DIEP Flap Reconstruction

In this post, we focus on breast reconstruction using DIEP flap or own tissue breast reconstruction (also known as autologous).

What is DIEP flap reconstruction in Sydney? 

DIEP flap reconstruction involves reconstructing a new breast, from tissue in the lower abdomen. The surgeon removes only the fat, skin, and blood vessels, leaving behind the muscle that belongs to the abdomen (the six-pack or rectus muscle).

DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforators, these are the specific blood vessels within the abdomen that supply blood to the lower abdomen or tummy area. Typically a special CT scan called a CT Angiogram will be organised prior to surgery to determine whether the blood vessels in your abdomen are of sufficient size for this type of surgery.

So, how does it all work?

First an incision is made along the bikini line, and a portion (the flap) of the lower tummy fat and skin is removed along with its blood supply. This block of tissue (the flap) is then transferred to the chest, and the patient is left with a scar similar to that of a C-section (but it is longer). It’s effectively similar to having a tummy tuck (the slight difference in the scar being that it can sit a little higher than that of a tummy tuck).

The flap is then transplanted to the chest – this is perhaps the most interesting and most crucial part of the surgery. Blood vessels in the chest are found, and then the tiny blood vessels in the flap are connected to these chest vessels under a microscope.

Think of suturing two tubes under a high magnification microscope, and placing delicate sutures that are 100 times finer than a human hair delicately around these tubes to reconnect them. The flap is then formed into a breast shape with sutures under the skin. If a patient is having a unilateral, meaning one-sided procedure, then this is done on the one side.

Any tissue that is not used is discarded. In a bilateral, meaning double side reconstruction, most of the tummy tissue is needed and split in half, with blood vessels from each side of the tummy connected to each side of the chest- this obviously means the surgery is longer than just a one-sided reconstruction.

It’s this microscopic element of the procedure which is what makes it so phenomenal and creates amazing results. Any surgeon performing this procedure requires specialty surgical training, particularly to become an expert at the microscopic element of reattaching blood vessels – this is taught to all surgeons who go through Plastic Surgery Training, but only a few surgeons choose to specialise in this area. Those who practice this area, like Dr. Aggarwal, do so after having completed rigorous overseas fellowship training in microsurgery.

What are the aims of breast reconstruction?

The aim of breast reconstruction is to:

• Create a breast mound
• Look great in clothes (even tight-fitting dresses)
• Achieve symmetry with the opposite breast (in cases of one-sided or unilateral reconstruction)
• Avoid the use of a prostheses

What are the advantages of DIEP flap reconstruction?

The patients who have successfully undergone this surgery ‘sing from the rooftop’ (hopefully!) as there are some huge benefits of this surgery which include:

• A natural look and feel to the breast
• Breasts that are in proportion to the rest of their body
• Breasts will respond to the body as normal, such as fluctuating in size depending on weight gain or loss
• No need to compromise any necessary muscle (although in some people we may need to take a small piece of muscle due to the size of their blood vessels).
• A permanent reconstruction unlike implants that need to be changed every 10-15 years
• Aesthetic appearance that is difficult to match using implants

Where do I start if I am considering DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

The best thing you can do before your DIEP flap breast reconstruction is research. If you are looking up things online use reputable websites and it is good to do some background reading before booking a consultation.

When you do book a consultation, speak to a specialist plastic surgeon who specialises in this area. When researching your surgeon, check what experience they have, have they done fellowship training in the area, is this part of their regular work, and what do patients say about them (check reviews).

During a consultation, the surgeon should explain all the details of the surgery including:

• How the surgery is performed
• What to expect after surgery
• All potential outcomes, including possible complications and their solutions
• Show you before and after photographs of their work
• Discuss relevant costs

Perhaps the most important way to judge your surgeon is how they handle complications – how will you be looked after, will you have direct access to them, and will it cost more to treat complications (it should generally not!).

Another excellent way to prepare is talking and connecting with women who have undergone the procedure and speaking to them about their experience. A fantastic resource is on our Mode Instagram platform where we have documented many past patients’ experiences.

Do I need any special scans in preparation for DIEP flap surgery?

Yes, after a consultation Dr Aggarwal will typically ask you to obtain a special CT scan called a CT Angiogram – usually, this is organised at a specific radiology practice familiar with this type of scan and also obtaining the information that Dr Aggarwal needs. This scan located the blood vessels traveling through the tummy area, and supplying the tissue that will be used for reconstruction. In short, it is used to determine whether the blood vessels in your abdomen are of sufficient size for this type of surgery.

