Dermal Filler

 

What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are made up of a soft, cross-linked gel made from hyaluronic acid (HA) which closely resembles naturally occurring HA.
Dermal fillers are used to fill out creases, add volume or create definition. Their effects can be smoothing, plumping or lifting.

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What is hyaluronic acid and how does it work?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule vital for cell growth and renewal. It binds water and maintains elasticity. It has an instant volumizing effect and longer term it binds water and increases hydration.

What are dermal fillers used for?
Dermal fillers have a number of uses. Without affecting facial expressions, they can:

• Fill lines and wrinkles- e.g. nasolabial lines (from the nose to mouth), marionette lines (at the sides of the mouth) and perioral lines (above the mouth, sometimes called smokers lines).

• Add volume and definition to cheeks. Depends on the placement of the filler, the desired look can add volume (often popular with older ladies) or definition (more popular with younger ladies). Both of these will have a lifting effect on the face.

• Enhance lip definition and volume. Lip filler is very popular and a range of looks can be achieved ranging from definition to volume or both.

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What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?
Botox is used to relax muscles causing wrinkles.
Dermal filler is used to add volume, fill creases, define or plump areas. The two treatment techniques are often combined. Please speak to your doctor to discuss suitable options for you.

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How quickly do dermal fillers produce results?
The effects of fillers are seen immediately with an instant volumizing effect. Over the longer term, the filler binds with water, increasing hydration.

What are common injection sites for dermal fillers?
The most common places where dermal fillers are used are:

1. Nasolabial lines - these run from the nose to the mouth and increase with age

2. Marionette lines - at the sides of the mouth

3. Cheeks - for volume or definition

4. Lips - for volume and/or definition

5. Perioral - smokers lines

6. Hands - hand rejuvenation is with a longer lasting filler

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How long do fillers last?
Dermal fillers last between 6 and 18 months.
The duration is influenced by a number of factors including injection site, age, skin type and lifestyle.
The lips have a rich blood supply and lip filler usually lasts approximately 6 months.
Cheek and hand filler can last up to 18 months.

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Is it painful?
Most dermal fillers will cause minor discomfort and some products contain local anaesthetic.
The lips are an extremely sensitive area to inject. Most clients prefer to have local anaesthetic cream applied at least 30 minutes before the procedure to reduce the discomfort.

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Are dermal fillers safe?
It is vital that dermal fillers are injected by a professional trained in aesthetics. Your doctor has detailed knowledge of facial structures and where to inject and equally importantly, where not to inject!
Dermal fillers are safe when used by skilled hands. They are long lasting and not permanent. They bear no resemblance to the silicone injected into a well known actresses top lip in the year 2000! This was a permanent filler and we do not use this type of product.
Our products can be dissolved and the effects reversed if the desired result is not achieved or if there are any complications.
Any injection can cause bruising and swelling. This is particularly common after lip augmentation with swelling starting to settle after 48 hours.

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Who should avoid dermal fillers?
Anyone who has reacted to a dermal filler in the past should avoid further treatments. Hyaluronic acid (HA) in dermal filler closely resembles naturally occurring HA and as a result, allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Those pregnant or breast feeding should avoid treatments.
Please advise your doctor if you are taking blood thinning medications. This does not prevent you have treatment but may increase your risk of bruising.

What happens during my consultation?
During your consultation, we will discuss your concerns and aims of treatment.
If you wish to proceed then we will obtain your consent after fully explaining the procedures and risks.
We will take photographs of your face before treatment.
Local anaesthetic cream may be applied (usually for lip treatment) for 30 mins+.
Make up will be removed and if necessary, surgical marker will be used to define injection sites.
Dermal filler will be injected by the doctor into specific areas. The depth and number of injections will be customised to your treatment goals.

How long does the treatment take?
Your consultation will be approximately 30 minutes but the injection time is often only a few minutes. The important part is assessing your needs and determining your safety for the procedure.

Can men have treatment?
Yes. Treatments are increasingly popular for men. Please get in touch if you have any specific concerns you wish to discuss.

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What do I need to do afterwards?

• Do not rub the area. Leave it alone for 48 hours.

• Avoid make-up same day.

• Avoid applying heat same day – this includes hot drinks and smoking.

• Avoid alcohol same day.

• Avoid other facial treatments for 2-3 days.

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Bruising, redness and swelling usually settle after 2-3 days but the full result will not be seen until 2 weeks.
A review will be arranged at 2 weeks but if you have concerns in the meantime then please contact the clinic.

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When will I be reviewed?
A review appointment is arranged after 2 weeks if required. Swelling will have settled at that point.