Dermal filler, also known as Hyaluronic Acid treatment is an injection treatment designed to offer a temporary improvement to wrinkles, folds, volume loss, lip augmentation, scars and/or facial contouring. There may need to be multiple treatment sessions in some cases in order to achieve the desired result.

The Dermal Filler injections tend to last around 6 to 12 months before beginning to show a decrease in cheek fullness. Multiple treatments will be required to extend this time.

An increase in cheek volume should be noticeable immediately after treatment. The full effect of the treatment will become increasingly visible over the following 2-3 weeks post-treatment.

Avoid fish oil and krill oil 1 week prior to the procedure.

Avoid chemical peels 1 week prior to treatment.

Advise the doctor or nurse treating you if you:

• Are regularly taking blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, warfarin etc. 
• Have any allergies
• Have sunburn, eczema or psoriasis 
• Are currently taking aminoglycoside antibiotics
• Have a predisposition to cold sores
• Are due to fly within the 2 weeks of the procedure

Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should not have this treatment. Those taking Warfarin or have existing permanent Dermal Fillers should also not have this treatment.

For the first 8 hours, you should avoid touching the area. Do not massage the area unless you are instructed to do so by your practitioner.

For the first 24 hours, avoid drinking alcohol and do not expose the area to sunlight, a sauna, or a solarium.

For the first 72 hours, try and sleep on your back rather than your side or stomach to avoid pressure on the area. Also, avoid facial waxing.

There may be some swelling in the first few days after the treatment and you may feel some pain upon touching the area. Use an ice pack to relieve the area as needed, as this can also help prevent bruising. If you do choose to apply make-up to the area, ensure that you are very gentle with the skin.