Marina Dentists provides patients with dermal filler packages in Auckland at competitive prices, while maintaining a high standard of medical care with unmatched attention to detail. We don’t take chances with inferior products just to save a few dollars. 

Are Dermal Filler Treatments Similar to Botox?

No, not at all, although they can be used to produce a similar effect. Apart from the fact that both dermal fillers and Botox are administered by injection, there is not much similarity between them.

First of all, Botox works by interacting with a muscle – it basically stops the signals from being received which would normally tell the muscle to contract. On the other hand, dermal fillers can more easily be compared to collagen. These dermal filler clinic treatments are used for two main purposes: to make wrinkles appear less defined, or to “plump up” facial features such as lips and cheeks.

Another difference between the two is that dermal filler injections are more often used in the lower parts of the face, whereas Botox is more often used in the upper parts of the face such as the eyes and forehead. However, rules are made to be broken, and there are times when Botox will be used in the lower parts of the face and times when dermal fillers are used in the upper parts of the face.

Does dermal filler treatment require pain relief?

Dermal fillers are considered to be more painful than Botox shots. They are usually injected into very sensitive facial areas, causing higher levels of discomfort. For this reason, some patients prefer to apply anesthetic cream to numb treatment areas before getting dermal fillers. Because lips are considered to be among the most sensitive face areas, we perform a dental block before each treatment. This procedure includes a few lidocaine injections and the application of an anesthetic gel to the gums.

How much time will it take to see the results after the procedure?

The advantage of this procedure is that you will be able to see immediate initial results. However, you will have to wait for a few days for the final results to appear. You will most likely experience some swelling and bruising for those initial couple of days – more so than what you would experience with Botox. The overall volume of the treated area will increase over the first couple of days.

How long does the dermal filler effect last?

Marina Dentists uses Theoxine and Bilatero which lasts between 9 and 12 months depending on the amount of filler applied and injection area. Other fillers are comparable in duration.

What will happen if I get only one dermal filler procedure?

If you discontinue getting dermal filler treatments, the effect will wear off with time. You WILL NOT have more wrinkles and less volume than you initially had.

Will it be obvious that I’ve had a dermal filler procedure?

Marina Dentists specialists do their best not to over-do dermal fillers. We stick to the rule that it’s better to underfill than overfill because we know that no one wants to have an ‘overdone’ look. It’s possible to reverse the effects of dermal fillers with subsequent enzyme shots. However, it can be a messy and unpleasant experience.

Are there any restrictions for getting dermal filler injections?

Yes. If you have some skin infection in the planned injection area, don’t get the treatment. We will be happy to see you some other time.

Are dermal fillers allowed for pregnant women?

We recommend to refuse from the procedure while you are pregnant though it’s unlikely to cause any adverse effect on your baby.

How Can Dermal Fillers Enhance My Appearance?

While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:

- Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)

- Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples

- Diminish vertical lip lines

- Plump & enhance the lips

- Smooth out a chin crease

- Improve symmetry among facial features

What are Fillers Made With?

There are a variety of filler products that cosmetic surgeons use. In general, fillers contain hyaluronic acid.

Which filler do I need?

With so many dermal filler products on the market, it can be difficult to know which option is best for you without an experienced cosmetic surgeon’s guidance. Each product is uniquely formulated to have a certain texture, density, and injection depth, which means that certain fillers work better for certain areas of concern.

What to Expect During Treatment

Dermal filler injections are non-surgical and typically completed during an office visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will meet with your cosmetic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals.

Pre-treatment consultation

During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history before treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. For instance, you need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.

Your injectable filler treatment

Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area before injection. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. Your provider will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically beneath the skin.

Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment. You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but your cosmetic surgeon may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity.

Find a qualified dermal filler provider

With the help of an experienced, qualified provider, injectable fillers can provide natural-looking enhancements to help you feel more confident in your appearance.  If you’re ready to learn more about your options, the next step is to meet with our specialists in Marina Dentists clinics.

For more information or to make an appointment please contact Pine Harbour Marina Dentists on 536 4361 or Half Moon Bay Marina Dentists on 535 1074.