Why We Lose Volume as We Age
From our mid-30s onward, natural collagen, elastin, and fat slowly diminish. Cheeks flatten, lips lose definition, and the face can appear tired even when we’re not.
This process—facial volume loss—is a key part of ageing and sun exposure.
Dermal fillers replace that lost support structure, restoring smoother contours and a fresher, natural look. At SkinCentre, fillers are used conservatively and precisely—always with balance and proportion in mind.
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What Exactly Are Dermal Fillers?
Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar molecule naturally found in our skin that binds to water and gives it plumpness.
Injected beneath the surface, HA fillers attract moisture and integrate seamlessly with your own tissue.
Different formulations suit different areas:
- Soft gels for lips or fine lines
- Medium gels for folds and cheeks
- Firm gels for structural contouring along the jawline or chin
The effect is immediate and can last 6 to 18 months, depending on the product and area treated.
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Where Fillers Are Commonly Used
Dermatologists use dermal fillers to:
- Lift and restore volume in the cheeks and mid-face
- Smooth nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines
- Define and hydrate the lips without overfilling
- Sharpen the jawline or soften a chin crease
- Rejuvenate the under-eye hollows (“tear troughs”)
- Improve scars or contour irregularities
Every face is unique, so your Dermatologist will customise placement to your natural anatomy.
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The Consultation: Medical Safety First
Before treatment, a Dermatologist conducts a full assessment—examining facial structure, movement, and symmetry.
Your medical history, allergies, and medications are reviewed, and any risks are discussed honestly.
Dermatologist-led filler treatment ensures:
Anatomical precision near vessels and nerves
Use of high-quality, evidence-based products only
Emergency readiness (for the rare event of vascular compromise)
Integration with overall skin-health and rejuvenation plans
At SkinCentre, safety is non-negotiable. Every filler treatment is either performed by, or directly supervised by, a Dermatologist.
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What Happens During the Procedure
1. Preparation: Makeup is removed, skin cleansed, and numbing cream applied.
2. Marking: Key landmarks and injection points are mapped to preserve balance.
3. Treatment: Small amounts of filler are placed with fine needles or micro-cannulas.
4. Finishing: Gentle moulding ensures smooth distribution and symmetry.
The process usually takes 20–40 minutes. You can return to normal activities immediately, though mild redness or swelling may appear for a day or two.
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Results and Longevity
You’ll see results instantly, with further softening over several days as the filler settles.
Depending on product and placement:
Lips: 6–9 months
Cheeks / folds: 12–18 months
Jawline / chin: up to 24 months
Regular maintenance treatments keep results consistent and natural. Over time, many patients find they need less filler as collagen stimulation improves baseline skin quality.
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Possible Side Effects
Most reactions are mild and temporary:
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness at injection sites
- Bruising (usually minor)
- Small lumps that resolve with gentle massage
- Rare complications—such as filler entering a blood vessel—require immediate medical expertise. That’s why Dermatologist supervision is essential; our team can recognise and reverse any adverse event using hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves HA fillers).
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How Fillers Differ from Botox
Botox relaxes muscles that create wrinkles. Fillers replace volume lost beneath the skin.
Used together, they address both dynamic lines and structural deflation—restoring a balanced, youthful appearance without changing expression.
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Maintaining Results
To enhance and preserve your results:
- Apply SPF 50+ daily to protect against collagen breakdown
- Use retinoids and antioxidant serums (as advised by your Dermatologist)
- Stay well hydrated
- Schedule annual reviews to adjust your plan as your face changes naturally
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Why Patients Choose SkinCentre
All treatments performed or supervised by specialist Dermatologists
Focus on natural, subtle enhancement
Full-spectrum care—medical, surgical, and cosmetic—in one trusted clinic
Honest, evidence-based recommendations only
Your comfort, safety, and confidence are our priorities from consultation to aftercare.
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Book Your Consultation
If you’re considering filler treatment, begin with a professional assessment.
Your Dermatologist will advise whether fillers, laser, or another approach best suits your goals.
📍 171 Cameron Road, Tauranga
📞 07 578 5788
🌐 www.skincentre.com
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In Summary
Dermal fillers are an art guided by medical science. When placed with care, they lift and refresh without changing who you are.
At SkinCentre, our Dermatologists deliver safe, natural results built on deep anatomical understanding and years of experience.
SkinCentre – Your Skin Experts