Dermal filler will generally last 12-18 months, however in some people it will be longer than this.

It is important to have a good knowledge of the various dermal fillers that are available and their properties. They vary in the degree of lift they produce in the tissue, the stiffness (or softness) they produce in the tissue, the degree of hydration and their longevity. It is important to consider what if trying to be achieved in choosing the best type of filler for a particular patient. In a younger patient where volume is the main aim and where there is already good existing structure, a softer filler is ideal. In contrast, when we are trying to re-create structure in the lip as well as volume we would choose something with slightly more structure.

A numbing cream is applied to the lips 15-20 minutes prior to the procedure. This creates a good level of pain relief and allows for a very comfortable procedure. If required regional nerve blocks can be used (similar to what you would receive at the dentist), however this is rarely necessary.

Dermal fillers are a very safe procedure, however, as with any medical procedure there are some risks to consider. Most patients will have some degree of swelling associated with this treatment, but this will settle over the following few days. There may be some discomfort, bleeding or bruising. There have been cases in Australia of vascular injury whereby filler is inadvertently injected into a blood vessel. It is very rare but if it occurred could lead to necrosis of the skin or visual loss. A thorough knowledge of facial anatomy and safe injecting techniques can greatly minimise this risk, however if any signs were to occur the filler would need to be dissolved immediately.