lumps
• Skin discolouration

Learning about fillers helps you understand the treatment and how it can assist with reaching your aesthetic objectives. Results and maintenance of younger-looking skin work best when fillers are done as a course of treatments. It can be combined with complementary treatments and skincare products to increase the benefits. Visit your skin clinic to find out more.