Dermal Fillers

WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?

Dermal fillers are a range of products that fill depleted facial features. Sagging skin in the jaw line and cheeks, under-eye hollows and wrinkles around the mouth and nose are best treated with dermal filler injections.

Although each dermal filler has its unique attributes, in general, most dermal fillers plump and lift the skin gently either by replacing the lost collagen or stimulating the body to produce its own natural collagen; some help more than others. With the exception of a few, the plumping effect of most dermal fillers is almost instantaneous and last from several months to a year or two before touch up treatments are necessary to extend results.

Dermal fillers are made of various kinds of natural and man-made or synthetic materials that have been developed over the years for injection into the skin, such a hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance widely distributed within the human body. Over 50% is found in the skin where it is essential for water retention, wound healing and tissue repair – especially after sun damage. It is one of the main components responsible for that plump, smooth, youthful look in young skin.

Dermal fillers come in different thicknesses, and in general, the thicker the product, the deeper it is injected into the dermal layer of the skin to help plump out medium to deep lines and wrinkles, such as naso-labial folds (nose to mouth lines), fill scars, contour or revolumise the cheeks and chin or to augment or reshape lips.

WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS USED FOR?

They can be used for a number of conditions:

for anti-ageing treatments
to soften lines and wrinkles
plumping the skin
to redefine, rehydrate, rejuvenate and reshape the lips
to re-build or re-shape the cheekbones, jawline and chin
to treat the hollows in the tear trough/under eye area
in conjunction with botulinum toxin for a non-surgical face lift
To rejuvenate and rehydrate the skin of the hands, face and neck

IS EVERYONE SUITABLE FOR TREATMENT WITH FILLERS & ARE THEY SAFE?

There are some people who should not have treatment; including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In addition, people on certain medication may not be suitable for treatment. We will take a full medical and drug history from you as part of your appointment to ensure that treatment is safe for you.

WHEN WILL MY FILLER START WORKING & HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

You will notice a difference instantly. The hyaluronic acid is gradually broken down to water but the effect can last from anything between 6 – 18 months depending on the areas treated, skin quality, quantity of product placed and general health and lifestyle

DOES THE TREATMENT HURT?

We give an local anaesthetic (in the form of a cream) approx 30 minutes before-hand to make the procedure completely pain-free. The treatment should be relatively painless or mildly uncomfortable with the nose and lip areas being the most sensitive.

Common side effects from dermal filler treatments include bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness and slight bleeding at the injection sites, which will disappear either almost immediately or over a 24 - 48 hour period.

AFTERCARE

Avoid touching the treated area or applying with products for 6 hours following treatment. After that light makeup can be applied and the area can be gently washed with soap and water.
Until the initial swelling and redness has resolved please do not expose the area to intense heat. e.g., sunbeds, sunbathing or extreme cold.
Please do not exercise for 48 hours after your procedure as it can cause migration of filler.
If you have previous suffered facial herpes, there is a risk that injections could contribute to another eruption.
If you are using aspirin or any similar medication, please be aware that this may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
This is not your final result – It is not uncommon for the treatment area to remain swollen for up to two weeks. During this time the area may look very uneven, feel bumpy, bruised, discoloured and may feel sore. Please do not panic. It is normal during this period to not be entirely happy with your results, but patience here is key.
The final results will be apparent approximately 14 days after treatment. If you have any concerns, please book in for a review after this two-week period is up. Any initial discomfort during this period can be eased by application of ice.
The filler has not dissolved nor disappeared; you have not wasted your money. The filler has simply sunken and formed a layer at the base of your treatment area. Many clients find they need two or three sessions to layer filler on top of one another – until the filler no longer has room to sink – leaving you with a fuller look.