What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are a cosmetic treatment designed to restore volume and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles whilst enhancing your natural facial contours. The treatment uses gel-like implants injected beneath the skin in areas on the face and neck where the loss of volume and dull, wrinkled skin are concerns. As we age, our bodies change, and one such change includes the natural substances collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid being produced less by our body. These natural substances produced by our bodies contribute to a youthful, glowing complexion and tight, plump skin. The loss of these elements causes our skin to sag, our cheeks and contours to become hollow from volume loss, our complexions to look dull and tired, and wrinkles to become more pronounced. Other factors such as sun exposure damage, lifestyle choices, and genetics can also cause unwanted changes to our appearance. Prices starting from $595. Complementary LED.

Are there any contraindications for dermal fillers?

Cosmetic injectables are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with health concerns such as autoimmune disease, skin inflammation or infection, asthma, and severe allergies. If you are unsure of your suitability, you can book an initial consultation to discuss your concerns, and if required, our knowledgeable clinicians can recommend alternative treatments.

Do dermal fillers hurt?

Most cosmetic injectables are infused with a local anaesthetic that will numb the area as you receive the injections. Patients have noted that cosmetic injectables are similar to a mosquito bite and feel very minimal discomfort

What specific concerns can cosmetic injectables treat?

Dermal fillers can treat a variety of skin concerns, including: Marionette lines Thin lips Volume loss Facial scarring from acne, burns, and injuries. Cheek depressions Nasolabial folds Laugh lines Crow’s feet lines Patients should have realistic expectations of the results dermal fillers can provide before proceeding with their treatment. Cosmetic injectables cannot drastically change your facial structure or shape but aim to enhance and improve the natural beauty of your face, highlighting your best features for a refreshed appearance.

What types of dermal fillers are available?

Hyaluronic acid is the most popular cosmetic injectable frequently recommended to patients. This is because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. When extracted and reformulated as an injectable, it has significant benefits with little risk of side effects or adverse reactions. It can dramatically improve your facial contours, reintroducing volume in depressed areas and plumping the skin to smooth out wrinkles, leaving the skin refreshed and hydrated. Collagen is another popular type of dermal filler composed of a naturally occurring substance found in the body. Its ability to provide structural support to underlying tissue help keeps your skin appear tight and lighted, reducing deep frown lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring whilst restoring volume and improving overall skin quality.

How many treatments are required?

This will depend on how long the results last for each patient, which can vary significantly based on how fast their body metabolises the filler. Generally, patients are expected to receive maintenance treatments every three to four months to ensure long-lasting, optimal results.

Facial Volume Consultations – Shellharbour Skin

What are Facial Volume Consultations?

Facial Volume Consultations are an opportunity to explore options for addressing concerns related to facial volume and contours. These consultations involve a thorough discussion about the use of injectable gel-like products, which are regulated as a prescription-only item.

As part of the natural ageing process, our bodies may change the way they produce substances like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. These components are integral to the skin’s structure, hydration, and overall appearance. Variations in these elements can lead to changes in skin texture and volume, such as the appearance of fine lines or shifts in the contours of the cheeks and other facial areas. Other factors, such as sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and genetics, can also influence the skin’s appearance over time.

Prices starting from $595.
Your personalised plan may include complementary services such as LED, which can be discussed during your consultation.

Exploring the Possibilities of Aesthetic Consultation Services

Aesthetic consultation services provide an opportunity to discuss a range of individual concerns and explore potential options. During your consultation, you can:

Discuss the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in areas such as around the eyes, forehead, mouth, and neck.
Explore options related to the shape, volume, and definition of your lips.
Talk about age-related volume changes in facial areas like the cheeks.
Understand how different approaches may support your skin’s natural processes.

Learn about options for addressing concerns related to facial contours and jawline definition.

Your Facial Volume Consultation at Shellharbour Skin

Your journey begins with an initial consultation with our skilled team of clinicians at our Shellharbour clinic. This is a crucial step before considering any procedures. During this comprehensive discussion, we will talk about your lifestyle and general health, including your medical history, any allergies, and any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is important to disclose any previous experiences with medications or skincare, as well as any other aesthetic procedures you may have recently had. All these factors are considered when assessing your suitability. The consultation is your dedicated time to ask any questions you may have.

Your clinician will ask about your current concerns and your reasons for exploring aesthetic options. We encourage you to discuss your personal aesthetic goals. All the information you provide is vital for creating a personalised plan that considers your health, concerns, and expectations, helping you make an informed decision.

What to Expect

Should you choose to proceed with a service after your initial consultation, the area of interest will be thoroughly cleansed. Your clinician will then administer a precise amount of the product to the selected locations.

Following the service, it is common for patients to experience temporary effects such as bruising and swelling. These effects generally subside over a few days, but the full settling-in period can take a week or two. Some patients may notice temporary unevenness or bumps on their skin. This is not typically a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms, such as persistent redness, tenderness, or pain, which could indicate a complication. If you experience these symptoms, it is important that you contact our clinic immediately.