What is the difference between a DIEP flap and msTRAM flap? Can I be guaranteed that I will have a DIEP flap?

Ultimately both surgeries involve a transplant of the tissue from the lower abdomen/tummy area to the chest to reconstruct a beautiful breast. The key part of this procedure is the surgeon finding the blood vessels in the tummy and delicately dissecting and removing them and transplanting them to the chest.

If the blood vessels in the tummy are too small to keep the blood flowing to the tissue, then doing a DIEP flap is dangerous and can result in part or all of the flap not surviving the transfer – in these situations a small amount of muscle may be harvested as this keeps more of the blood vessels traveling from the muscle to the skin and fat needed for reconstruction.

Dr Aggarwal, who is very experienced in this area, will explain during a consultation how the decision is made, but the aim is always to take the minimum or no amount of muscle during surgery, as long as the safety of the flap transfer is not compromised.

We feel it is therefore difficult for any surgeon to ‘guarantee’ that a DIEP flap will be performed, as the decision regarding muscle or no muscle harvest depends completely on the size of blood vessels found at the time of surgery.

Why should I come to Mode Plastic Surgery for my DIEP flap reconstruction?

Here at Mode, Doctor Shagun Aggarwal performs all major surgeries including DIEP flap reconstructions. Dr Aggarwal is one of few plastic surgeons who is trained in both cosmetic surgery as well as reconstructive microsurgery – DIEP flap reconstruction is one of the passions of Dr Aggarwal, who trained in Sydney, and then sub-specialised in this area through further fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn, Philadelphia USA), and University of Toronto (Canada).

We feel you could therefore not be in better hands! Additionally, the hand-picked nurses and support team, Dr Aggarwal works closely alongside with are what make the surgical experience seamless and successful.

Mode Plastic Surgery has a reputation for professionalism but what we hold most highly is our commitment to patient wellbeing and their desired results. We would welcome you to read our reviews on independent websites or talk to our previous patients about their results and experience.

How much is a tummy tuck in Sydney?

The cost of a tummy tuck varies based on various factors , but generally starts from around $12,000 if you fit the Medicare criteria for cover. The price with no Medicare would be over $20,000.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck at Mode Plastic Surgery, you will be provided with a personalised quote indicating total and out of pocket expenses, after your consultation.

Medicare is only available for patients who have lost a lot of weight (BMI drop greater than 5 points), and can demonstrate they have trouble with daily activity, have skin breakdown/rashes or other skin compromise due to their excess skin and fat, AND that this has not resolved after 3 months of non surgical treatments. In some patients, there may be a hernia of the abdominal wall and they may also qualify for a Medicare item number.

The advantage of a Medicare item number is that, with the appropriate level of health insurance, the health funds will pay the hospital and theatre fees associated with the procedure, no GST is applicable on the medical costs, and a small rebate is offered for surgical, assistant and anaesthesia fees. This reduces the out of pocket cost.

Tummy tuck surgery in Sydney is not available in a public hospital.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck also called an abdominoplasty, is where the skin and fat of the lower tummy from the belly button all the way down to the groin crease and from hip to hip is removed. The remaining skin of the tummy above the belly button is lifted all the way to the rib cage, and the belly button is cut out and left where it was originally. The tummy muscles (rectus muscles) are tightened and their separation repaired. At the same time any umbilical hernias are repaired. The skin is then pulled tight, and the belly button takes a new position on the tummy skin although its physical position has not actually changed.

This procedure takes around 3 hours, and patients generally stay in a hospital for 3 nights. It produces a beautiful flat appearance to the tummy. In addition, there is now also a lot of evidence to say that this increases core strength, improves back pain and may help other things like urinary incontinence (leakage of urine when coughing).

What is a mini tummy tuck?

In a mini tummy tuck, a smaller incision is made along the groin crease. The main purpose of this operation is not to remove skin and fat, but to repair the six-pack or rectus muscles so that they come back to the midline, and improve core strength. A small amount of skin and fat can also be removed. This is the main difference to a full tummy tuck where ALL the loose skin and fat is removed – a mini tummy tuck is therefore not possible if you have a lot of loose skin and fat. In this case, a full tummy tuck is required.

Do I need a full or mini tummy tuck?

Everyone is on a spectrum, and it really depends on what you need to get you the flat tummy you are after.

