Where On Your Face Can You Get Dermal Fillers?
Facial fillers, or dermal fillers as they are referred to in the industry, are one of the easiest, fastest and least invasive ways to aid in rejuvenating your appearance. They can help minimise wrinkles and lines, enhance facial features, and improve symmetry, so it's no surprise that they are one of the most popular cosmetic injectable treatments here in New Zealand.
What Are Face Fillers?
Dermal face fillers are currently one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in appearance medicine. Dermal fillers involve injecting hyaluronic acid (a gel-like substance) under the skin to smooth and enhance the appearance. On the face, cosmetic injectables are commonly used to add volume to lips and cheeks, soften smile lines or wrinkles and define the lower face.
These versatile cosmetic injections are popular for two main reasons - because there is minimal downtime for recovery and they produce immediate results. The most common type of dermal filler used in the industry is hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar found naturally in the body's tissues that often outperforms previous substances such as collagen.
How Do They Work?
The process of aging naturally results in the loss of volume in facial features, as does significant weight loss. This loss of volume is due to a decrease in collagen, elastin, fat, muscle and sometimes bone mass, all of which help to form and maintain our facial features and aid in a more youthful appearance.
The aim of face fillers is simply to increase this lost volume, providing contouring, smoothing lines and adding volume back into the face in a natural-looking way. During the treatment, hyaluronic acid is injected just below the skin’s surface, providing subtle changes to the plumpness of your face.
What To Expect When Getting Dermal Fillers
When seeking cosmetic injectables in New Zealand always ensure you are being treated by an experienced cosmetic medical practitioner. Your treatment plan will likely begin with a consultation process to discuss what you wish to achieve, plus your medical history and any concerns you might have. Following the initial consultation, you will book the necessary appointments needed to achieve the desired results.
Getting facial fillers involves a injections using very fine needles or cannulas to deliver the required volume of filler to the treatment area. The filler provides instant volume underneath the skin, smoothing away wrinkles, lines, folds, and imperfections. The injections are efficient and designed for minimal discomfort, expect to spend around 30 to 45 minutes per appointment, depending on the area being treated.
If requested, numbing cream and ice pack may be applied for pain management and some fillers also contain substances like Lidocaine (a local anesthetic) that provides additional comfort during and after the procedure.
How Much Does Face Filler Cost In NZ?
Generally speaking, the larger the amount of injectables you need/want the higher the price. Volumising fillers for the lips start from around $350, for medium thickness fillers around $700 upwards and where higher volumes of filler are needed such as the cheeks and jawline, approximately $1000+.
Of course, these prices are intended as a rough guide only, actual pricing will vary between practitioners, location and the products used.
Face Fillers - Where Is Best?
Dermal fillers can be used to treat various areas of the face, however there are some areas that are particularly well-suited to these treatments offering the best value results. The 5 key facial areas that can benefit from dermal filler treatment include the lips, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.
1. Lip Fillers
Lip volume loss is one of the most common signs of aging and an area that can be easily treated using cosmetic injectables. In fact, lip fillers are probably one of the most popular cosmetic injectable requests here in New Zealand. Adding volume to enhance the shape and definition of the lips can make an instant difference, smoothing out vertical lip lines, defining lip margins, and correcting asymmetry.
2. Cheek Fillers
Flat, hollow or sagging cheeks are a common problem for those who have experienced significant weight loss and are also a natural occurrence as we age. Cheek fillers are useful in correcting this issue and maintaining a more youthful appearance by adding volume to the cheeks, lifting and plumping the area in a natural-looking way. They are great for contouring and definition while also softening lines and wrinkles.
3. Chin Fillers
Chin fillers are a popular choice for people who want to improve the shape or projection of their chin and jaw line, creating a more balanced and defined look. Typically lasting 6 to 18 months, chin fillers can be helpful in correct facial features without the need for surgery.
4. Smile Line Fillers
Also known as the nasolabial folds, these are the creases that run along the sides of the nose and sides of the mouth. Fillers are useful in softening these lines, making them less prominent, creating a more refreshed look. As these lines become more prominent with age, they can contribute to making your face appear tired or aged, fillers can be used to minimise these creases, creating a more youthful and refreshed look.
5. Marionette Line Fillers
Similar to smile lines but extending downwards, marionette lines extend from the edges of the mouth down to the chin area. Fillers are particularly beneficial for reducing the appearance of these lines by minimising the appearance of sagging and better defining the jawline.
Other Areas Of The Face Suitable For Dermal Filler Treatment
In addition to the above areas, dermal fillers can be used almost anywhere on the face to add volume and reduce creases, some other areas include:
- Forehead: Reducing forehead creases can help improve the overall appearance of the face.
