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WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?

At Restore Cosmetic Medicine we only use Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. They are an injectable gel containing Hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin (although of course this Hyaluronic acid is made in a lab). The benefit of Hyaluronic Acid is that it can be dissolved if needed.

DOES IT HURT?

The initial injection can be a little sore, like a blood test needle. Dermal fillers contain local anaesthetic so sting slightly initially (like an injection at the dentist) but are quite comfortable once the treatment has started. For particularly sensitive areas like lips, we use topical anaesthetic. Although not usually needed, we also have the option of local anaesthetic nerve blocks. Your comfort is a high priority.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

Please see our “pricing” page.

WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME LIKE?

This will vary between each individual depending on the treatment needed. Initially the area will feel numb (due to the local anaesthetic that is in the dermal filler), you may have some bruising and swelling and may feel slightly tender. Most people return to normal activities but we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours following treatment to reduce swelling.

WHAT AFTERCARE IS NEEDED?

Keep the area clean and avoid makeup for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise. Use ice or cold compresses if needed for pain and swelling. Avoid strenuous exercise or getting very hot e.g. in spa or sauna, and excessive alcohol for 24 hrs to avoid further swelling and bruising. If you experience any severe or increasing pain, change in skin colour or swelling you should contact us straight away.

HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

Dermal Filler typically lasts between 6 months and 2 years depending on the type of filler and area used. Thinner fillers like those used to soften fine lines and wrinkles typically last about 6 months, whereas thicker fillers like those used for volumising cheeks can last up to 2 years..

BELOTERO® is a Class III medical device to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore of enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Belotero® has risk and benefits. Ask your specialist if Belotero® is right for you. Contains transparent cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel of non-animal origin with lidocaine 0.3% to reduce local pain. Do not use if you have a skin inflammation or a skin infection or until the infection is healed. Precautions. There is a risk of infection. Tell your doctor if you are on blood-clotting medicines as there could be an increased risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Possible side effects: swelling, bruising, redness hardening of the skin, pain, altered colour or itching. Lasts 6-12 months. You will need to pay for this product and doctor’s fees apply. Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.

RESTYLANE® is a gel containing hyaluronic acid and lidocaine that is injected by a healthcare professional into or below the skin to smooth facial wrinkles and enhance lips by restoring volume and fullness. Restylane® is a Class III medical device has risks and benefits. Restylane® treatment may result in some redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, itching and/or bruising which may last a few days. Inflammatory reactions can begin up to two to four weeks after treatment in rare cases. See your healthcare professional if any side effects concern you. Exposure to excessive sunlight or extreme cold should be avoided until redness or swelling has resolved. Restylane® should not be used in an area where there is a non-resorbable implant or in irritated or infected skin, Restylane® should not be used in people taking blood thinning medicines or who have an allergy to hyaluronic acid, lidocaine or other local anaesthetics. Caution if you take medicines that prolong bleeding time. Treatment lasts 12-24 months. Restylane® has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN. Galderma, Auckland. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.

Juvederm Ultra™ & Juvederm Ultra Plus™ are medical devices Class III for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. Contains 24mg/mL. cross-linked hyaluronic acid Juvederm has risks and benefits. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler, people with autoimmune disease, or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years of age or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. People on blood thinning medicines. Possible side effects: injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling, itching/pain on pressure) induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Product and treatment costs will apply. Note: Juvederm treatment lasts about 12-24 months. For product information check with your doctor or product information at Allergan (NZ) Limited, Auckland.