Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers correct deep lines and folds and add lost volume to the face. Most commonly I use them for the naso-labial folds (nose to mouth lines), marionette lines, oral commissures (smokers lines) and for giving shape and volume to the lips.
In my practice I mostly use Juvederm Ultra brand of filler as they have a good record of safety, reliability and performance. This brand comes with the added benefit of local anaesthetic.
What are dermal fillers?
Restylane, Juvederm Ultra and Belotero are sterile gels consisting of non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid for injecting into the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is found naturally in our skin. It binds with water, hydrating the skin promoting softness and fullness.
With age hyaluronic acid becomes less efficient, leading to loss of fullness, causing lines and folds to form. The naturally biodegradable hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers is used to replace this lost volume, giving support to the skin, reducing and softening the lines and folds. As the gel is synthetic, but closely resembling the natural hyaluronic acid found in our skin, it minimises the risk of inflammatory reaction.
What does the procedure involve?
Prior to your procedure, to aid your comfort, you will have the option of pain relieving cream which will be applied to the areas being treated. The cream takes about 20 minutes to take effect. A fine needle is then used to inject the sterile gel into your skin. This will take about 10 – 20 minutes depending on the areas to be treated. The area is then massaged thoroughly to aid smoothness.
When will I see results?
The effects of dermal fillers can be seen immediately. Lips may be a little swollen and uneven directly after treatment but this should resolve within a week. It is important to have a follow up appointment 2 weeks post procedure.
Are there any side effects?
After the treatment some common injection related reactions might occur including: redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising and tenderness at the injection site. These reactions are mild to moderate and typically resolve spontaneously a few days after the injection. Other types of reactions are rare but it is important you are fully informed about these so that you can make the right choice for you.
How long does the treatment last?
Depending on the area treated, skin type and the injection technique the effect of treatment with the products can last 6-12 months (lips approximately 6 months, but in some cases the duration of the effect can be shorter or longer). Touch-up treatments help sustain the desired degree of correction.
You will be given detailed post procedure care. Please follow these instructions to optimise treatment and reduce the incidence of side effects.