For example, if you have a lot of loose skin, no amount of liposuction will help. In fact, by doing liposuction you can create more loose skin and this can look worse than where you originally started.

Contrastingly, patients with great skin quality and a mild amount of fat that doesn’t shift from diet or exercise may get away with liposuction alone.

Patients who have a small amount of skin that needs to be removed, but the main reason for surgery is that they need their six-pack or rectus muscles repaired (because for instance they were separated by pregnancy or weight gain and loss) will also probably best suit a mini tummy tuck.

How much for a mini tummy tuck in Sydney, Australia?

The surgical fee for a mini tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty) is $4,500. There is also a fee for the anaesthetist and an assistant. Please note, a mini tummy tuck is always regarded as a cosmetic case so there is also a fee for the hospital and theatre costs (which on average for a 1.5-hour operation and overnight day stay the costs are around $3,500 – $4,000). The total fee is therefore around $10,000.

Who is the best tummy tuck surgeon in Sydney?

You will never hear us gloat about ourselves, or claim that we are the best as we are just not that sort of plastic surgery practice. However plastic surgeon Dr Aggarwal performs many tummy tuck abdominoplasty procedures and breast surgeries weekly as this is an area of focus for his practice.

His interest is also breast reconstruction and breast augmentation using a patient’s own tissue, where the tissue usually discarded in a tummy tuck is actually transplanted to the chest for breast reconstruction. He will be able to show you many before and after photographs of the spectacular results our patients have achieved from this surgery.

Where can I find tummy tuck before and after photos?

You can view some tummy tuck before and after photos, from Dr Aggarway’s patients here. Or follow our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) as we post before and afters of our patients every week across all procedures that we perform in our practice. Targeted before and after photographs will be shown to you during a consultation with Dr Aggarwal – as not all before and after photographs are available on our website and social media pages to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.

Do tummy tucks last?

Yes, tummy tucks last!

This is provided that you maintain your weight. Major changes in the tummy area with pregnancy for instance, or massive weight gain or loss will undo all the work of having surgery. Obviously, things age as one gets older and some loose skin will be created, but overall the appearance will stand the test of time if a stable weight is maintained.

Our patients are generally men and women who have lost a lot of weight or women you have completed their families but multiple pregnancies left their core muscles weakened and separated, combined with an excess of skin in the tummy region.

What should I expect after a tummy tuck?

When you wake up your back and legs will be up, and you will be in a bent position to protect the tummy area as this is tight. There is usually a catheter in your bladder so you do not have to rush to the bathroom. You have pain pumps slowly infusing local anaesthetic in the tummy, and we usually place blocks of nerves during the surgery. In addition, the anaesthetist will chart you for lots of pain relief so most patients are very comfortable when they wake up from surgery and in the days after surgery.

The first two days are spent getting used to transferring out of a bed (hunched over), getting the catheter out, and walking hunched over. Most patients go home with drains, a binder on their tummy, and still walking with a slight hunch. We see patients in our rooms a week out from surgery, and again at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and then depending on how your progress is going. We will always see people at 3, 6 and 12 months to see long term results.

You are asked to not drive for 4 weeks (to avoid twisting motions of the tummy area to check blind spots or rear seat passengers such as kids), not lift anything heavy for 8 weeks and to wear the binder for 8 weeks, and resume gym at 3 months post surgery.

How long will it take for the incision to heal?

The scar from a tummy tuck heals within 2-3 weeks. During this time you will not be able to swim at a pool or a beach. The area remains swollen for several weeks and also numb for a few months.

How long will I need to wear a bandage after the surgery?

We use waterproof dressings that are placed along the wound and stay in place for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Other than this no special dressings or bandages are required, and you often don’t need anything on the wound after it has healed.

You are allowed to start showering after a few days out of surgery, but not swim in a pool or beach until all the wounds are healed.

You will be required to wear an abdominal binder around the tummy which is like a corset. This helps support the tummy during healing but more importantly, it is a tool to reduce fluid collections under the skin where the surgery has taken place. We ask patients to reduce their activity and wear the binder for 8 weeks after surgery.

How long will it take me to stand up straight after surgery?

It takes one week to stand up straight after a tummy tuck. Initially, you will need to walk hunched over as the tummy area will be tight after surgery and each day you can sleep and walk a little straighter than the day before as the skin rapidly stretches. We ask patients to do everything slowly and deliberately especially getting in and out of bed, and in and out of chairs. Most patients are walking straight within 7 days from surgery.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Cost

What is the cost of breast reconstruction in Sydney?

