Understanding Dermal Fillers: What they are and how they work

Aging is a natural and beautiful part of life. Over time, however, many people begin to notice visible changes in their facial appearance. These can include loss of skin elasticity, thinning of the lips, deeper facial lines, and a hollowing of the cheeks or temples. One of the primary causes of these changes is a gradual loss of volume beneath the skin — something that dermal fillers are specifically designed to address.

But what are dermal fillers, really? And how do they work? This article aims to provide an educational overview of dermal fillers — with a focus on how they support facial structure, skin quality, and confidence when prescribed and performed by qualified medical professionals.

💉 What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-based substances that are injected below the surface of the skin to help replace lost volume, support the skin's structure, and soften the appearance of certain folds or creases. Most commonly, they are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the human body.

Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in maintaining skin hydration and plumpness. When used as part of a dermal filler formulation, it acts as a temporary scaffolding beneath the skin, helping to restore areas that have become depleted or sunken with age.

It's important to understand that dermal fillers are Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicines in Australia. This means they cannot be advertised or promoted to the public, and must only be prescribed and administered by qualified, registered health professionals following an individual consultation.

🔬 Why Does Facial Volume Matter?

Facial volume loss is one of the most significant contributors to the visible signs of aging. This occurs as a result of several factors:

• Natural decline in collagen, elastin, and fat under the skin

• Bone resorption (shrinking of the facial skeleton over time)

• Muscle atrophy

• Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, or significant weight loss

As the underlying support structures of the face diminish, the skin may begin to sag or wrinkle, and features that once appeared full and lifted may begin to appear tired or aged. Dermal fillers, when appropriately prescribed, can temporarily replace some of this lost structure, improving the skin’s support from within.

⚖️ What Are the Risks?

Like all medical procedures, the use of dermal fillers carries potential risks and side effects. Common ones include:

• Redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site

• Discomfort or tenderness

• Asymmetry or lumps

• Migration of filler material

Less common but serious complications include:

• Infection

• Allergic reaction

• Vascular occlusion, where the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, leading to impaired blood flow. This can cause skin damage and, in rare cases, blindness.

These risks are taken seriously and are always discussed during a comprehensive medical consultation. This is why dermal filler procedures should never be approached casually or performed by unqualified individuals. Your safety depends on the skill, knowledge, and experience of the healthcare provider.

🩺 Who Are Dermal Fillers For?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

Some individuals seek medical advice about dermal fillers for:

• Early signs of aging (e.g., softening smile lines)

• Restoring a more rested, refreshed appearance

• Balancing facial asymmetry

• Replacing volume lost due to medical treatments or weight loss

Ultimately, whether a filler is appropriate - or if another treatment would be more suitable - is something that can only be determined during a consultation with a prescribing medical professional.

🧠 Education Over Promotion

At Through the Looking Glass Clinic, we believe that informed decisions lead to the best outcomes. We are not here to sell a look or pressure anyone into a trend -

we are here to educate, support, and prioritise your health and safety.

If you’re curious about how age-related changes to the skin and face occur, or if you're interested in learning more about medical cosmetic treatments in a general sense, we encourage you to book a consultation. A personalised approach is the only safe and legal way to explore these options in Australia.

One on one consultations are a obligation free, but 100% necessary in order to assess your suitability

📌 Important Compliance Notice

This article is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not promote, advertise, or encourage the use of any specific prescription-only medicine or medical procedure. No individual treatment decisions should be made based on this information alone. Any cosmetic medical treatment must follow a personalised consultation with a qualified and registered health professional, in accordance with AHPRA and TGA regulations.