What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are generally made up of hyaluronic acid that is injected into the second layer of skin(dermis) to provide a smooth, long-lasting correction of facial wrinkles and folds.

There are four different densities of dermal filler:

• Fine density gel is the least viscous of the products and is used for very fine lines and wrinkles such as smokers lines around the mouth.
• Low density gel is used in contouring and volumising facial wrinkles and folds. It can also be used to create definition and pouting of the lips.
• Moderate density gel is more highly cross-linked, resulting in a more robust formulation used for volumising and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. It can also be used to increase the volume of the lips.
• High density gel is the thickest and most viscous of the four products, and is used for large areas for volume replacement and can be used in the cheek area.

Are the dermal fillers approved in Australia?

Dr Asher Freilich only uses the best brands of dermal fillers on the market. All his products are TGA approved and have proven safety and effectiveness.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar that gives volume to the skin. It is found in the second layer of skin called the dermis. As the skin ages, there is a gradual loss of hyaluronic acid resulting in skin sag, wrinkles and a loss of volume. Hyaluronic acid helps to improve wrinkles and restore volume to areas affected by the aging process. Hyaluronic acid adds volume to the skin by attracting water to the area where it is injected. Hyaluronic acid absorbs more than 1,000 times its weight in water to add volume to skin.

What does “cross-linked” mean?

Cross-linking refers to a chemical process in which individual chains of hyaluronic acid are chemically bound or “cross-linked” together, transforming liquid HA into a soft solid or “gel”. The firmness of the gel depends on the degree of “cross-linking”. The body absorbs cross-linked HA more slowly, which results in a longer duration of effect.

What do dermal fillers do?

As the body ages, skin loses elasticity and volume. Dermal fillers are placed below the skin’s surface to diminish the depth of facial folds and wrinkles.

Where can dermal fillers be used?

Dermal fillers can be used in any part of the face where there are lines caused by saggy skin or where there is a loss of volume. Facial contouring with dermal fillers can be used in the following areas:

• Nasolabial folds- the lines between the nose and the corner of the mouth
• Lip augmentation – both the lip border and the body of the lips
• Cheek contour augmentation
• Glabella- the frown lines between the eyebrows
• Lipstick/Smoker’s lines- lines above the top lip
• Hollows under the eyes
• Crow’s feet or smile lines
• Marionette lines- the lines between the corner of the mouth and the chin
• Depressed corners of the mouth
• Chin augmentation
• Acne & Chickenpox scars.

What does the injection process involve?

Ice is generally left on the treatment area to help numb the area and/or an anaesthetic cream is used. A local anaesthetic is also incorporated in the product allowing for a more comfortable procedure as you continue with the treatment. The product is then injected into the dermis (the second layer of skin) in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The result is instantaneous, producing a long-lasting, natural enhancement, which is gentle and safe to the skin. The procedure takes twenty to thirty minutes.

How soon will I see results?

The results can be seen immediately. Your lines will soften and your face will tighten. Results last over a year.

What will I look like after treatment?

Immediately after the treatment, you can expect slight redness, swelling, tenderness or an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. The swelling and discomfort in facial lines and hollows is mild and generally disappears within twenty four hours.

There is no downtime with treatment of the facial line and hollows. After a lip treatment, the lips become swollen and may look uneven. This can persist for up to a week.

If a dental block is performed you will feel numb for two to three hours after the treatment and you may require the next day off work if the lips become too swollen.

How are Dr Freilich’s products better than competing ones?

Dr Freilich uses a gold standard dermal filler with a proprietary technology to create a long lasting smooth appearance.

How long does the treatment last?

Studies have shown that the treatment can last anywhere from 8 months to 2 years depending on the density of the filler.

Are there any adverse effects after treatment with Dermal filler?

Recorded adverse events were usually temporary injection site reactions, the majority of which lasted only three days or less. Patients sometimes experience injection site redness, pain, firmness/hardness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching and discolouration. Lumps are rare and can be dissolved by your treating doctor if they persist.

What precautions should a patient take after treatment?

If you have had a lip enhancement with dermal filler, avoid smoking, kissing and makeup for the first twenty four hours after treatment. Until the initial swelling and redness has resolved, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. sauna or sunbathing) or extreme cold.