Dermal Fillers

Like any injectable treatment, Dermal Fillers come with some very common, mild side effects such as redness or bruising at the injection sites, which usually disappear within a few days.

However, it’s important to be aware of the actual risks, such as vascular occlusion, delayed onset of nodules (DONs), filler migration, and in extremely rare cases, blindness. While these risks are serious, they can be greatly minimised by choosing a skilled provider who has a deep understanding of facial anatomy, proper technique, and product selection.

That "pillow face" look is definitely a concern for many people considering fillers.  But the good news is, when done correctly, fillers are great at enhancing your features subtly and naturally.

"Pillow face" isn't caused by the filler itself, but rather by poor technique, a lack of expertise, or using the wrong product for the specific area. Overfilling, not maintaining facial balance, and going to multiple different clinics can all contribute to an unnatural look. That's why choosing an experienced and qualified practitioner is absolutely crucial. They'll have the knowledge and artistry to create natural-looking results that are both safe and effective.

Under-eye dark circles are a multifactorial issue, often caused by a mix of genetics and the natural aging process. As we age, fat pads can shift downward, creating hollows that cast shadows, making dark circles more prominent.

Dermal Fillers can only help restore volume loss in the tear trough area and slightly improve the hollow. However, if pigmentation, puffiness or thin skin is the main cause, fillers won’t solve the issue. In these cases, treatments like collagen boosters for skin quality, and pigmentation treatments should be employed first.

Addressing all the underlying causes is the best way to achieve brighter, more natural-looking results.

The main difference between Dermal Fillers and Sculptra lies in their ingredients and how they work. Dermal Fillers, typically made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid, provide immediate volume and hydration in areas where fat has been lost. On the other hand, Sculptra works behind the scenes, using Poly-L-lactic acid to gradually stimulate your body’s collagen production. Over time, this natural boost in collagen results in a subtle, volumising, and lifting effect that enhances your features in an effective yet understated way.

Fillers give almost instant results, lasting up to one year depending on the product used, how quickly your body metabolises it, and your personal lifestyle. Sculptra's results can last up to two years, but you'll start seeing noticeable improvements around six weeks after treatment.
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One of the great advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they can be dissolved. However, it's not simply a matter of "trying it out" and dissolving if you don't like it. Dissolving fillers can also affect your own natural hyaluronic acid, potentially leading to asymmetry or other unwanted outcomes.

That’s why we prefer a conservative approach – starting with just enough, then refining if needed. It's much easier to add more filler later than to try and correct overfilling.

Additionally, because hyaluronic acid fillers attract water, you might see some additional volume in the weeks after treatment, so it's important to be patient and allow the filler to settle before making any decisions about dissolving.

Focusing on skin quality first is a modern approach to aesthetics. While fillers can add volume and address specific areas of concern, they don't improve the overall texture, tone, or elasticity of the skin itself. Therefore, treating only isolated areas can create an uneven or unnatural appearance if the surrounding skin doesn't match.

For example, enhancing the lips without addressing the surrounding framework such as smoker’s lines, downturned mouth corners, and poor skin quality can make the results look out of place rather than seamlessly rejuvenated.

Treatments like skin boosters and a personalised skincare help create a strong foundation by improving hydration, collagen production, and overall skin quality. This not only makes fillers look better and last longer, but can even reduce the need for fillers altogether.