JANE
Appearance Medicine
Dermal Fillers
Everything you need to know when you are considering dermal filler treatments
What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore volume, shape, and smoothness to the face. Today's dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA)—a substance naturally found in the skin that attracts and holds water, keeping tissues hydrated and plump. Dermal fillers are designed to replace this lost support—whether that’s rebuilding contour in the cheeks, restoring definition to the jawline, softening lines, or enhancing the lips. How treatment works: Dermal fillers are administered with a fine needle or cannula, depending on the area being treated. The process is generally around 30–60 minutes, depending on how many areas are addressed. Most fillers also contain a local anaesthetic (lidocaine), making treatment more comfortable. Clients often describe the sensation as a series of small pinches/pricks or mild pressure. The outcome: Results are visible immediately, with ongoing benefits from hydration and light reflection in the skin. Optimal techniques focus on balance and harmony, enhancing your features in a natural, subtle way—so you still look like you, just fresher and more confident. What matters is the correct dermal filler, applied in correct manner, in the correct area.
Who can have dermal filler treatment?
Dermal fillers are suitable for a wide range of individuals seeking to restore volume, refine contours, or soften lines. They can be used to address concerns related to ageing, as well as to enhance natural features at any age. Generally, fillers are appropriate for adults who: Want to soften lines, restore lost volume, or enhance areas such as the lips, cheeks, chin, or jawline, and prefer subtle, natural results without surgery or downtime. And adults who are in good general health and not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have realistic expectations about what treatment can achieve Before any treatment, a comprehensive consultation is essential. This ensures your goals are understood, your medical history is considered, and that dermal filler is a safe and effective choice for you. Dermal fillers are highly versatile, but not everyone is a candidate. In cases where they aren’t suitable, alternative treatments may be recommended to help you achieve your desired outcome safely.
Important before and after considerations.
Before treatment Consultation first – a thorough consultation ensures dermal filler is right for you, taking into account your medical history, goals, and expectations. Medications & supplements – Blood thinners (such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, fish oil, or certain herbal products) may increase the risk of bruising. Always make your clinician aware of medications you are taking. Plan around events – allow at least 1–2 weeks before any big social events, as bruising or swelling may occur.  Dermal filler treatments are generally settled at 4 weeks.​ Health – if you have a cold sore, infection, or are feeling unwell, treatment should be postponed for your safety and the success of the treatment, both short and long-term. Travel - do not book your dermal filler treatment within 4 days of travelling overseas - we need to be able to provide follow-up if there are any concerns within those first few days. Avoid dental treatments for 2 weeks before dermal filler treatments. Avoid vaccinations for 2 weeks before dermal filler​​ After treatment: Swelling & bruising – mild swelling, redness, or bruising are common and usually settle within a few days. Avoid pressure – do not massage or press on the treated area unless advised. Avoid facials, dental work, or strong skin treatments for at least 2 weeks. Exercise and temperature – avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or hot yoga for 24–48 hours, as heat can increase swelling and the risk for infection. Alcohol & makeup – it is best to avoid alcohol and heavy makeup for the first 24 hours to reduce irritation and bruising, and in the case of make-up, the risk for infection. Follow-up – attend your review appointment to ensure results are settling as planned. When to seek help Severe pain, dusky or blotchy skin, or sudden changes in vision are extremely rare but urgent signs that require immediate contact with your practitioner. You will be given full instructions on what to look out for and how to reach us quickly if needed.
Bees:
People with a history of severe reactions to bee or wasp stings may not be suitable for dermal filler treatment.
This is because the enzyme used to dissolve dermal filler, if required—called hyaluronidase (Hyalase)—has a protein structure similar to bee venom.
In rare cases, this can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
For your safety, a full allergy history is taken before treatment.
If you have a bee sting allergy, we will discuss your options carefully and may recommend an alternative approach or, if necessary, an allergy test before considering treatment.
The JUVÉDERM® range of injectable gels are medical devices for use in adults. JUVÉDERM® ULTRA XC and JUVÉDERM® ULTRA PLUS XC contain 24mg/mL cross-linked hyaluronic acid with lidocaine 3mg/mL. JUVÉDERM® ULTRA XC is for filling medium-sized depressions of the skin as well as for lip definition. JUVÉDERM® ULTRA PLUS XC is for filling mid and/or deep depressions of the skin as well as for lip definition and enhancement. JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® with lidocaine contains 20mg/mL cross-linked hyaluronic acid with lidocaine 3mg/mL and is intended to restore volume of the face. JUVÉDERM® VOLIFT® with lidocaine contains 17.5mg/mL cross-linked hyaluronic acid with lidocaine 3mg/mL and is intended for the treatment of deep skin depressions, for face contouring or volume restoration of the face. JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® with lidocaine contains 15mg/mL cross-linked hyaluronic acid with lidocaine 3mg/mL and is intended for the treatment of any fine lines and medium-sized skin depressions or the enhancement and pouting of lips. JUVEDERM® VOLITE™ contains 12 mg/mL cross-linked hyaluronic acid with lidocaine 3mg/mL and is intended to be used for the treatment, by filling, of superficial cutaneous depressions such as fine lines and for additional improvement of skin quality attributes such as hydration and elasticity, via intradermal injection. All JUVÉDERM® products should be administered only by a trained healthcare professional. JUVÉDERM® ULTRA XC, JUVÉDERM® ULTRA PLUS XC and JUVEDERM® VOLITE™ should not be injected into the eyelids. JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® with lidocaine should not be injected in the periorbital area (eyelids, under-eye area, crow’s feet), glabellar region or in the lips. JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® with lidocaine should not be injected into the eyelids. Application in the bags under the eyes is reserved for trained specialists. JUVÉDERM® VOLIFT® with lidocaine should not be injected in the periorbital area (eyelids, under-eye area, crow’s feet) and glabellar region. You should not receive treatment with any JUVÉDERM® product if you are below 18 years of age, have untreated epilepsy, history of hypertrophic scars or porphyria, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, hypersensitivity to ingredients including hyaluronic acid, lidocaine or amide-type local anaesthetics, any areas of cutaneous inflammation and/or infections, or if you have just had laser treatment, deep chemical peel or dermabrasion. Precautions: Caution is required if you have received treatment with another dermal filler; if you have a history of or are currently suffering an auto-immune disease, severe multiple allergies, anaphylactic shock, streptococcal disease, symptoms of cardiac conduction disorders; or if you are taking certain medications including anti-coagulants or certain drugs that reduce/inhibit hepatic metabolism. Avoid makeup for 12 hours after injection and prolonged exposure to sunlight/UV light/extreme temperatures for 2 weeks. Adverse effects reported after treatment with JUVÉDERM® range of fillers have included immediate or delayed injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling/ itching/pain on pressure) persisting a week post treatment, haematomas, induration or nodules, discolouration, weak filling effect, risk of infection, abscess formation, granuloma, necrosis or hypersensitivity. Please ask your doctor or request for the Directions For Use for complete list of precautions and adverse effects per respective filler. JUVÉDERM® injectable gels are not funded on the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Scheme. You will need to pay for this treatment. Normal Doctors visit fees apply. Speak to your specialist about your own situation and about the benefits/ risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Note: JUVÉDERM® treatment may last up to 1–2 years and further courses of treatment may be necessary. (September 2018). ™®Trademark(s) and registered trademark(s) of Allergan, Inc. Allergan Australia Pty Ltd. 810 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072. ABN 85 000 612 831. Allergan New Zealand Limited, Auckland. © 2018 Allergan. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: October 2018 ANZ/0104/2017.