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cosmetic fillers faq

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Cosmetic Fillers FAQ

by May Van den Broeck on Mar 31, 2025
Should you use cosmetic fillers under your eyes? Yes, fillers can be a great option for restoring volume under the eyes. However, some people overdo it.  Using too much filler in this area can make the under-eyes appear swollen or alter the natural shape of your features in an unflattering way. A conservative amount, around 0.25 to 0.3 mL under each eye, is usually sufficient to improve hollowing and soften the tear troughs without overloading the tissue. This treatment works best for individuals in their 30s who want a subtle refresh. For those in their 40s and beyond, where skin laxity becomes more of a concern, under-eye filler may need to be paired with other treatments for a more balanced outcome. Using high volumes of filler under the eyes can increase the risk of swelling, fluid retention, or even the Tyndall effect—a bluish tint under the skin. We support the use of under-eye filler in the right patients, but always with restraint. In some cases, combining it with treatments like fat transfer may provide a more natural, longer-lasting result. Can cosmetic filler be used to fill lines around the mouth? Yes, it can, but technique and moderation matter. With careful placement and a conservative approach, it is possible to soften these lines without compromising your natural facial movement. The lines around the mouth, including nasolabial folds, deepen with age as the cheeks descend and the fat pads shift downward. Even children have these folds, so their presence is not purely a sign of ageing. When using filler here, it must be placed superficially and in very small amounts. It is best to inject perpendicular to the skin and target only the creased areas for subtle improvement without puffiness. Overfilling this region can cause the filler to spread, leading to an unnatural or overdone appearance. How long do cosmetic fillers last? Initially, it was believed that cosmetic fillers break down completely within 6 to 18 months. However, recent studies have shown that traces of filler can remain in the tissues for five to ten years, even if they are no longer visible on the surface.  When more filler is added without properly assessing what is already there, it can gradually build up and affect the overall appearance. Over time, this accumulation can cause swelling, distortion, or even changes to the underlying facial structure. In some cases, it may also leave behind residual scar tissue. To avoid this, we recommend spacing out treatments and focusing on maintaining balance, rather than continuously chasing volume. When it comes to fillers, more is not always better. Do you suggest filler in the temple to lift the eyebrows? We do not recommend using filler in the temples with the goal of lifting the brows. Eyebrow sagging is usually a symptom of broader facial laxity, and attempting to lift the brow by injecting volume into the temples is not anatomically sound. In most cases, the amount of filler required to lift the area would leave a visible bulge and not deliver the desired lift. That said, mild temple hollowing can be treated with filler for aesthetic balance.  Volume loss in this area is common and can cause the upper face to appear aged or gaunt. A small amount of carefully placed filler can reduce hollowness and help support nearby structures without altering the natural shape of the face. Any correction in this region should be done conservatively, with the aim of softening shadows, not reshaping anatomy. Where do you recommend getting fillers, and how often? The areas most suitable for filler depend on your facial anatomy and where natural fat depletion occurs with age. Based on our clinical experience and known ageing patterns, here are common treatment areas: Temples: Restoring volume in the temples can soften hollowing and improve facial contour. Lower eyelids: Treating under-eye hollowing can reduce dark circles and create a fresher, more awake appearance. Upper eyelids: Subtle volume in this area can soften signs of ageing and balance eye shape. Lips: A filler is added to the lips to help replace lost volume, refine shape, or enhance symmetry. Pre-canine fossa (beside the nose): Treating this area can soften nasolabial folds and improve overall facial harmony. Patients in their 30s to early 40s often see the best results from filler treatments, as their skin is still firm enough to support added volume.  For individuals with more significant skin laxity—typically those in their mid-50s and above—filler alone may not be enough to achieve the desired effect. In these cases, combining filler with other treatments, such as skin tightening or surgical options, may deliver more effective and natural-looking results. In addition, fillers do not need to be applied everywhere at once. Thoughtful placement and spacing between treatments ensure natural, gradual improvements without overfilling. Can you use fillers to address the smile lines? Smile lines, also known as laugh lines or marionette lines, form from repeated facial expressions and the natural ageing process. Everyone develops them eventually, and they are a normal part of how the face moves. These lines become more pronounced as facial support weakens and tissues sag. If you gently lift your cheeks with your hands and notice the lines smooth out, that is a sign that volume loss and sagging are the main culprits, not movement alone. Filler can help soften these lines, but only if applied with a very light hand. Lip filler placement must be superficial and based on the firmness of the surrounding tissue. Too much filler in this area can weigh down the mouth and disrupt the natural dynamics of your smile. At Flawless Aesthetics, we believe true beauty lies in balance. With our approach to Parramatta cosmetic fillers, we focus on creating refinements that preserve natural movement while softening harsh shadows. Your face should still look like you, only fresher and more balanced, that's why we aim to enhance expression rather than erase it.
aftercare dermal fillers sydney

