Times are changing: up to a few years ago most people were petrified of having dermal fillers injected for fear that their lips would walk into the room before them. However, dermal fillers are now becoming mainstream. Millions of treatments have been performed worldwide with good safety records established, though that is not to say there are no dangers. Certain areas are more dangerous than others and one needs to be aware of this. Dermal filler procedures of the nose and the frown area have a higher risk of complications and should only be performed by a specialist who is highly trained in anatomy and able to deal with any complications that may occur.
New Zealand is one of the few countries with a recognised training programme for doctors, and the interest in this programme is increasing exponentially. Botulinum treatments used to be 80% of our work, though is now leaning towards half as dermal fillers are on the rise due to new and improved techniques. For example, I was recently at a world conference in Sweden where I learned new techniques for treating the hollows below the eyes- always a tricky area. This new technique minimises the product used as well as swelling that can occur in the region.
Dermal fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid, a natural component of our skin. Benefits of having dermal filler treatments include stimulation of your own collagen production, decrease in water loss from the superficial skin layers resulting in improved skin hydration.
Younger people want enhancing procedures with dermal fillers. Some want bigger lips, where others want to correct a congenital deficit such as a small chin, hollow grooves under the eyes, or flat cheek bones. The 40-plus-year-old is looking for rejuvenation. As we age, our faces deflate, and fillers can be used to help lift the fat pads on the face, minimise lines and re-volumise where volume has been lost.
The best way to have filler treatment performed is to find a qualified treatment provider—don’t be afraid to ask what experience and qualifications they have. If they are a doctor they should be a member of the NZ Society of Cosmetic Medicine(NZSCM), that way you know they have been vetted and practice to a high standard. The doctor should perform a full facial assessment on you and together you should decide on a treatment regime.
So if you’re contemplating having a dermal filler treatment, don’t be afraid! In good hands you can be rejuvenated and… nobody even needs to know!
Words: Dr. Ellen Selkon
09 638 4242 | clinic42.co.nz | 321 Manukau Rd, Epsom