Our Range of Facial Volume Consultation Services

At Shellharbour Skin, we offer a range of specialised consultations designed to address specific concerns commonly expressed by our patients. We can discuss various approaches and product types to help you understand your options.

Consultation for Under-Eye Volume

This consultation focuses on the under-eye area, specifically the junction where the lower eyelids and cheeks meet. We will discuss changes that can occur in this area over time, which some people feel contributes to a tired appearance. We can explore the options available to address concerns about hollowing or volume changes in this delicate region.

Consultations for Lip Concerns

These popular consultations are for individuals interested in discussing the appearance of their lips. We can talk about options related to lip volume, definition, and symmetry. The discussion will be tailored to your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals, helping you understand what to expect from potential procedures.

Consultations for Smile Lines

Nasolabial folds, the lines that can appear from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth, are a common topic of discussion. This consultation allows you to explore options for addressing the appearance of these lines. We will assess the area and discuss approaches that may be suitable for your concerns.

Consultations for Cheek Concerns

For those who have noticed changes in cheek volume or wish to discuss their natural facial contours, these consultations are ideal. We can explore options to address the mid-face area. The consultation will cover how different approaches can be used to discuss concerns about facial structure and the appearance of fine lines in the cheek area.

Consultations for Age-Related Volume Loss

As we age, changes in skin structure can lead to a loss of volume in various areas of the face and neck. These consultations are designed to provide a broad overview of options available to address generalised, age-related volume changes. We can discuss how certain products may be used as part of a comprehensive plan to support your skin’s appearance.

Costs of Facial Volume Consultations in Illawarra

The cost associated with any subsequent service varies for every patient. Pricing is based on factors such as the amount of product discussed and the specific areas of interest. We always recommend booking an initial consultation at our clinic to receive a detailed cost estimate for your personalised plan. During this appointment, our clinicians can assess your areas of concern and create a tailored plan based on your goals, health, and suitability.

Post-Procedure Considerations & Aftercare

The effects of any procedure are not permanent, and their duration can vary significantly from person to person. This depends on the type of product used, the area it is placed, and individual factors such as the body’s metabolism. During your consultation, your clinician will discuss the expected longevity of any proposed options.

To support your skin during the recovery period, your clinician will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan. This guidance may include:

Avoiding makeup for the first couple of days after your procedure.
Refraining from strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours.
Pausing the use of active skincare products for at least five days post-procedure.
Avoiding other skin procedures that could apply pressure to the area, such as microdermabrasion, skin needling, and facial massages.
Staying away from environments with extreme temperatures like saunas, spas, or hot yoga until the area has settled.
Keeping your head elevated for the first four hours after the procedure and avoiding inverted poses.

Understanding Potential Risks & Complications

As with any medical or aesthetic procedure, it is important to be aware of the associated risks and potential complications before making a decision. Potential risks associated with the use of these products include:

Infection
Weakened muscles
Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding
Haematoma
Skin discolouration
Itching
Skin ulcers
Vascular occlusion

This is not an exhaustive list, and all potential risks will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any contraindications for these services?

These services are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for individuals with certain health concerns such as autoimmune diseases, active skin inflammation or infection, asthma, and known severe allergies. If you are unsure of your suitability, an initial consultation is the best way to discuss your concerns. Our knowledgeable clinicians can help you understand all available options.

Is the procedure uncomfortable?

Many of the products used contain a local anaesthetic to improve comfort during the procedure. Patients typically describe the sensation as minimal, but individual experiences can vary. We can discuss comfort management options during your consultation.

What specific concerns can be discussed during a consultation?

Our aesthetic consultations can be used to discuss a variety of common skin and facial concerns, including:

Concerns suitable for Lower Face Consultations (e.g., marionette lines)
The appearance and volume of lips
Generalised volume loss
The texture of facial scarring from acne, burns, and injuries
The appearance of cheek depressions
Concerns suitable for Consultations for Smile Lines (nasolabial folds)
The appearance of expression lines (e.g., laugh lines, crow’s feet)

It is important to have a clear understanding of what can be discussed. The goal of the consultation is to explore options that align with your personal aesthetic goals and to provide a realistic understanding of the process.

What types of products are discussed?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most commonly discussed products. HA is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is a key component of the skin’s structure. The products used in these services are typically gel-like formulations of HA. Another category of products is based on substances that support the skin’s structure, such as collagen. Collagen is a natural protein in the body that provides structural support to tissues. Your clinician will discuss the different types of products available and which might be appropriate to consider for your specific concerns.

How many appointments are required?

This will depend on your personalised plan and the longevity of the product discussed, which can vary significantly based on how an individual’s body metabolises the substance. Generally, follow-up consultations may be recommended to review your progress and discuss maintaining your plan. The typical timeframe for these follow-up discussions can be discussed with your clinician.

Have a Question?

If you have a question, get in touch and one of our staff will be in touch shortly.