Peoples’ bodies naturally change with age, which can cause wrinkles and even change our facial features. Fortunately, if it makes you feel more comfortable in your body to minimise the signs of ageing, various cosmetic procedures exist.
The cosmetic injectables industry was valued at $4.1 billion in Australia in 2024. It’s also forecasted to continue growing, as it helps people address their concerns about their appearance and boosts self-confidence.
One of the most common cosmetic procedures is dermal fillers. It refers to an injection that targets areas around the eyes, mouth and nose, providing immediate results. They can also range from lip filler, for adding shape and volume, to smoothing out wrinkle lines.
There is also a range of filler material options available, referred to as ‘types.’ This article will cover everything you need to know about dermal fillers, the different options available and the benefits so you can make an informed decision before getting treatment.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers refer to the material and the non-surgical enhancement procedure, where a material is injected under the skin to help reduce facial wrinkles and lines. The procedure can also be used to improve the appearance of scars.
Beyond wrinkles and scars, filler can also be used to contour the face by adding volume to an area. In particular, it has become a popular, non-invasive choice for individuals looking to shape their lips and cheeks.
Despite the myth, dermal fillers aren’t just for people dealing with the effects of ageing, either. Statistics show that the younger generation is embracing dermal fillers, especially to help with lip shaping.
There are various types of dermal fillers, usually determined by the material used. Below, are some of the most common types:
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
This is one of the most common types of dermal fillers in Australia. It’s made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance found in a person’s body. It has a wide application, from treating fine lines and scarring to contouring lips. It usually lasts 6-12 months.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
This type of filler is made from calcium hydroxylapatite, which is biocompatible and biodegradable. It is most often used for enhancing facial features, like the chin or jaw, and also stimulates collagen production. It lasts 12-18 months.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
Poly-L-lactic acid filler is only suitable for dealing with deep wrinkles and can’t be used as a lip filler. It stimulates collagen production, and the results can last two years or more.
Polycaprolactone (PCL)
PCL filler is a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid that provides longer-lasting results. It can be used as both a volumiser to contour facial features and as a collagen stimulator.
Fat injections
This type of dermal filler involves taking fat from another part of the body and then injecting it into the face to deal with deep wrinkles and scars. It is not as common as the other filler types.
When deciding between dermal filler options, we recommend doing further research into each type and considering your treatment goals. For example, some fillers are better than others if you’re planning to just add shape to your lips.
Another aspect to consider is that some dermal filler types are reversible. For example, all hyaluronic acid fillers can be easily reversed, whereas PLLA and CaHA cannot if you’re unsatisfied with the results.
The benefits of fillers
There are several upsides to dermal fillers, especially over other types of cosmetic procedures. Below, are some of the key benefits:
- Dermal fillers are usually cheaper than surgical cosmetic procedures.
- As dermal fillers are non-surgical, the recovery time is minimal.
- The dermal filler injection process usually takes less than an hour.
- Dermal fillers provide immediate results, and some types can last years.
- It can result in an improved skin texture and tone.
- Reduced signs of ageing, leading to a more youthful appearance.
Studies have found that injectable cosmetic treatments, like hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, are associated with ‘remarkable improvements’ in patients’ psychological and social functions. Dermal fillers can be an effective tool for improving mental health and reducing appearance-related anxiety and stress.
Potential risks and side effects
Like all procedures and treatments, there are potential risks and side effects involved with dermal fillers. It’s important to remember, however, that complications from injectable filler treatments are incredibly low, at 0.7 per cent.
The most common side effects of facial dermal fillers include redness, swelling, pain, bruising and itching. These are expected and most commonly occur at the injection site. They usually clear by themselves within a week or two.
Rare side effects and risks that you should keep an eye on include:
- Any signs of infection
- The dermal filler is leaking
- Nodules around the injection site
- Any inflammatory reactions like granulomas
- Tissue death
- Vision problems
- Any signs of an allergic reaction
- Numbness
- Scarring.
If you want to minimise the chance of rare side effects and risks from occurring, make sure to only ever get cosmetic injectables from a qualified, experienced professional.
During and after the procedure
In Australia, dermal fillers are prescription only, and they can only be performed and prescribed by an authorised registered health practitioner. Every dermal filler procedure starts with a consultation.
In the consultation, you’ll discuss with a registered health professional, like a cosmetic nurse or doctor, about your treatment goals. In this process, they will also explain the common side effects, potential risks and recovery.
During the procedure, the registered health professional will clean your skin to sterilise the site. A thin needle is then used to inject small amounts of the chosen filler into the targeted area. While it will sting, it shouldn’t be painful.
After the fillers are injected, the health professional will clean the site again and provide you with aftercare instructions. It’s extremely common to experience bruises, swelling or discomfort, but the side effects should resolve themselves within a few days.
Dermal filler results are usually immediate, especially for lip fillers. Keep in mind, though, that the outcome will vary from individual to individual. The result and how long they last will depend on a few factors, like the type of treatment received and the person’s metabolism.
While dermal fillers require an authorised health practitioner, they are available at more than just your regular doctor’s office. Many beauty services, like medical spas, have registered healthcare providers on site, like nurses, who can perform cosmetic injectables safely.