Restoring facial volume and reducing wrinkles

Wrinkle Treatments and Facial volume restoration

As the skin ages, the natural substances that keep our skin firm and wrinkle resistant, such as hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen, decrease over time. This results in the formation of wrinkles, lines, and folds. Tailored treatments can help restore volume and reduce the appearance of these skin changes by replenishing the substances that are naturally found in the skin.

Non-invasive options are available for individuals looking to address wrinkles and volume loss in their skin. These substances work by attracting water to the skin, providing hydration and creating a smoother, fuller appearance.

Why Choose a Specialist for Dermal Treatments?
It is important to trust your facial aesthetic treatments to a qualified practitioner, who has extensive experience. There are many risks involved and it should not be taken lightly.

What Areas Can be treated?
Treatments can be used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles, as well as fine lines that may have become "etched" into the skin. Common treatment areas include:

• Nasolabial folds (smile lines around the nose and mouth)

• Marionette lines (lines at the corners of the mouth)

• Frown lines (between the eyes)

• Lip augmentation (to create fuller lips and smooth lines around the mouth)

• Cheeks (to restore volume and improve facial balance)

Acne scars are also treatable.  

Treatment Process
To ensure comfort, the treatment area may be anaesthetised with a regional nerve block or numbing cream. The substance is then injected using an ultra-fine needle into the mid to deep dermis of the skin. The procedure typically involves some discomfort, and the effects are immediate, however there is a period of swelling and bruising may be experienced. Patients can return to their normal activities shortly after treatment if they feel comfortable in their appearance, however most patients prefer to have a day or two off.  Most effects of treatments becomes apparent at 2- 6 weeks post injection once the initial swelling has subsided

Recovery
Most patients experience some downtime after the procedure. The results can last for several months depending on the type of treatments used, and follow-up treatments will be scheduled to maintain the desired effect.

Treatment Options for Specific Areas

• Facial skin: Non-surgical "liquid facelift" to address fine wrinkles and volume loss. 

• Eyes: Restoring volume to the area around the eyes and treat hollows.

• Lips: Increase lip fullness and treat lines around the mouth.

• Cheeks: Increase volume.

• Mid face: Increase volume

  Lower face: Defining the jawline and facial contours.

Considerations and Risks
As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s essential to understand that individual results may vary. Dr. Imani will discuss all the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives during your consultation. It is important to seek medical advice and consider a second opinion before proceeding with any aesthetic treatment.

What are the specific risks:

Common and Usually Mild Side Effects

These effects are expected and usually resolve within a few days:

1. Swelling

•Occurs at or near the treatment site.

•Usually mild and temporary, can be sever or uncomfortable and last for up to 4-6 weeks.

2. Bruising

•Especially common in areas with many blood vessels (e.g., lips, under eyes).

•May last up to 7–10 days.

3. Redness or Tenderness

•Localised irritation at the injection site.

4. Pain or Discomfort

•Often mild and short-lived; can be reduced with ice or analgesics, avoid non steroidal anti inflammatories.

5. Itching

•May occur as the skin heals

Moderate Risks and Complications

6. Lumps or Nodules

•Can be soft (temporary swelling or product accumulation) or firm (due to granuloma formation).

•May require massage, or other intervention.

7. Asymmetry

•Uneven appearance may result from product placement or natural facial asymmetry.

•May need correction or touch-up.

8. Over- or Under-Correction

•Too much or too little product can affect the desired result.

•May require adjustment or reversal.

9. Tyndall Effect

•A bluish discolouration seen when HA substance is placed too superficially under thin skin (commonly under the eyes).

•May require dissolution.

10. Skin Discolouration or Hyper pigmentation

•Particularly in individuals with darker skin types.

•Usually temporary but can be prolonged.

Less Common but More Serious Risks

11. Allergic Reaction

•Rare but possible.

•Symptoms include rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis (extremely rare).

12. Infection

•May present with redness, pain, warmth, or pus at the injection site.

•May require antibiotics or drainage.

•Rarely, biofilm (low-grade bacterial infection) may develop and persist.

13. Granuloma Formation

•Immune system reaction to the filler material.

•Presents as firm, long-lasting lumps.

•May need steroids, excision, or enzyme treatment.

Serious and Rare Risks

14. Vascular Occlusion (Blood Vessel Blockage)

•Most serious risk of filler injections.

•Occurs when filler is accidentally injected into or compresses a blood vessel, restricting blood flow.

•Can lead to tissue necrosis, scarring, or blindness (in rare cases, if affecting blood vessels around the eyes).

 Signs include:

•Immediate blanching (pale skin)

•Severe pain

•Coolness or mottled skin

•Skin turning dusky or dark over time

Emergency management includes:

•Immediate use of dissolving agents

•Warm compress, massage

•Anti-platelet or anticoagulant therapy (if indicated)

•Referral to emergency services if vision is affected

15. Blindness

•Extremely rare (approx. 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,000 injections), but devastating.

•Can occur if the treatment enters arteries connected to the eye (e.g., supratrochlear, supraorbital arteries).

•No guaranteed treatment—immediate recognition and action required.

Delayed or Long-Term Risks

16. Migration of substances

•Injectables may move from the original injection site over time.

•Can lead to swelling, asymmetry, or nodules.

17. Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction

•Can occur weeks or months after injection.

•May be triggered by illness, dental work, or vaccinations.

18. Scarring or Skin Irregularities

•Rare but may result from infection, inflammation, or poor healing. 

Patient-Specific Risk Factors

Increased risk may occur in:

•Smokers (higher risk of healing complications)

•Patients with autoimmune conditions or allergies

•Individuals on blood thinners (higher bruising risk)

•Areas with previous trauma or surgery

Risk Minimisation Strategies

•Ensure the procedure is performed by a qualified medical professional with anatomical expertise.

•Use reversible treatments

•Discuss your medical history thoroughly during your consultation.

•Be aware of and report any unusual symptoms immediately.

Important Information and Disclaimers:

• Any surgical or non-surgical procedure carries risks.

•  Individual outcomes, results, experience and recovery times vary based on individual’s genetics, environmental factors, diet, exercise, sun protection, smoking and general health. Individual’s outcomes are only relevant for that individual and they do not necessarily reflect or guarantee the same outcome for another individual given the same treatment.

•  The information provided is general and educational in nature.

•  It does not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a qualified health professional.

•  We encourage all patients to seek a second opinion and consult their general practitioner for a referral before engaging in a surgical and non-surgical consultation with us.

Still have questions?

Contact us to arrange your consultation with Dr Imani.