What are Dermal Fillers?

The term “Dermal filler” is used to refer to a large assortment of cosmetic products, and usually describes a procedure or treatment that can add volume or structure to parts of the face that are sagging, hollow or lacking fullness. A sunken facial appearance can cause you to age prematurely and gives the impression of ill health.

If you are considering a procedure to rejuvenate and replenish your skin’s health and beauty, dermal fillers are an ideal option.

What are Dermal Fillers made of?

Dermal Fillers are comprised of a completely natural molecule that is already found in the body called hyaluronic acid (HA). This molecule can act effectively like a porous sponge, and it can absorb up to 1000 times its own weight in water! For this reason, it is widely used in both the cosmetic and medical industry across the UK and the rest of the world, and it is estimated that over 30 million individuals have been treated with HA.

How do Dermal Fillers Work?

As we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid gradually decreases, causing the skin’s innate moisture to deplete over time and leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging facial structure. Fillers can repair this damage and restore supple, youthful skin, knocking years off of your appearance and helping you to look and feel your very best.

When added back into the skin, hyaluronic acid restores volume to the facial structure, and can help to create a more youthful, well-rested and rejuvenated appearance. It effectively helps to attract and maintain water in the skin, which ‘irons out’ wrinkled skin and improves texture, suppleness and appearance.

Am I a suitable candidate for dermal fillers?

Our trained clinicians have extensive experience using dermal fillers on a wide range of patients who seek to eliminate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Other patients elect to undergo this procedure in order to treat scarring, or in order to add structure and volume to their face.

How long do the results last?

Your consultants will advise you on the best aftercare procedures, customised for your unique needs. While every patient is different, many patients notice positive effects for at least six months, and sometimes as long as eighteen months before they gradually and gently fade away.

What are the potential side effects?

As hyaluronic acid is biocompatible and completely natural, side effects are rare but have been reported to include bruising, bleeding, itching, skin discoloration, infection, redness and swelling at the region of injection, allergic reactions, lumps under the skin and in very rare cases, granulomas.

For most patients these effects will disappear completely within a period of two to three days, but if any pain, swelling or redness persists you should immediately contact our team in order to ensure that there are no problems.

What are the benefits of Dermal Fillers?

• Helps to smooth wrinkles and scars
• Adds volume to sagging or hollowed skin contours
• Quick and efficient treatments of no more than 30-40 minutes
• Will improve cheek hollows
• Can enhance the definition of the lip and mouth area
• Will reduce dark circles and shadows under the eyes
• Restores your natural youthful beauty
• Can mostly be dissolved quickly and safely with hyaluronidase if for any reason you are dissatisfied with the results

How do I get started?

Once you have chosen to utilise a hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler to help hydrate and add youthful plumpness and volume to your skin, you will undergo an assessment with one of our skilled and trained consultants. They will tailor a custom treatment plan ideally designed for your specific needs and concerns.

What can I expect from the procedure?

Before having dermal filler treatment you will need to visit a practitioner to guide you through the process of selecting the best dermal filler for your skin. This is also a great opportunity to discuss the results you would like to achieve.  Consent is also signed before undergoing treatment to ensure the patient understands the possible effects. The initial treatment can often take place during the first visit.

The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and consists of an injection administered by a trained clinician using only the best brands in the industry, including Juvaderm, Ellanse and Uma Jeunesse.

We often apply an anaesthetic cream to numb the area twenty to thirty minutes prior to your treatment and use ice pre and post treatment. This helps to numb the area and minimise any pain that you might experience. Different types of injection are used, depending on which filler is being used and what area is undergoing the procedure. The two most common are the linear threading technique and the serial puncture technique.

Linear threading – the needle’s full length is inserted half way into the wrinkle. At this point, the filler is injected whilst simultaneously pulling the needle slowly backwards.

Serial puncture – this procedure involves several injections alongside the wrinkle in order to lift it and smooth its appearance.

Your practitioner may massage the skin to ensure that the filler is smooth, and you will see results instantly – your skin will look refreshed, rejuvenated and smoother than you ever dreamed possible.

What can I expect immediately afterwards?

Other than a small amount of tenderness, you will be ready to carry on with your normal day. As with any injectable treatment, you may experience a slight swelling, redness or bruising, but this is minimal and should recede within the day. You can apply mineral make up immediately if you so choose.

What are the aftercare instructions?

You should not use sunbeds, steam rooms, saunas or environments with extreme temperatures for at least twenty-four hours (or until swelling is completely resolved). Ensure you wear sun protection of at least 30 SPF, and do not rub or touch the area for twelve hours.

Contraindications

While dermal fillers are largely safe for most patients, anyone suffering from severe allergies with by a history of anaphylaxis may be contraindicated – speak with your practitioner to determine if they are appropriate for you.

Does it hurt?

Most patients report feeling an initial stinging sensation, but this is no more unpleasant than acupuncture or eyebrow threading. While the needles are every fine, some areas of the face are more sensitive than others, so your practitioner may apply an anaesthetic cream to the area if this is the case. This cream will minimise the pain and keep you feeling comfortable throughout.

How can I prepare for the treatment?

Unless prescribed by your doctor, avoid using aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the three days before your treatment. These drugs may increase your risk of injection site bruises, but if you have any concerns please speak to our clinician.