Nowadays, people from all over the country are looking for treatments to attenuate the lines and folds in the face to conceal the harsh signs of ageing that time leaves behind, as well as to get more full lips and cheeks.
One of these treatments involves injecting dermal fillers into the face. In studies on dermal fillers approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), people usually report being satisfied with the results of treatment.
But injectable dermal fillers are not for everyone and may not be indicated for people with certain conditions (such as bleeding disorders or certain allergies). Moreover, if your cosmetic doctor confirms that dermal fillers are an option for you, do understand that all products have their benefits and their risks. At Nitai Medical and Cosmetic Centre, we recommend you going to an accredited skin clinic in Melbourne for any sort of skin treatment. But, first of all, you need to understand all the benefits and risks before getting the dermal filler treatment in Melbourne.
What are dermal fillers and how are they used?
In general, injectable dermal fillers are used to help fill in wrinkles and give a smoother appearance. They are usually injected into the skin with a needle and they give volume to the sunken areas of the face and define their outline.
What are the different types of temporary fillers available in the market?
Temporary fillers include the following:
- Collagen injections, based on highly purified human or cow collagen.
- Hyaluronic acid gel, a lab created gel that imitates the naturally found eponymous substance.
- Calcium hydroxyapatite, a mineral and important component of bones.
- Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and biologically compatible synthetic substance.
However, out of all the above-mentioned options, most people prefer hyaluronic acid fillers because of its negligible side-effects and high longevity. The hyaluronic acid fillers are used to correct soft tissue defects of the face, such as wrinkles and skin folds that range from moderate to severe, increase the size of the lips and cheeks, and restore or correct signs of fat loss on the face. A dermal filler approved by the TGA is also used to fill the back of the hand and chin.
Hyaluronic acid fillers tested by the TGA are temporary and give a tightening effect or “filling” that lasts about a year or more in most people and it gives a very natural-looking result, which is adored by most of the Australians.
Also, it should always be kept in mind that you should never use an injectable cosmetic filler for other large-scale figure enhancement or delineation. Hyaluronic acid fillers are not approved by the TGA to delineate the figure on a large scale, and can cause serious injury, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and even death.
What are the risks of dermal fillers in Melbourne approved by the TGA?
Always, remember to go to an accredited skin clinic to consult about what you can expect from the TGA-approved fillers. Then check with your cosmetic doctor if you are concerned about a particular side effect.
Among the most common side effects are:
- bruises
- redness
- swelling
- pain
- itch
Other additional side effects reported less frequently are:
- infections
- lumps and bumps
- discoloration or changes in pigmentation
Some rare, but serious risks include:
- scars, blurred vision, and partial loss of sight and blindness if the dermal filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel; that is why it is recommended to seek treatment from a very experienced practitioner to minimise the risk of getting it injected into blood vessels (especially around the forehead, nose and eyes).
- allergic reactions that can become serious (anaphylactic shock) and require emergency medical attention.
Most side effects occur shortly after the injection and disappear after two weeks. In some cases, these may arise weeks, months or years later. Talk to your aesthetic physician if you have any question or concern.
5 tips for consumers about hyaluronic acid fillers:
- Always consult with a licensed physician who uses sealed ampoules for treatments. You can also ask for confirmation that you are receiving a filler approved by the TGA. And never use injectable fillers from non-accredited providers or in non-medical settings, such as hotels or private homes.
- Always ask your treating physician for the patient information label on TGA-approved injectable anti-wrinkle fillers and read it.
- Always know the kind of product that will be injected and all its possible side effects.
- Don’t buy dermal fillers on the internet. They can be false or harmful, or contaminated.
Also, the safety concerns of these products for use on pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in patients under 18 years of age, is unknown.
If you have any other health condition or concerns, we would suggest you to discuss that with your physician or write to us at admin@nitai.com.au.
