Temporary Dermal Fillers

To maintain optimal correction, touch-up filler injections are usually needed when temporary dermal filler products are used. The frequency of repeat dermal filler treatments depends on the characteristics of the original filler product selected.
Without ongoing treatments, the temporary dermal filler product is gradually absorbed by the body and your face returns to its original contours.

There are a number of temporary Dermal filler products/agents;

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring protein, which is part of the connective and supportive tissues in the body. A non-animal stabilised form is used to optimise safety. There are no allergic reactions associated with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers because its structure is identical in all living organisms. Restylane® and Perlane®, are Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers made into a crystal clear injectable gel most commonly used for facial lines and lip enhancement cosmetic treatments. There is a very small risk of infection.

To minimise any discomfort, a topical or local anaesthetic can be applied to the area prior to treatment. These hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are safe, effective and can last up to 6-9 months.

Collagen - Dermal Filler

Collagen is the most abundant natural protein found in the body and provides structural support to skin, muscle, tendons and bone. Fibres of collagen are woven together, like threads in fabric, to form a framework into which new cells can grow. In the skin, collagen provides texture, resiliency and shape
CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® are collagen based dermal (skin) fillers made from human collagen and injected just below the skin's surface to smooth wrinkles, fill in deep furrows and folds, and restore the lip border.

Most people report that the dermal filler injections are relatively painless. To minimise discomfort, a topical or local anaesthetic can be applied to the area prior to treatment. Also, CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® contain an anaesthetic, which helps to temporarily numb the treatment area. Touch-up dermal filler  injections are usually needed two or three times a year. The amount of collagen used during follow-up dermal filler treatments are usually less than that used in the initial treatment.

Fat Graft (Fat Injection) Dermal Filler

The Fat Graft (fat injection) procedure involves extracting fat cells from the patient (usually abdomen, thighs or sometimes the neck) and then re-injecting them under the skin.

Fat is most frequently used as a dermal filler to fill in sunken cheeks or laugh lines between the nose and mouth. To minimise discomfort local anaesthetic is applied to both the donor area and the recipient area prior to treatment. However overcorrection of the area is necessary, when using fat as a dermal filler as some settlement occurs with time. This can result in some swelling and bruising initially which may last several weeks.

The longevity of the fat injection dermal filler varies significantly for different individuals. It can last anything from 6 months to several years. Some areas of the face tend to favour Fat Graft based dermal filling therefore making it last longer. Repeat filler fat injections may, therefore, be necessary.