Belotero® Restylane®

What are they?

Dermal fillers are medical device containing smooth injectable gels, typically made up of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance found in all mammals that helps to hydrate and add volume to the skin. HA is found in the highest concentrations in our joints, eyes, and the skin. In the skin it acts as a humectant (attracts water) and therefore plumps and hydrates. With age the level of hyaluronic acid diminishes contributing to the loss of overall integrity and fullness otherwise seen in youthful skin. Manufactured HA dermal fillers provide a temporary option to restore hydration and volume and are injected with precision into areas of concern. There are many dermal fillers to choose from and `Imperfect’ only uses Premium Med Safe & Approved Hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

Why have them?

Because they do what they say they will do!!! When administered with care and anatomical understanding dermal fillers can restore volume, correct static wrinkles and folds and erase fine lines, whilst providing the skin with support and hydration. Dermal Fillers rejuvenate and enhance facial features, restore youthful contours and provide an instant natural result.

How do they work?

They simply they add volume where volume has been lost . The hyaluronic acid contained within the smooth injectable gel is like a sponge that can attract and retain 1,000 times its own weight in water making it an excellent medium to replace volume losses and re-hydrate the skin. Dermal fillers therefore help boost the skin's supply of hyaluronic acid which is instantly rejuvenating - it diminishes the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and gives a natural softer look.

What are they used to treat?

Lips

Cheeks

Lower Face

Fine Lines

What does treatment involve?

A thorough consultation is first and foremost. This is an integral part of the treatment process that takes time and should not be underestimated or rushed. It is extremely important to ensure clients are well informed before consenting to any procedure and equally for the clinician to ascertain health wise if a client is appropriate for treatment or not. Treating a few days after the consultation is recommended as it gives the client time to think and weigh up whether or not treatment is for them.

Treatment itself often requires some form of anatomical mapping to identify the areas to be treated. This will entail photographs, perhaps some medical penciling (fancy name for white eyeliner) to section the face, establish proportions and plan product placement. Topical and local anesthetics can be considered for comfort, however not always necessary as the dermal fillers administered by `Imperfect’ contain lidocaine to ensure all treatments are as comfortable as possible. The procedure is reasonably quick usually taking no longer than 20 minutes. Either a needle or cannula are used to place the right amount of product at the correct depth and position to achieve desired results. Dermal fillers do require administration by an experienced Registered Cosmetic Nurse or Doctor who are well versed in facial anatomy. Results are instant but not necessarily a true representation of final outcome due to the potential for inflammation and or bruising at the time of treatment. Dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid and therefore humectant (water attracting) so it is also likely you will see more lift as tissue integration takes place. At the time of treatment you definitely get an idea of the result but true results I believe are two to four weeks down the track. It is at this time I encourage a follow up appointment.

Does it hurt?

Treatment can be uncomfortable and slightly weird feeling, but is generally well tolerated. `Imperfect’ only uses products with a numbing agent in it (lidocaine) to ensure placement is a comfortable as it can possibly be. ‘The thought of the procedure often hurts more than the procedure itself’ Natalie Wilkes (Imperfect)

Is there any down time?

Generally there is little down time expected following a treatment but it is an injectable procedure so there is no getting away from the potential risk of redness and mild to moderate swelling. Localized tenderness for a few days following treatment is also common. Mild to moderate bruising can occur in some individuals. ‘Imperfect’ does advise planning dermal filler treatments around special events.

How often do I need it?

After your initial treatment, an additional top up treatment may or may not be necessary, at about four to six weeks down the track to further enhance or fine tune things. ‘Imperfect takes a ‘less is more’ approach with dermal fillers as overdoing it goes against its conservative approach which actively protects the uniqueness of the natural anatomy. However once you have achieved your ideal result, treatment can last from 6-12 months depending on the area treated. Highly mobile areas like the lips or around the mouth tend to require top ups more regularly whereas the cheek area tends to hold for longer.

Are there side effects?

As the Dermal Fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body, an adverse reaction is highly unlikely. If any client believes they are experiencing side effects `Imperfect’ encourages them to make contact immediately to ensure maximum safety and satisfaction. ‘Imperfect’ only uses premium dermal filler that are approved by Med Safe and have a proven safety record. As previously discussed most side effects are injection-related, such as swelling, bruising and discomfort which will resolve over a few days.

Can anyone have it?

NO it is not safe for everyone.

Treatment is absolutely contraindicated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. As part of your consultation and treatment your treating medical professional will discuss your medical history, current medications, illness or allergies that may impact on your suitability to undergo treatment with dermal fillers.

Can it be combined with other products?

A combination of cosmetic products and/or procedures in addition to dermal filler is often recommended.

Regular botulinum injections is considered the best way to delay the ageing process by preventing and softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These treatments alone can achieve an overall fresh rejuvenated look, however the addition of dermal filler helps to contour the face and helps replace volume loss due to the aging process.

Skin treatments including but not limited to PRP, Neogen Plasma, Dermapen, Laser and Peels - help boost collagen, lighten pigmentation, firm and tighten loose skin, reduce the appearance of scaring and have pore reducing abilities.

Topical serums and skin care are like the icing on the cake, they further enhance the appearance of the skin by evening skin tones, plumping, hydrating, nourishing, and probably most importantly protecting it.

Collectively a combination of these treatments will facilitate a more youthful rejuvenated appearance overall. Timing tends to be the issue with combination treatments and it is important you let your Registered Cosmetic Nurse or Doctor know if you have recently had cosmetic treatment of any kind. There is often a recommended downtime between treatments to ensure optimal results and to avoid adverse effects of one treatment interfering with another.

Are all dermal filler the same?

No. Dermal fillers differ in composition, so treatments can be tailored to match the structural and functional needs of the targeted area. For example softer fillers with smaller particles are used in the lips, while sturdier fillers with larger particles tend to be selected to enhance cheekbones. Fine lines require a filler with very small particles, low viscosity and low elasticity so it spreads easily evenly into the tissue.

What happens if I stop?

If you decide to stop having treatment with Dermal Fillers you will find the volume will slowly disappear and the treated area will return to its original state.

Belotero® is hyaluronic acid dermal filler. It is used to improve the look of facial fold and wrinkles and restore volume, including contouring, shaping and volumising of the lips. Always read the label and consult your Healthcare Professional for more information. This medical device must be administered by a Healthcare Professional. You should tell your practitioner and avoid treatment with BELOTERO® if you: have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients; if you tend to develop keloids or heavy scars; have any bleeding disorders, poor wound healing, inflamed or infected skin, or general infection; are under the age of 18; are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inform your practitioner of any diseases you have or have had. These include in particular cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems, skin infections or severe allergies. If you take medication or vitamins, have had previous cosmetic procedures, or have been treated with other implants, please inform your practitioner. Copyright © 2019. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Health Care Logistics (HCL). 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022 All rights reserved. Belotero ® and Merz Aesthetics are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GMbH & Co. KGaA

 Restylane Silk® and Restylane Lyft® are safe and natural cosmetic dermal fillers that restore volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial (nose to mouth) folds. They can be used in other areas of the face as well to: restore lips, correct lip lines, restore cheeks, soften jowls, and can even help improve sagging.* Restylane Silk® was the first FDA-approved cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane Silk® is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA, or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. Restylane Lyft® is a larger version of the same molecule suitable for correction of deeper defects.