Filler
HA fillers are smooth, injectable gels that contain synthesised hyaluronic acid, formulated to the closest of the natural hyaluronic acid that occurs in the skin.
Lip Fillers
As we age, the production of a number of key components in our skin decreases, including collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA). As a result, our skin loses hydration, volume and plumpness.
HA fillers are smooth, injectable gels that contain synthesised hyaluronic acid, formulated to the closest of the natural hyaluronic acid that occurs in the skin. They have a dual mechanism by which they restore volume loss, firstly by physically filling the area where they are injected and also by drawing water to themselves to enhance the filling effect of the product.
HA fillers can be used to address a myriad of the signs of ageing, including diminishing the depth of lines and wrinkles, reducing dark circles under the eyes, lifting the cheeks, hydrating and enhancing the lips and rejuvenating the hands. The results are instant, with minimal downtime, and can last from 9 to 24 months, depending on the type of product used.
FAQs
Anti-wrinkle injections work by blocking the signal between the nerve and the muscle, so the muscle can’t contract. As a result, the muscle beneath the lines where the Botulinum toxin has been injected relax, temporarily paralysing your wrinkles away. Fillers work by temporarily adding volume under the skin where the product is injected, which plumps and hydrates the skin.
HA fillers can be administered using either a tiny needle or cannula. They contain lidocaine, which is a local anaesthetic so and any pain experienced is minimal and brief. Dr Collins uses a combination of numbing cream and cold packs to minimise the discomfort for you. You can also take paracetamol before and after your appointment.
Immediately after your treatment, you may notice slight redness, swelling or tenderness in the area, which usually resolves within a few days. Some lumpiness may also occur and this also tends to resolve with time. The results are instant and the downtime is minimal.
Avoid massaging or putting extra pressure on the treated area for a few days after your treatment. Regular application of cold compresses can help to reduce swelling and bruising. It is best to avoid make-up for 12 hours after your treatment. Strenuous exercise, alcohol and air travel should be avoided for 3 days. In addition, dental treatments, other aesthetic procedures of any type, sun exposure and extreme heat should be avoided for 2 weeks.
The procedure is generally very well tolerated. You may experience injection site pain, itching, swelling, bruising, redness and/or lumps and bumps. Rarer complications include haematomas, induration or nodules, infection, abscess formation, granulomas, skin necrosis and blindness.
Aging of the skin is a complex, multi-step process. It is partially intrinsic, but it can be accelerated by extrinsic factors such as sun exposure, smoking, stress, an unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol. Regardless of your age, it is important to consider these modifiable factors and limit your exposure to them. Sun protection is absolutely essential, especially here in NZ where the sun is far harsher than in the northern hemisphere. As well as delaying the visible signs of aging, sun protection reduces your skin cancer risk, which again is vitally important here since we have one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world. If you can, invest in good quality skin care products from a cosmeceutical range. Dr Collins stocks Aspect Dr products, which you can purchase at the clinic and also online.
The cost is individualised and will be determined by your own unique anatomy and your desired results. The cost for 1ml of filler is $700/ml.