Breast reconstruction comes in a wide variety of forms and the cost in the private sector is dependent on the stages of surgery, and type of reconstruction. Different types of breast reconstruction have different complexity and therefore different amount of time and effort required by the surgeon for your surgery.

It also depends on whether it is performed at the same time as the mastectomy or in a delayed fashion, and may also include costs for an anaesthetist, surgical assistant, hospital excess, and other fees. Usually, in the private sector, all fees are quoted inclusive of follow up both in hospital and in rooms after the surgery.

What is the cost of breast reconstruction in a public hospital?

In Australia, it is possible to have all forms of breast reconstruction in a public hospital free of charge, covered entirely by Medicare. Read what it means to be a public patient section of our website for more information. The main limitations of this option are:

1. Possible increased wait time

2. Less say of when and where your surgery will be performed with limited flexibility

3. Registrars or fellows may be doing all or part of the procedure

4. Follow up is generally in public hospital clinics, and wait associated with these

5. Your date of surgery or supervising surgeon may be changed

Why is there is an out of pocket cost for breast reconstruction in a private hospital?

Despite having ‘top’ level of cover many patients ask why there is an out of pocket for procedures done in the private sector. This also applies to breast reconstruction. This is because the reimbursement or what Medicare and Health Funds pay is dependent on the schedule fee as listed for each Medicare item number. Unfortunately, the government has frozen this for decades meaning the reimbursement for each procedure is way behind what the actual cost of the procedure.

The Australian Medical Association each year publishes what it considers the fair value to be charged for each procedure and this is what many surgeons, including plastic surgeons, use to guide their fee structure. This means there is usually a ‘gap’ between the AMA fee and the Medicare schedule fee, and this constitutes the out of pocket cost. This often applies to both surgeon’s fees and anaesthetist’s fees.

While the main disadvantage of private treatment is an out of pocket cost, there are many advantages of private treatment:

• Total flexibility over time: often surgeons work with the patient’s time commitments and availability as to when to schedule the surgery,
• Complete control over where your surgery will be performed,
• Complete choice over surgeon and the main consultant surgeon performing your surgery,
• Follow up is in private rooms with direct contact with the main surgeon who makes all the decisions, and
• Your date of surgery is usually fixed and won’t be changed (inless negotiated with you)

What are the aims of breast reconstruction?

The aim of breast reconstruction is to:

• Create a breast mound,
• Look great in clothes (even tight-fitting dresses),
• Achieve symmetry with the opposite breast (in cases of one-sided or unilateral reconstruction), and
• Avoid the use of a prosthesis

What types of breast reconstruction are there?

There are 3 main categories:

1. Implant or expander based breast reconstruction (i.e. using foreign tissue)

2. DIEP Flap breast reconstruction (using your own tissue only, also known as autologous)

3. Combination of DIEP flap and implant or expander reconstruction – usually reserved for patients who have required radiation in their cancer treatment and do not have enough own tissue to make an entire breast

Implant reconstruction is performed in 2 stages, whereas own tissue reconstruction is performed in a single stage – with a second stage for nipple reconstruction (if required).

What is the cost of DIEP flap surgery in Sydney?

The approximate out of pocket cost for DIEP flap surgery (as at June 2024) in the private sector is:

• Approx. $25,000 for a bilateral procedure (double reconstruction) – this includes the cost of 2 plastic surgeons, surgical assistants, an anaesthetist and all follow-up. In case of any complications, no further fees apply.
• Approx. $19,000 for a unilateral procedure (single reconstruction) – this includes the cost of 2 plastic surgeons, surgical assistants, an anaesthetist and all follow-up. In case of any complications, no further fees apply.
• These fees assume appropriate health insurance coverage and do not include fees for a breast surgeon (where needed) or the hospital excess.

What is the cost of implant breast reconstruction in Sydney?

The approximate out of pocket cost for breast implant-based reconstruction (as at June 2024) in the private sector is:

Double Reconstruction

Approximately $7000-8000 for stage 1 – this includes the cost of a plastic surgeon, surgical assistant, an anaesthetist, prosthesis, and all follow-up. In case of any complications, no further fees apply.

Approximately $5000-6000 for stage 2

Single Reconstruction

Approximately $3000-4500 for stage 1 – this includes the cost of a plastic surgeon, surgical assistant, an anaesthetist, prosthesis, and all follow-up. In case of any complications, no further fees apply.

