Skin Fillers
Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, with more people than ever choosing to use a growing range of different filler substances. As the skin ages, it loses collagen and fat, causing sagging and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can be used to plump up areas of the skin, helping them look firmer and restoring the skin's former youthful appearance.
FAQ's
- Which dermal fillers do you use and how can they help?
I use the Restylane family of fillers whcih include Restylane Touch, Restylane and Perlane. These fillers are non-animal based clear gels that are almost identical to a naturally occurring substance in the body called hyaluronic acid. They work with the body's own hyaluronic acid to smooth, fill and plump out lines and instantly enhance lips.
Present in all living organisms, hyaluronic acid has already been used widely in general medicine to help eye surgeons perform cataract operations, and for injection into arthritic joints to aid mobility. In your skin it creates volume, resulting in a healthy and vital appearance.
- Where can fillers be used?
Nose to mouth
The lines from the sides of the nose to the edges of the mouth are known as the nasolabial folds. As we age, these usually become more prominent as the skin starts to lose collagen and fat, which can cause the cheeks to sag. These lines often become deeper on people who have lost weight.
Treating nose-to-mouth lines can produce a dramatic anti-ageing effect. Dermal fillers are the best treatment for these lines (as opposed to BTX).
They can also be used for frown lines between the eyebrows:
They are also effective for the vertical lines above the top lip which are very common in smokers: (picture coming soon)
- How is the treatment performed?
Firstly, all patients attend a free, no-obligation consultation lasting around 30 minutes. As no pre-test is needed, the treatment can be carried out immediately. As fillers are injected under the surface of the skin using a very fine needle, an anaesthetic cream is applied to the area 30 minutes before treatment begins. Any discomfort is, therefore, minimal.
Treatments generally take around 30 minutes depending on the correction you wish to achieve and results are instant.
This largely depends on the structure of the skin, lifestyle, age and the degree of perfection demanded by each individual patient. Generally speaking, to maintain the results you have achieved you'll need a follow-up treatment after six to nine months for lines, wrinkles and folds, and after six months for lips.
- Are dermal fillers suitable for everyone?
Injections should be avoided in areas where there is any swelling or infection. Dermal fillers have not, however, been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and are therefore not advised.
If you have a history of cold sores in the area to be treated, I recommend that you take anti-herpes medicine before your treatment to help reduce the likelihood of an outbreak.
- Are there any side effects?
Some injection-related reactions occasionally occur, such as transient redness, swelling, pain, itching and tenderness at the injection site. However, these resolve themselves after a day or two for wrinkle treatments, and after a few more days for lip treatments.
How long do dermal fillers last?