Two experts weigh in on the topic
According to Google Trends, the search volume for fillers in Australia has tripled in the last five years, and quadrupled from the last ten. There’s no doubt that people are curious, if not interested, in the topic.
We spoke with two leading experts in the field, Dr. Steven Liew and registered nurse Natalie Abouchar, about the most common questions they get asked about the topic. Here, we’ll cover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about dermal fillers and injectables.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-based and can be injected into the skin to plump up an area. “Traditionally, they are injected to fill up wrinkles, however these days, dermal fillers can be put into the skin or in deeper regions such as your fat or on top of bone to provide structuring,” says Dr. Liew.
How long do dermal fillers last for?
While there are such a thing as permanent fillers, the most commonly used ones are semi-permanent. “They can last anywhere between three to eighteen months, depending on where it is placed and which brand of filler is used,” says Abouchar. When it comes to lip injectabes, Dr. Liew adds, “As there is greater movement in the lips, they tend to last around six months.”
What are the most popular areas to inject dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers can be injected almost anywhere, but it is most commonly done in the face. “The most popular area to inject dermal fillers in Australia, as in most Western countries, is the lips for females and then the cheeks,” says Dr. Liew. “We are becoming more advanced so we can now use fillers in almost every part of the face, ranging from your temples, to your nose and jawline.”
However, “the tear troughs (under the eye hollows) are also very common and a popular request,” finishes Abouchar.
Where else can you inject dermal fillers?
Surprisingly, doctors around the country are getting requests for body injections, too. “We can use fillers in areas on the body such as the décolletage, neck and hands to rejuvenate crépey skin and fine lines in these areas,” says Abouchar. “In other countries, fillers can be used for breast augmentations, however this is not available in Australia.”
Is it possible to look natural with the addition of dermal fillers in your face?
It really comes down to your doctor’s aesthetics and the look you are trying to achieve, but it is certainly possible. “The combination of using the filler both in the deeper areas to combat the ageing process of the bone and the deep pocket of the fat, is the key of a natural approach,” explains Dr. Liew. “We want to maintain the volume, the shape of the cheeks and lips and we want to maintain the overall structure of the face. This, together with the subtle use of anti-wrinkle injectables can soften the lines, rather than freeze the face. This is the key to getting a good aesthetic outcome.”
Should you ever bring in a photo, such as of a celebrity, as a point of reference?
If you’re feeling particularly inspired by a celebrity’s fresh new look, it may be a great idea to bring in some pictures of them. “It can definitely help to bring in a photo if the patient has trouble describing what they do and don’t like,” says Abouchar. “However, the problem with bringing a photo of a celebrity is that most people don’t have the same facial structure as the celebrities.”
But most of all, you shouldn’t ever expect to look exactly like a celebrity after getting injectables. “It’s very important, as a professional, to advise them that while those features may look good on a particular celebrity, it does not mean it will look good on another person, as it’s all about proportion,” finishes Dr. Liew.
What questions should you ask your injector?
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always a good idea to speak up with your doctor. “You should also ask how much is being injected, what the reason is for recommending this filler in a particular area, and if there are any risks and side effects,” says Abouchar. Dr. Liew also adds, “You should also ask what type of filler is the doctor using, how long the product has been on the market (particularly whether it is approved by Australian authorities) and how long it is going to last for.”
Alternatively, try these makeup tricks to enhance your lips or go for these products to boost collagen in skin.
Please visit www.myfacemyallergan.com.au for further information. The views in this article are that of the BEAUTYcrew team and the experts interviewed.
Main image credit: Edward Urrutia
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
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