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Aftercare for Dermal Fillers: Things to Avoid Post Treatment

by Carla Lanza on Jan 27, 2025
Dermal fillers can refresh and enhance your natural beauty, restoring volume and smoothing out lines for a more youthful appearance. But getting the best results doesn't just depend on the treatment itself. It's also about how you care for your skin afterwards. While the procedure is minimally invasive, there are a few things to avoid in the days following your appointment to ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting effects. Understanding How Dermal Fillers Work Before diving into aftercare for dermal fillers, it's helpful to understand what's happening beneath the surface. Like treatments for dynamic and static lines, dermal fillers are also metabolised by the body and safely excreted through the liver and kidneys. However, a treatment for expression lines is injected into the muscle to soften wrinkles, while fillers are injected deep into the skin to add volume.  They both sit beneath the surface, gradually integrating with your natural tissue and providing structure where needed. Because they remain in place for months before the body slowly metabolises them, you need to avoid anything that might displace or disrupt them in the early stages. What to Avoid After Treatment for Expression Lines Treatments for dynamic and static lines are safe, but there are a few things to avoid post-treatment. 1) Avoid Intense Cardio and Other Strenuous Activities We know how tempting it is to stick to your fitness routine, but it's best to give intense workouts a break for at least 24 hours. Strenuous activity increases blood flow and raises your heart rate, which can lead to swelling or bruising around the injection sites. Gentle walks are fine, but anything that makes you break a sweat should wait until the following day. Giving your body time to settle will help ensure the best possible results. 2) Hold Off on Makeup and Facial Tools Hold off on makeup for at least 30 minutes. The tiny punctures left by the injections need time to close up, and applying foundation, concealer, or powder too soon could introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of irritation or infection.  Giving your skin this brief window to heal helps ensure a smoother recovery and better results. Beyond makeup, facial tools like jade rollers and Gua Sha stones should also be avoided for now. While they're great for circulation and lymphatic drainage under normal circumstances, they can disrupt your results immediately after treatment.  Increased blood flow to the area can lead to bruising or even cause the injectable to migrate before it fully settles. We want your treatment to deliver the best possible outcome, so it's worth waiting before reintroducing these tools into your routine. By the next day, you'll be free to resume your usual beauty rituals. If you're unsure about any part of your aftercare, we're always here to guide you through the process. 3) Stay Upright for the Best Results For the first four hours after your treatment, it's important to stay upright. Lying down too soon can put pressure on the treated areas and increase the risk of bruising or causing the injectable to migrate before it fully settles. We want your results to be precise and natural-looking, so give the product time to integrate properly. Sleeping position matters, too. On the first night, try to avoid resting on the side of your face where you received treatment. This small adjustment helps ensure even distribution and prevents any unintended shifting of the product. If you're a side sleeper, consider using an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated. 4) Don't Drink Alcohol  Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, so it can increase the risk of bruising and swelling. While an occasional glass of wine won't undo your results, it's best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your treatment. It's better to drink enough water to support your body's natural healing process. It can make a big difference in how quickly your skin recovers. What to Avoid After Having Dermal Fillers Dermal fillers do more than just smooth out lines. They also restore lost volume and enhance your natural contours. Unlike treatments for expression lines, fillers target static lines, such as nasolabial folds and vertical lip lines.  While dermal fillers are a safe and effective way to refresh your appearance, certain activities can interfere with how the product settles, so it's important to be mindful of what you do in the early stages of healing. Here's what to avoid to ensure your skin recovers beautifully. 1) Don't Touch, Massage or Press Treated Areas It's natural to want to check out your results, but resist the urge to touch, press, or massage the treated areas. Fillers need time to settle, and unnecessary pressure can lead to migration, affecting the final shape and symmetry. Even routine activities like sleeping on your face or wearing tight-fitting masks should be avoided for the first few days. Let the fillers do their job undisturbed unless your injector recommends massaging specific areas. 2) Delay Facials and Certain Skincare Treatments For at least 24 hours, avoid facials, chemical peels, or any skincare treatments that involve exfoliation or heat. Dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and other deep treatments can put pressure on your skin and interfere with how the fillers settle.  Additionally, some active ingredients, such as retinol and strong acids, can irritate the skin after getting derma fillers. We recommend sticking to gentle, hydrating products and allowing your skin to rest before gradually reintroducing stronger treatments. 3) Watch Your Eyewear If you've had dermal fillers in your nose, cheeks, or under-eye area, avoid wearing heavy glasses or goggles that put pressure on the treated areas. The weight of certain eyewear can shift the filler, especially within the first week. If you must wear glasses, choose a lightweight frame and try not to wear them for prolonged periods to maintain symmetry and prevent any unwanted indentations. 4) Avoid Direct Sun Exposure Freshly treated skin can be more sensitive to UV rays, so it's essential to keep sun exposure to a minimum. Prolonged time in the sun, as well as tanning beds, can lead to inflammation and increased redness and swelling around the injection sites. If you need to be outdoors, apply sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a hat for extra protection. Shielding your skin in the early days post-treatment helps maintain your results and prevents unnecessary irritation. Giving Your Skin the Best Start After care for dermal fillers​ is just as important as the procedure itself. By following these simple guidelines, you'll minimise side effects and help your dermal fillers settle beautifully. We always recommend checking in with your injector if you have any concerns or notice anything unusual. For those considering dermal fillers in Parramatta, we're here to provide expert guidance every step of the way. Our goal at Flawless Aesthetics is to ensure that every patient achieves natural, long-lasting results. If you have any questions about aftercare or want to learn more about what to expect, we'd love to chat.