While dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are both forms of cosmetic injections and are often used in conjunction with each other, they do differ from each other in a number of ways.

Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkles have different actions. Dermal fillers are injected to add volume and can be used to shape and contour areas of the face. They are injected into the dermis of the skin to fill lines and sunken areas.

Anti-wrinkle injections are used to relax facial muscles which stops the contractions that cause skin to crease and wrinkle. The injections are administered through the skin, into targeted muscles.

Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections also differ in their longevity. Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6-18 months, whereas anti-wrinkle injections usually last around 4 months.

These treatments also differ in terms of what they are made of. Dermal fillers are usually made of a Hyaluronic Acid-based gel, and anti-wrinkle injections are made from a purified natural protein.

The pain experienced during a dermal filler treatment does differ by person, the most common feelings people report feeling during the treatment include a brief sting and/or pressure when the filler is being injected. However, in most treatments, your cosmetic specialist will administer a local anaesthetic or topical numbing creams on the areas being treated. Some filler products also include local anaesthetic mixed into the dermal filler itself, which can make the pain more tolerable.

When fillers are injected into the skin, they do cause the skin to stretch slightly as they fill out the sagging skin and wrinkles. However, this stretching affect isn’t permanent, and the skin will revert to its original state once the filler naturally dissolves.

A dermal filler treatment doesn’t take very long. In most cases, your appointment will between 30-60 minutes. And this will be dependent on a number of factors including whether it’s your first treatment, consultations, how many areas are being treated and where you are having the treatment done.

The amount of time that dermal fillers last does vary from person to person, and is dependent on a variety of factors, including:

• lifestyle factors
• the type of filler used
• where the treatment is administered on the body
• how many times you’ve had the treatment done before
• your genetic make up
• following the aftercare advice

Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6-18 months. Usually if it is the first time you’ve had the treatment it will last between 6-12 months. Sometimes, with repeated treatments, the longevity of the treatments increases, and can last up to 18 months.

Side effects of dermal fillers are usually not very long lasting and may involve:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness
• Soreness and tenderness around injection site

In most cases these will subside without any treatment within a few days.

In most cases, dermal fillers are made from a hyaluronic acid-based gel. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that naturally occurs in the skin and is able to be dissolved if something goes wrong during the treatment, or a patient decides they no longer wish to have the fillers.

Most cosmetic specialists require a consultation appointment prior to a dermal filler procedure. This consultation will involve determining whether you are an appropriate candidate for dermal fillers. This will also be the time to discuss your wishes and for you to ask any questions.

During your appointment where you will receive the dermal fillers, the procedure will begin by cleansing the areas being treated thoroughly. Once the cleaned, a local anaesthetic will be applied (in most cases) to the areas being treated to numb the areas.

Filler is then injected using either a cannula or a needle. Many specialists prefer to use a cannula as the blunt tip helps to avoid accidentally puncturing blood vessels.

Throughout the treatment, your specialist will regularly assess the placement of the filler to ensure that your desired results are achieved.

Dermal fillers are used in a variety of ways – usually to smooth wrinkles and creases in the skin, add volume to areas that may have lost volume, create symmetry, and to contour and shape facial features.

Most commonly dermal fillers are used in the following areas and ways:

• Lips
• Nose
• Cheeks
• Under eyes
• Jawline
• Chins
• Neck
• Marionette Lines
• Nose lines

Dermal fillers work to replace diminished fat, volume, collagen, and elastin that is naturally lost during the ageing process.

The filler works by attracting and holding onto water, which causes the filler to plump and swell slightly, providing a naturally voluminous appearance.

The filler creates a lifting effect which breaks down over time. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are a popular option for the treatment as hyaluronic acid naturally attracts water and also breaks down naturally over time.