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This page gives general information about cosmetic injectable treatments that add volume to areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, chin or under the eyes. Most use hyaluronic acid filler, a prescription-only product: a gel that is injected under the skin and gradually broken down by the body, so the effect is temporary.
Changes in facial volume are a normal part of ageing, and treatment is a personal choice rather than a medical need. These treatments carry risks, including rare but serious complications. A registered prescriber, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, must assess you in person or by video consultation before the product can be prescribed, and it must not be used for cosmetic purposes in people under 18.
Results vary between people, so discuss your goals and what treatment can and cannot change with your practitioner. This page is general information only and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Fees vary with the amount of product and the area treated, the practitioner and any follow-up appointments. Ask for a written, itemised quote that covers the consultation and any review fees before you agree to treatment. Medicare does not cover cosmetic use. The effect is temporary, so repeat treatments mean repeat costs and repeat risks.
After treatment, redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness at the injection sites are common and usually settle within a few days to a week, though bruising can take longer. Many people return to usual activities the same day; plan for visible swelling or bruising. A cold compress can help reduce swelling, and it is usually advised to avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sun or heat for 24-48 hours. Seek urgent help if you notice increasing or severe pain, skin that turns pale, blotchy, dusky or blue, or any change in vision, as these can be signs of a blocked blood vessel.
Common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness and pain at the injection sites. Other risks include asymmetry, lumps or nodules, infection, allergic reaction, and the product moving from where it was placed (migration). Some lumps or inflammatory reactions can appear weeks or months after treatment.
The most serious risk is vascular occlusion, where the product blocks a blood vessel. This can cause skin necrosis (tissue death) and scarring and, rarely, blindness, and it needs urgent treatment. Some products can be dissolved with an enzyme (hyaluronidase), but this does not always reverse the damage. Ask who will treat you, their registration, whether hyaluronidase is kept on site, and what happens if there is a complication, including who to contact after hours.
Most products used for this treatment are a gel made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Other products use different materials, and some cannot be dissolved if there is a problem. Ask your practitioner exactly what will be injected and make sure it is recorded in your notes.
The body gradually breaks the product down, generally over about 6 to 18 months depending on the product, the area treated and the person. Repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effect, and each treatment carries the same risks and costs.
Many products contain a local anaesthetic called lidocaine, and a topical anaesthetic cream may be applied first. People commonly feel pressure, stinging or discomfort during treatment and tenderness afterwards; experiences vary.
They are different prescription-only treatments. Injections for lines caused by facial movement temporarily reduce muscle activity, while the products described on this page add volume. Each has its own risks, which your prescriber should explain.
Fees vary with the amount of product, the area treated, the practitioner and follow-up appointments, so we do not publish prices. Ask for a written, itemised quote that includes consultation and review fees. Medicare does not cover cosmetic use, and repeat treatments mean repeat costs and repeat risks.
Yes. The effect is temporary, so maintaining it means further appointments. Each treatment adds cost and carries the same risks, so consider this before starting.
This page is general information for prospective patients researching cosmetic injectables for facial volume in Australia. It is not personal medical advice. Clinical timing, eligibility, risks and outcomes vary: discuss your specific case with an AHPRA-registered practitioner at consultation.