Dermal Fillers

As we age, our faces can begin to look tired or depleted. This is caused by a number of factors, including a decrease in the elasticity and integrity of the skin and a loss in volume of fat pads under the skin.

 

For people who wish to avoid surgical procedures such as face-lifts, fillers can be injected to lift troughs and shadows in the face. Fillers provide structure to the face and can improve the integrity of the skin, reducing folds and lines.

 

Common areas treated are:

Common Treatment Areas

  • Lips: to enhance the volume and shape whilst smoothing outlines
  • Cheekbones: to restore deflation and sagging and help to support the skin of the cheeks more softly
  • Naso-labial folds: the deep folds that start at the sides of the nose and end at the corners of the mouth.
  • Marionette lines: which run from the corners of the mouth on either side to the chin
  • Tear troughs: under the eyes which often make people look tired or drawn

Common Questions

What are lip fillers? 

Lip fillers contain substances found naturally in the body that are injected into and around the lips to enhance the shape, volume, structure and overall appearance of the mouth. Some of the substances used for lip fillers are collagen, fat and hyaluronic acid.

 

How are lip fillers administered? 

Lip fillers are injected into the lips and areas around the mouth. At the start of treatment Dr Felzen will mark the injection sites and apply a local anaesthetic cream, which only takes a few minutes.

 

Are there any side effects to lip fillers? 

Most patients only experience minimal, localized side effects from lip filler injections. These localized effects may include swelling, redness or bruising to the injection site. Over-the-counter pain medications may be taken to relieve discomfort and most side effects diminish within a few days after the procedure.

 

Filler injections give immediate positive results but keep in mind that there may be some initial swelling but this will subside within a few days. Some patients experience mild bruising around the mouth but this can easily be hidden with makeup such as concealer cream.

 

Do lip filler injections hurt? 

Local anaesthetic is used during the lip filler injection procedure to minimise pain. Patients will experience very mild discomfort or pin-prick sensations at the injection sites during the procedure.

 

How long do lip fillers last? 

Lip fillers usually last from 6-12 months, after which Dr Felzen will advise whether additional injections are needed or desired and which course of action is best, based on their results.

 

Is there any downtime associated with lip fillers?

Generally speaking, there is no downtime associated with the lip filler process. Patients are free to return to work and regular activities immediately

 

Are there any health conditions that may exclude someone from having lip filler injections?

Patients with pre-existing conditions such as lupus or immune disorders should not have lip filler injections. Additionally, those with blood clotting disorders, certain allergies or infections and pregnant or nursing mothers should also refrain from having cosmetic enhancement procedures. Patients with Herpes Simplex should notify Dr Felzen prior to having lip filler injections.

 

Taking ant-viral tablets?

 

Patients are asked to discuss their medical history with Dr Felzen and to disclose any medications they are currently taking, as some of these may interfere with the procedure.

 

Will health insurance pay for lip filler injections? 

Because lip filler injections are elective cosmetic enhancement procedures, they are not covered by health insurance plans.