Long-acting Filler

The 5 year filler

What is a Long-acting Filler? 
It is non-biodegradable dermal filler. Non-biodegradable indicates that the product breaks down very slowly in the skin over years.

What is the name of the product we are talking about?
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration forbids the advertisement of the name of the product we are talking about. Should you wish to know the specific name of the product, for your information, please e-mail us on product@abccs.com.au

What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers enhance appearance and decrease the effects of aging on the face.  Lines and wrinkles anywhere on the face can be filled with dermal fillers to give a smoother appearance. Lips can be treated to increase pout and to decrease the problem of lipstick bleeding. The injection of dermal fillers is a very exacting task requiring close attention to detail.  It is performed in a well-lit room, with the assistance of magnification.

What is the difference between a Long-acting filler and other fillers?
All dermal fillers are effective at reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  Individual patients need to find which dermal filler is most suitable in their case.  A Long-acting filler is a synthetic gel that will remain in the skin for many years without generating any inflammation or immunological reaction.  Long-acting fillers are becoming increasingly popular because the correction achieved may last for very long periods of time approaching five years and possibly longer.  This is very good news for patients who are experienced in the use of dermal fillers.  Patients who are experimenting with dermal fillers are strongly advised to try shorter acting fillers until they are ready for a Long-acting.

How much do Long-acting fillers Cost?
The cost of Long-acting filler is $1320.00 per millilitre. Patients are advised that, after the initial treatment, progress treatments may be necessary. More product may need to be injected after six to twelve months, to the same area, to restore the correction initially achieved. 

What are the risks of Long-acting fillers? 
The treated area can become lumpy and infected.  The risk of lumpiness is reduced by accurate placement of the product in the skin.  If lumpiness persists, the lumps may require surgical removal.  Removal may result in some visible scarring. Infection is the biggest risk with Long-acting fillers.  If the product becomes infected, it may become inflamed, painful and lumpy. Under these circumstances, the product will again need removal.
To prevent infections, patients should do the following:

1. Visit a dentist for a check-up
2. Have a nose swab and a urine test organised by the treating doctor
3. Defer Long-acting filler treatment for six weeks after any major infection

At the time of Long-acting filler treatment the patient should do the following:

1. Take an oral antibiotic for a few days
2. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the treated area for a few days
3. In general leave the area alone

Who should not undergo Long-acting filler treatments?
Patients with the following conditions are strongly advised to avoid Long-acting fillers:

1. Prone to chronic infections
2. Prone to severe allergic reactions 
3. Pregnant or breast feeding
4. Active cold sores
5. Taking cortisone
6. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
7. Taking anti-coagulant medication

If there is any doubt, please discuss all matters with the treating doctor.

How are Long-acting filler treatments performed? 
Filler is injected into the skin of the face with very fine needles. Injection of the product causes a painful, burning sensation. Most patients will require local anaesthetic injections to numb the area being treated. Some patients find it comfortable enough to undergo treatments using a local anaesthetic cream. Ice can be applied before treatment, to assist the effect of the anaesthetic, and after treatment to help the skin to settle. Treatments are performed in a well-lit room and magnification is used for accurate placement. Some swelling of the treated area will be present which will settle overnight.

How long will Long-acting filler treatments take?
Treatments take about 15 to 45 minutes.

When will I see the result of my Long-acting filler?
Needle marks will be visible but will disappear overnight.  Most patients will be ready to show their result in public by the next day.

How often will I require treatments?
After the first treatment, a progress treatment may be required after six to twelve months.  After that the result should last five years.

Is my treatment guaranteed?
There are many factors that determine the final result of treatments.  No guarantees can be given of a particular result or how long the result will last. 

What are the alternatives to Long-acting fillers?
For a full discussion regarding the treatments available for wrinkles , please see the wrinkles page.
 

Can Long-acting fillers be combined with other cosmetic procedures?   
It is best not to combine Long-acting filler treatments with other cosmetic procedures.

LONG-ACTING FILLER POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

What will happen?
The result of your treatment will be evident immediately.  During the first two days, the needle marks will settle and disappear.  Redness and swelling in the treatment areas will also disappear.  You can apply ice compresses to the treatment areas if you experience any discomfort or to speed up recovery.

How do I apply ice-compresses?
The most important thing to remember is to never apply ice directly to the skin of the face because it can cause burning of the skin.  Always place a barrier between the ice and the skin.  A suitable barrier is a cloth like a tea towel.  Ideally the cloth should be lightly damp.  Place the ice or ice-pack inside the damp cloth and apply to the treatment areas for 5 to 10 minutes two to four times per day.  Apply ice compresses only if necessary, most people do not need them.

What should I avoid?
It is recommended that, for the first 2 days, you avoid all activities that can increase lines and wrinkles on your face.  Keep your face as still as possible to allow the filler to absorb as evenly as possible.  Try to sleep on your back so that the skin on your face will drape evenly.  If your lips have been treated, you should avoid pursing your lips.  You should therefore avoid using drinking straws.

What can I do to improve my result?

• Take a multi-vitamin to promote better healing.
• Take the oral antibiotic prescribed
• Apply the antibiotic ointment prescribed, to the treated area, morning and night
• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the treated area
• Generally leave the area alone

What must I not do?
For the first 24 hours....

• Don’t touch the injection site
• Don’t apply make-up
• Don’t shampoo your hair 
• Don’t swim or exercise vigorously
• Don’t expose yourself to extreme heat or cold
• Don’t kiss 
• Don’t drink very hot beverages

What shall I do if my result wears off quickly?
Do not panic. Wait four weeks to give the filler adequate time to distribute evenly into the tissues.  If you still feel that the effect has disappeared, come in for a follow up appointment. 

If you are concerned about anything always call the clinic.

Would you like more information about Long-acting fillers?
e-mail consultation click here…  enquiry@abccs.com.au