About Dermal Fillers: A Quick Explanation

Dermal fillers offer a long-lasting, minimally invasive, and customisable solution to combat niggling imperfections or signs of ageing.

The fundamental principle behind dermal fillers is the restoration of the skin’s natural beauty substances that provide it with volume and support, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance. As we age, these natural substances break down which leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other noticeable signs of aging.

Using an injectable, gel-like substance that is injected beneath the skin’s surface, our dermal filler treatments can help to fill in wrinkles, fine lines, and restore volume to areas of the face such as cheeks, lips, and chin. With injectable dermal fillers, our team of cosmetic practitioners can replenish volume to restore a more youthful, rejuvenated, and refreshed appearance.

We can also use dermal fillers to augment and define the chin and jawline; youthful softness can be restored to the cheeks along with emphasising the cheekbones; lips can be enhanced and made symmetrical; hollow temple and under-eye areas can be filled; and nasolabial folds can be softened.

Dermal filler is a gel-like substance, typically composed of hyaluronic acid, collagen, or other biocompatible materials, and it’s strategically placed beneath the skin via targeted injections. Its aim is to smooth wrinkles, restore lost volume, sculpt or enhance features, and create overall harmony, balance and youthfulness to your looks.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last For?

Dermal fillers are a popular choice in non-surgical cosmetic treatments for rejuvenating one’s appearance. The duration of their effects varies depending on several factors, offering flexibility for individuals seeking to enhance their looks. Typically, dermal fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

The primary determinant of how long dermal fillers last is the type of filler material used. Most fillers are made of naturally occurring substances that the body gradually absorbs over time.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, for instance, tend to have a shorter lifespan, generally lasting around 6 to 12 months. These fillers work by adding volume to the treated area and are often used for smoothing wrinkles and adding subtle enhancements.

On the other hand, fillers like calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid have longer-lasting effects, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months. These fillers stimulate collagen production, which helps maintain the results even after the filler itself has dissipated.

Individual factors, including metabolism and the treatment area, can also influence how long fillers last. Areas with more movement, like the lips or cheeks, tend to break down fillers more quickly than static areas like the chin or nose.

Regular maintenance sessions can help extend the longevity of your dermal filler results. Many individuals find that after the initial treatment, subsequent sessions require less filler to achieve the same results, which can be both cost-effective and provide sustained benefits.

Then there’s the big question on everyone’s (filled) lips: how can I make my fillers last longer?

While there’s no way to control how your body’s unique biological makeup and metabolism process dermal fillers, you can certainly improve your chances of lengthier results by following the proper aftercare instructions.

Aftercare is important for not only your safety and comfort but also for optimising and maintaining your best possible results from your dermal filler treatments.

Aftercare Guide: Dermal Fillers

Do Dermal Fillers Improve Over Time?

Dermal fillers provide immediate improvements in facial volume, wrinkles, and overall appearance, but their effects can evolve positively over time in several ways.

Collagen stimulation. Some dermal fillers, like those comprised of poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, work to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a key protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. As the filler material gradually dissipates, the new collagen continues to build, leading to improved skin texture and tone. This can result in a more natural and sustained enhancement over several months.

Subtle enhancements. Initial filler injections may provide a slightly more dramatic effect, but subsequent sessions can further achieve subtler refinements. With time, patients often have a better understanding of their desired outcomes, allowing for more precise and conservative treatments. This gradual approach can lead to a more refined and natural appearance.

Tissue adaptation. The skin and surrounding tissues can adapt to the presence of dermal fillers. Over time, this adaptation can lead to an even more harmonious integration of the filler material with your natural facial contours. This is particularly true for hyaluronic acid fillers, which tend to blend seamlessly with your tissue as they gradually hydrate and integrate.

Longevity with maintenance. Although the filler material itself may eventually break down, regular maintenance sessions can help sustain your desired results. Many patients find that they need less filler in subsequent sessions to maintain their look, making it a cost-effective option for long-term improvements.

Dermal fillers not only provide immediate enhancement but can also yield positive long-term results by stimulating collagen, offering subtler refinements, promoting tissue adaptation, and maintaining improvements through regular touch-ups.

To maximise your results and their benefits and ensure a positive evolution of your appearance, consult with a qualified and experienced practitioner who can tailor a personalised treatment plan to your needs and goals.

What to Expect During and After Dermal Filler Treatment

The results of your dermal fillers will be seen immediately. However, after 2 weeks, the filler will have settled into the treated area and full results can be seen.

Depending on the procedure and the area treated, very minor bruising may occur for some patients, although at Contour Clinics, our practitioners are experts at avoiding this risk.

If bruising does occur, you can improve this by lightly applying a covered ice pack to the treated area. Just make sure it’s for no longer than 10 minutes at a time, once per hour. Do not apply ice directly to the skin and do not apply excessive pressure.

Dermal fillers usually last for anywhere between 6-12 months depending on the area being treated, the density of filler product being used, and the individual patient.

Once the fillers begin to be broken down and deplete, the treated area will return to its original pre-treated state. Fillers are naturally broken down by the body and this process is gradual and subtle. Your skin will not be stretched or changed permanently by the fillers.

However, if you wish to continue your new and improved look, maintenance will be required and repeat treatments are recommended for approximately every 6-12 months.

If you don’t keep up treatments, the area will go back to how it was prior to fillers.

Enhance Your Natural Beauty with Contour Clinics

When choosing a cosmetic clinic, ensure you are paying for a result, not just a treatment.

Here at Contour Clinics, we value long-lasting, natural-looking results that enhance your natural beauty. All treatments are performed only by fully qualified, highly experienced and expert medical professionals, who are leaders in their field.

We are results-driven, doctor-led clinic, with your satisfaction and safety being our highest priority.

Your Dermal Filler treatment at Contour Clinics includes:

Complimentary consultation with Australia’s leading Cosmetic Doctors and Senior Cosmetic Injectors
Full facial assessment with 3D-Vectra photography
Complimentary skin assessment with our expert Skin & Laser Therapists
Premium TGA-approved dermal fillers, expertly placed by fully qualified medical professionals at our accredited clinics
Complimentary review appointment to ensure your complete satisfaction

Take the next step towards feeling and looking your very best, by choosing Contour Clinics for your aesthetic journey.

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