Approximately $7000-8000 for stage 2 (often including an opposite breast reduction or breast lift, of the non-reconstructed breast)

What is the cost of latissimus dorsi reconstruction in Sydney?

The out of pocket cost for latissimus dorsi reconstruction is calculated depending on if the surgery is being performed alone on one side or combined with reconstruction on the opposite side.

Who is the best breast reconstruction plastic surgeon in Sydney?

This is a difficult question to answer and often the answers are all inherently biased. Rather than giving you a specific answer the things you should look for when choosing a breast reconstruction surgeon, ask or research the following:

1. Does the surgeon perform breast reconstruction regularly in the private sector?

2. Have you had direct contact with patients who have been operated on by your nominated surgeon? What were their experience and outcome? What are the patient reviews specifically regarding breast reconstruction?

3. How many breast reconstructions has the surgeon performed and specifically the type of reconstruction you are interested in?

3. It is important to ask does your surgeon if he/she performs both own tissue reconstruction (such as DIEP flaps) as well as implants (as if they don’t do own tissue reconstruction, they will not be in a position to offer you the whole range of options).

4. What training have they had in breast reconstruction and specifically own tissue reconstruction (which involves complex microsurgery)? Have they done a fellowship in this area?

5. Does your surgeon work in a public hospital? (Public hospitals only employ safe and reputable surgeons and being part of a busy tertiary hospital may give you confidence the surgeon is of a certain standing)

7. Does your surgeon perform breast reconstruction in a public and private hospital? (This will allow them to offer you reconstruction regardless of cost, and also advise you as to the volume and difficulty of work they may be doing)

How Long do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Last?

Anti-wrinkle injections are a quick and simple, non-surgical solution to facial wrinkles and fine lines. The injections weaken facial muscles causing them to relax, resulting in a smoother, fresher appearance. They are most commonly used to give a fresher appearance to the crows feet, forehead and frown, but can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to the lower face, e.g. smokers lines, neck bands and around the mouth.

The answer to the question of how long they last depends on a variety of things outlined below.

These treatments work their magic by targeting the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles and fine lines. They temporarily block nerve signals to these muscles, causing them to relax and smoothen out the skin’s surface.

However, this relaxation isn’t permanent due to the dynamic nature of our facial muscles and the natural breakdown of the injected substance over time.

Anti-wrinkle does gradually wear off as the body processes the toxin through its natural lymphatic system, and therefore the efficacy of the anti-wrinkle product gradually depletes.

That means top-up treatments are necessary. So naturally you’ll want to know, how often will you need treatments?

It’s great to know that anti-wrinkle, comparatively speaking, is a long-lasting treatment. Patients typically savour the outcomes for a span of 3–6 months, a testament to the quality and efficacy of this injectable.

It’s important to bear in mind that individual experiences may vary, and this can also vary according to age, metabolism and the area being treated.

Some zones of the face are more active than others, and therefore the muscle being relaxed is more active and requires more units of anti-wrinkle, with more frequent refreshes.

This window considers individual variations in metabolism, the specific product used, and the treatment area.

Areas with more robust muscle activity, like the forehead, might see effects wear off sooner than areas with less muscle movement, like the cheeks.

Moreover, the temporary nature of these treatments is often seen as an advantage, as it allows clients to adjust and fine-tune their appearance as desired over time. Regular touch-ups within this timeframe can help maintain the desired look while adapting to any changes in skin and muscle behaviour.

Monitoring Symmetry after Anti-Wrinkle Injections

When is it best to review symmetry if you feel like you have some asymmetry after anti-wrinkle injections? This question is very easy to answer using science.

After a muscle relaxant is injected, typically the results start to show at 2-8 days, they then continue to increase up to 4 weeks after the treatment was performed. The results are then stable until approximately 8-10 weeks, and then movement starts again. At 12 weeks, movement is about 50% back to normal and at 16 weeks, movement is about 80% back to normal.

Before the 4 week (maximal effect) mark, there may be one side or area that kicks in earlier or stronger than the other. Reviewing the results in terms of symmetry, before the drug has reached its maximal effect, is not very useful. The drug needs to reach its maximal effect so that the symmetry can then be assessed and potentially treated. Treating asymmetry before 4 weeks after injections is not advised as the maximal effect hasn’t been reached, so injecting more product may lead to an increase in side effects like brow or lid droop. Patients can be very impatient, but practitioners need to be guided by the science.

