Dermal fillers – (temporarily) reverse the effects of ageing

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and ability to hold water. This process combines with gravity to sag the skin and creates lines and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers will not reverse ageing, of course. But they can, temporarily, reverse the viseable signs. Let’s look at how they do this.

Ageing occurs at different rates for different people. Genetics, environment, smoking status, climate and stress levels play roles in the process.

Another factor is that some of us lose bone and fat faster or slower than others. The same applies to collagen and elastin, which are essential to the good function and appearance of the skin.

Dermal fillers and/or anti-wrinkle treatments can not only check, but reverse – temporarily – all these effects. The two treatments are very different, although both are termed cosmetic injections or soft-tissue injections.

A dermal filler is an injection of a substance known as Hyaluronic Acid that occurs naturally in the body deep into the skin. It fills out hollows.

Anti-wrinkle injections are muscle relaxants. They smooth rigidity and tension lines. You will find more information on them and how they work on our Anti-Wrinkle Injection page.

Good news – dermal fillers do more than smooth out wrinkles

Let’s get back to dermal fillers. These are commonly used on static wrinkles, which are lines or deep wrinkles that exist on our faces all the time, regardless of our expressions.

Areas most commonly treated are the nasolabial folds (which run from the corners of the nose to the edge of the mouth line and are also known as “laugh lines”), marionette lines (the lines that run downward from the corners of the mouth), cheeks and vertical lip lines.

Yet dermal fillers can do more than smooth out wrinkles. They can also re-contour the line of the jaw and soften the appearance of imperfections such as scars.

How long will the effects of dermal fillers last? Are there side effects?

The effects of dermal filler treatments for facial wrinkles or lip enhancement can last from a year to 18 months.

Factors that influence their effectiveness include the type of filler used and how closely you follow the recommendations of a skincare plan (such as practising effective sun protection).

Note that there can be temporary, localised side-effects, such as redness, bruising and an itching sensation.

Your clinician will advise you if your skin type is more prone to these than others. Normal activities can generally be resumed immediately following facial injections. Contact us now or phone 0415 620 008 to make an appointment.