Facial Dermal Fillers

Professor Mark Ashton

MB., BS. MD. FRACS (Plas)
Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Professor Mark Ashton is a Melbourne-based plastic surgeon. He is chair of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Epworth Freemasons Hospital, former Head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Royal Melbourne Hospital (2001 – 2016), and is one of Australia’s most respected and internationally renowned plastic surgeons.

The following information is designed to help you understand our process for facial dermal filler treatment, including assessment and suitability, and will emphasise essential information to consider before proceeding with surgery.

AHPRA registration number – MED0001135718

Discover More

Facial Dermal Fillers Melbourne

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal filler is a hyaluronic acid gel, a natural sugar component, which draws the body’s water into the site of the injection to increase volume to the area. The filler will dissolve gradually over time.

Dermal facial filler treatment may be performed to:

Re-volumise areas of your face that can lose volume as we age
Re-suspend and support facial soft tissues
Fill in irregularities or hollowing
Fill deep wrinkles

Dermal fillers are most commonly used in the upper cheek or malar area, the junction between your lower eyelid and cheek, lips, and fine lines above the upper lip area.

Assessment

Prior to treatment, you will be assessed for suitability of treatment, which includes discussing your concerns, assessment of your facial structure, skin and clinical photos. You will also be provided information regarding suitable treatment options, a financial quote, and an informed consent form, which must be signed prior to treatment being conducted.

How are dermal facial fillers performed?

A topical anaesthetic cream is offered prior treatment commencing.

Dermal filler is injected using a very fine blunt-tipped needle or cannula. The injection solution also contains local anaesthetic, to aid discomfort during treatment.

Different types of filler are used for different areas of the face. Fine and thin fillers are used to treat fine wrinkles under the eye area, and lips. Thicker filler is used to redefine and restructure the upper cheek area for more support.

Ice may be applied to the injection sites post treatment.

What should I expect after my treatment?

Initially, the area will be slightly swollen and red as a reaction to the injection.

Swelling may last 24 hours post injections.

You will see the results immediately, however, your face will take a few days to settle completely after your treatment.

Please avoid heavy lifting, physical exercise, or warm environments, which increase blood flow to the head and neck area, increasing the risk of bruising and swelling at the injection sites.

Fitting a dermal filler treatment into a busy and hectic schedule is not ideal. Please allow adequate time for treatment and recovery prior to any upcoming events or commitments.

We recommend a review assessment 2 weeks post treatment, and will schedule this as part of your treatment plan.

How long will dermal filler last?

Dermal filler lasts for 6 to 12 months.

What are the risks?

Persistent pain post treatment
Redness
Skin rash with itching
Swelling
Bleeding and bruising
Infection
Asymmetry
Palpable lump formation
Allergic or autoimmune reactions
Skin discolouration
Skin damage resulting in possible scarring
Blue, purple or white patches (can be near or away from injection site)
Death of tissue (necrosis), due to the blockage of a blood vessel from the dermal filler
Impairment or loss of vision; the dermal filler is injected into a high-risk vascular area of the face, blocking the arterial blood supply to the eye

For any non-surgical procedure, it is critical to follow the recommended, medical instructions from your qualified clinician, to ensure the outcome of your treatment is not compromised.