olume-enhancing treatment is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that restores facial volume, enhances contours and softens lines using a smooth medical gel placed beneath the skin. It is commonly used to support areas such as the lips, cheeks and lower face to create a refreshed and balanced appearance. It can be used to: • Smooth out lines on the face • Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples. • Plump & enhance the lips. • Improve symmetry among facial features • Smooth out a chin crease.

As we age, our ability to produce collagen and elastin decreases. This means our skin begins to lose hydration, volume and elasticity. This combined with the effects of gravity, can lead to lines, wrinkles and sagging of the skin. Using a soft gel which closely resembles the natural substances that exist in the body, the product is placed under the skin in affected areas. This helps to hydrate and volumize the area being treated. Wrinkles and folds are lifted up and smoothed out.

Individual results will vary. Volume reduction is temporary, and additional treatments maybe be required to achieve your desired look. Generally, results will last from 4 months to 1 year. The results will wear off gradually, but repeated procedures will have a cumulative effect. Treatments will be required periodically to maintain results. The lasting effects depend on may factors, including but not limited to: • Age • Sex • Tissue conditions • How fast your body breaks down the product • General health and lifestyle conditions • Sun exposure • The product used • The area being treated • Your hydration • Metabolism (exercise and stress levels) The results can often be seen immediately and can take up to 3 weeks to reach the final result.

A topical numbing cream may be applied for up to 15 minutes to minimise discomfort during your treatment. There are many different techniques that can be utilised to achieve your desired results. Malinda can discuss this with you at the time of treatment. The results can often be seen immediately and can take up to 3 weeks to reach the final result. Malinda uses a golden tool, specifically designed to improve comfort during your treatment. Please remember for 2 hours after your treatment you will have diminished pain and temperature sensitivity. Particularly with lip treatments, be careful not to burn yourself on things such as hot drinks due to the lack of heat sensation.

Most patients will experience only mild redness and swelling that may last for around 24 -48 hours. Some clients may experience swelling and bruising for up to 7 days, particularly around the mouth. If you bruise Hirudoid cream may be regularly applied (available from pharmacy) We recommend scheduling an appointment at least 1 – 2 weeks prior to an important event (eg. wedding) to allow any possible bruising or swelling to subside completely. Particularly if you haven’t been treated before. Malinda will go through post treatment expectations and after care details. (can add a link to the aftercare instructions) It is best to avoid makeup for at least 12 hours after treatment, but if necessary, make up can be applied 1 hour after your treatment. Mineral or water based is preferable

With any treatment side effects and complications are possible, but they are usually minimal and dissipate quite quickly. They include, but not limited to: • Temporary redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness • Temporary lumps, bumps, pimples or Itchy skin • Asymmetry (one side looks different to the other) • If you are prone to cold sores, it could be aggravated by this treatment Rare side effects/ complications: Infection & inflammatory response Including: Formation of abscess (hard, swollen sore that may contain pus) Granulomas (small lump) Very rare side effects/ complications: In very rare cases situations can lead to necrosis (damage to skin and surrounding area), blindness & stroke. The most common side effects occur within 24 hours or immediately post treatment. Immediate side effects usually disappear within days. However, depending on the type of dermal filler used, it can take a few weeks. Please contact Malinda to discuss or to book a follow-up consultation if you have any concerns.

Volume reducing treatments have been safely used for over 20 years. Treatment should only be performed by qualified medical professionals. Malinda is an experienced Registered Nurse with AHPRA. She regularly attends training to stay up to date on the latest techniques and has performed cosmetic treatments since December 2009. Whenever you have this procedure, there is a settling in period, where the product can look uneven as it begins to attract water. There is also a period of time where your nurse can modify the placement of the filler, so talking them can alleviate some of these early concerns Should you be unhappy with the result, or in an emergency situation. The product may be reversed.

No. The safety of volume-enhancement use during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or in patients under the age of 18 years has not been established and therefore should never be used in these circumstances.

Always notify your Malinda if you have any of the following: Precautions and contraindications of dermal filler treatment include: • Viral/ bacterial illness • Autoimmune disease • Under the age of 18 years • Pregnant or breast feeding • Currently taking antibiotics, anticoagulants • Scheduled surgery or invasive dental procedures within 6 weeks • Recent surgery or invasive dental procedures in the past 6 weeks • Epilepsy • Porphyria (enzyme disorder) • Facial implants, or permanent filler • Allergies to Lidocaine or Hyaluronic Acid • Tendency to develop keloid scarring • International travel within 2 weeks after proposed treatment date • Chronic sinusitis • Open wound/ sore to same areas as planned treatment • Cystic Acne • Active cold sore • recent or impending vaccination within two weeks

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to your treatment as this increases the risk of bruising. Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, blood thinning medications should be avoided for one week before the treatment if possible, to reduce the risk of bruising. We recommend scheduling an appointment at least 1 – 2 weeks prior to an important event (eg. wedding) to allow any possible bruising or swelling to subside completely.