- Brow Lines: Filler can be used to smooth out and subtly shape the brow appearance.
- Nose: Subtle shaping of the nose can be achieved with dermal fillers, successfully smoothing out small hollows, acne scars or bumps.
- Under Eye Hollows: Dermal fillers can be used to add volume, reducing the appearance of dark undereye circles.
10 Tips For Consumers About Injectable Dermal Fillers
If you are considering getting cosmetic fillers, it is important to understand the process and what it means for you. Here are our top tips when seeking dermal fillers for the face.
- Always choose an experienced professional treatment provider with the appropriate qualifications and training.
- Feel free to request confirmation that only approved injectable dermal fillers are used.
- Do your research on the type of injectable used and the possible risks.
- Ensure there is good communication between you and your provider (no misunderstandings about where the injectables are to be administered).
- Ask questions! Your treatment provider will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the treatment process, side effects, and expected results etc.
- Never buy dermal fillers sold online directly to consumers, it is not possible to guarantee their contents.
- Ensure only properly labelled, non-expired fillers are used.
- Never inject yourself with dermal fillers.
- Discuss pain relief, pain expectations and pain tolerance.
- Let your practitioner know if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant.
What Are The Best Fillers For Achieving A Refreshed Look?
Dermal fillers are a very effective way to restore youthful-looking volume to facial features and the skin. When the goal is to look refreshed, the most common approach involves redefining face contouring, adding volume and reducing deep lines and wrinkles. This process will include addressing individual problem areas, anywhere from the forehead and temples to the cheeks, lips, and jawline.
One of the main benefits of injectables is that almost instant results can be expected for what is a relatively non-invasive procedure. Downtime and risks vary from person to person and will be discussed with you on the day of your consultation and again on the day of your appointment.
What Is The Refresh Time For Dermal Fillers?
Dermal filler results will vary between individuals, but generally speaking, you could expect to see results last up to nine months or more. Individual results will vary depending on lifestyle and medical factors, plus age always has an impact. Your cosmetic injectables practitioner should always be able to answer any questions you might have regarding your treatment and the maintenance required.
Who Should Not Have Dermal Fillers?
It is best to avoid face filler treatments if you currently fall into any of the following categories:
- You are allergic to the ingredients used in fillers (for example, hyaluronic acid or local anesthetics)
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
- You are allergic to bees or wasps
- You are suffering from autoimmune disorders, sinusitis, or an infection (colds/flu etc)
- You have dental treatments booked in the next 4 weeks
- You are flying overseas in the next few days
- You have existing facial implants
- You are suffering from significant skin conditions
- Some medical conditions or medications that can contra-indicate injectables, discuss with your provider
What Risks Are Associated With Dermal Fillers?
Although dermal fillers are generally considered a safe form of cosmetic treatment, there are potential risks and side effects you should be aware of. To minimise risks, always choose a qualified and experienced practitioner.
- Bruising And Swelling: The areas where injections are placed may experience temporary swelling and/or bruising.
- Infection: If proper hygiene practices are not adhered to, infection at the injection site is a potential risk.
- Irregularities: Sometimes fillers may result in an uneven finish leaving small lumps under the skin, massaging them out or correcting them with additional treatments may be necessary.
- Allergies: Although rare, allergic reactions to the filler material are a possibility.
- Scarring: Occasionally fillers can cause skin discolouration or scarring at the injection site.
- Migration: Fillers can sometimes move from their intended location, leading to asymmetry or an unnatural look.
- Vascular Occlusion: It is possible for filler to be accidentally injected into or near a blood vessel, this could result in a blockage of blood flow, leading to tissue damage (requires immediate medical attention).
Would you like to discuss how face fillers could help rejuvenate your appearance? Contact Georgia at The Face to discuss your cosmetic injectable options today.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer for Dermal Fillers Medical Device Class ||| (New Zealand)
Dermal filler treatments are non-surgical cosmetic procedures and may carry risks. Results can vary between individuals, and while complications are rare, potential risks include bruising, swelling, infection, lumps, or asymmetry. All patients are encouraged to undergo a thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced practitioner to discuss expectations, treatment options, and potential risks. Dermal fillers are temporary and may require touch-ups for long-lasting results. It is essential to disclose any medical history, allergies, or current medications to your practitioner before proceeding with treatment. By undergoing treatment, you acknowledge that you have been informed of these risks and consent to the procedure.
This disclaimer ensures that patients are fully informed about what to expect from the treatment and any possible side effects or complications. It also emphasises the importance of professional consultation and medical history disclosure. Practitioners must follow these guidelines to meet ethical and legal standards in New Zealand.