Maintaining Your Anti-Wrinkle Injection Results

For a successful anti-wrinkle injection, the product should stay in the same position as where it was injected. For example if you have anti-wrinkle injections for forehead lines, the product should stay in the forehead area.

There are some general aftercare guidelines that are worth adhering to post treatment, to maximise the results and longevity of your anti-wrinkle injections and decrease the risk of the anti-wrinkle product moving south and causing drooping brows/eyelids or ending in a poor cosmetic result.

Here is what you should avoid:

• Rubbing or massaging treated areas for 5 days. Gentle cleansing is fine,
• Excessive alcohol consumption 24 hours before and after treatment,
• Strenuous activity or intensive exercise for 24 hours after treatment,
• Lying flat within 4 hours post treatment,
• Bending forwards or downwards for an extended time, such as in yoga or Pilates movements,
• Facial treatments including laser, peels, needling and waxing for one week post treatment.

More Information about Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Pros and Cons of Dermal Fillers

In this article we look at the pros and cons of dermal fillers, which are the factors worth considering before choosing to have them?

Dermal fillers reduce the appearance of fine facial lines and wrinkles to help look and feel more youthful and personable in both social and professional settings. By replenishing hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring component of our skin that diminishes over time due to sun exposure, environmental toxins, and the elements, dermal fillers not only make us look better but improve the health and quality of our skin.

Disadvantages of Dermal Fillers

1. The cost of dermal fillers can be high

Up first on the list is the price of dermal fillers. Though they do a great job at helping us look more youthful and attractive, they do come at a price, which can be prohibitively high for some patients.

2. Side effects such as bruising, bleeding, and swelling

Most dermal fillers use naturally-occurring components. They are fully biocompatible and produce no known long-term adverse effects. However, in the short term, dermal fillers can cause bleeding, bruising, and swelling at injection sites. To minimise these, we can suggest several preventatives and remedies, including ceasing certain medications and indirectly applying ice packs to the treatment area. On the whole, most patients find these effects very bearable, short-lived, and self-resolving.

3. Dermal fillers are not permanent

Most dermal fillers last between 6 and 18 months, with an excellent average lifespan being around 12 months. That is a long time to enjoy improvements to one’s complexion and appearance, but it isn’t permanent. To most patients, this is understandable as little else in life, particularly in diet, physique, and beauty, is permanent but requires constant attention.

4. Other Rare but Possible Cons to be Aware Of

The last disadvantages to dermal fillers are certainly worth mentioning but are extremely rare. A tiny percentage of patients may metabolise fillers much faster than others. Others may experience additional infrequent side effects, including rashes, the development of lumps under the skin, or the erroneous injection of filler into a blood vessel. Again, these are extremely rare if a qualified and experienced injector does dermal fillers.

Advantages of Dermal Fillers

1. Dermal fillers can you help you look younger and more rested

By smoothing out the lines and wrinkles and filling out the lips and cheeks, dermal fillers can help you look naturally more youthful and attractive per your definition of beauty.

2. Dermal fillers are impermanent

Something that fits into both the pros and cons of dermal fillers is that they don’t last forever. If you dislike your results or later wish to look different, dermal fillers’ effects can be reversed with another simple injection. Their impermanence also means you can adjust your results to perfection.

3. Pain is Minimal

Dermal fillers are injected into the dermis with thin surgical-grade needles. Pain is minimal, and the procedure can be made more comfortable using a topical anaesthetic applied before the dermal fillers are used. Many dermal fillers also have an anaesthetic in them.

4. Dermal fillers can help restore healthy collagen

As mentioned at the outset, our body’s natural reserves of hyaluronic acid (and its ability to replenish it) diminishes over time. Dermal fillers can stimulate further growth of additional healthy collagen, giving our skin a more youthful and healthy look.

5. Little to no recovery downtime is required

Dermal fillers are a non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment. Unlike other facial procedures, they require no downtime, and you can return to work and your social activities almost immediately.

6. Side effects are mild

The only side effects they will experience from dermal fillers are localised bruising, possible bleeding, and slight swelling for a vast majority of patients.

7. Dermal fillers can help us look young and beautiful

Carefully injected dermal fillers can make a face appear many years more youthful. They can plump up thinning lips, enhance and fill in shallow or worn areas of the face, decrease or remove wrinkles under our eyes, and reduce static wrinkles’ appearance. With a refreshed look and feel, dermal fillers give a boost to confidence and dopamine levels.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DERMAL FILLERS