Cosmetic injections, such as dermal fillers, are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, due to their success in reducing facial wrinkles and lines, enhancing facial contours by adding volume to cheeks and lips, as well softening the appearance of scars.
Yet did you know that dermal fillers are prescription-only products, and injecting dermal fillers is a medical procedure that is highly regulated?
If you’re considering dermal fillers, it’s essential that you understand what’s involved, and that you have confidence in your skin doctor to perform the treatment.
Here are 10 questions to ask your skin doctor about dermal fillers:
1. What qualifications do you have?
At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, all dermal fillers are injected by a registered doctor, or a nurse under the supervision of a doctor, in accordance with Australian law. Our doctor-led skin clinic ensures the highest standard of safety and care.
Do not assume that all skin clinics operate to the same high standards. Some clinics interpret ‘under the supervision of a doctor’ as including doctors on the phone or via Zoom, and not even on site. This is reckless and dangerous and offers only a very low standard of care.
All injectors at Bass Coast Skin Doctors are highly qualified and receive up-to-the-minute training at industry conferences and workshops.
2. How long have you been performing dermal filler procedures?
It takes years to really master cosmetic injecting, and it’s important that your doctor has not just the qualifications, but the experience to back it up.
We are a doctor-led skin clinic and our doctors have more than 10 years’ experience in injecting.
3. Do you stock Hyaluronidase (Hyalase)?
Yes, for the simple reason that safety and care are our top priority.
Hyaluronidase has many purposes, including being able to dissolve dermal fillers in the extremely unlikely event of a serious complication. It’s rarely used, but all responsible clinics should have it on hand.
4. Can you provide before and after photos of your own work?
It’s important that clients understand how dermal fillers work and how they change the appearance of a face.
Our doctors will walk you through all our offerings, explain how they work, and show you before and after photos – all so you can make an educated and informed decision about getting dermal fillers.
5. Is there any down time with dermal fillers? If so, how long?
We recommend that you should not have a dermal filler procedure less than two to three weeks before an important event, due to mild bruising, which may occur.
6. What things can’t I do after getting dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers require little after-care, but there are a few things to avoid:
- If you feel or see a lump, don’t massage the area. Most lumps settle down within two weeks, and you should phone your doctor if a lump is still visible after this time
- Do not fly within 24 hours of a dermal filler procedure – any serious complications will have presented by then
- Don’t exercise for 24 hours after having a dermal filler procedure
- Do not apply make-up for three hours after your procedure
- Don’t schedule a dental appointment a month prior or a month after your procedure
- Do not have dermal fillers injected if you are feeling unwell or have a fever.
7. How can I contact you if I have a problem after getting dermal fillers?
Bass Coast Skin Doctors has an after-hours emergency number to call if you experience serious complications.
Your doctor will inform you of symptoms to watch out for and when to call. Our doctors are trained in administering Hyalase and managing anaphylaxis.
8. Do you use permanent dermal fillers?
No, although our dermal fillers have long lifespans, depending on which you use.
There are some clinics that do provide permanent dermal fillers, but most reputable ones don’t, due to the risk of complications and the inability to remove them in the case of severe complications.
9. If I am pregnant, can I get dermal fillers?
No. There are still questions about the effects of dermal fillers on an unborn child, so we recommend you wait until your baby has been born and you have finished breastfeeding before you have your next treatment.
10. Do you offer other anti-ageing treatments other than dermal fillers?
At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, we take a holistic approach to skin health. That usually includes dermal fillers as one component of a skin care regimen that includes other treatments and is formulated to your individual requirements.
Other elements may include anti-wrinkle injections, which partially paralyse muscles, resulting in the smoothing of dynamic lines, as well as treatments for sagging skin.
Got more questions? Get in touch with our skin doctors today
At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, we encourage our clients to ask questions, and we are committed to providing all the information needed to make an informed decision.
We are proud of our qualifications, experience and exceptional standards of care, so reach out today and have a conversation with our doctors and skin care professionals about your needs and how we can assist.
If you’ve been looking for a skin clinic that offers dermal fillers near San Remo or Phillip Island, Bass Coast Skin Doctors can help.
To get in touch, call our clinic on (03) 5618 7007 or book an appointment online here.