Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are synthetic or natural gels that are injected into the skin in order to reduce the appearance of lines and add volume. Most of the dermal fillers used today are temporary and biodegradable, but there are a few permanent fillers available too.

Dermal fillers can do wonders for your skin, they can:

• Boost volume
• Improve sagging skin
• Provide natural looking results
• Be administered with minimal pain / discomfort
• Noticeably reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Provide prompt results that last a long time (but are not permanent)

Dermal fillers are injected into the skin, but don’t worry – it’s not as painful as it’s sounds! The procedure does come with a little discomfort and certain areas (such as the lips) are likely to be more sensitive than others. Dermal fillers often contain local anaesthetic, which automatically imparts pain relief whilst you are injected. Alternatively, anaesthetic cream or ice may be applied to skin in order to numb the area.

Dermal fillers can enhance many areas of your face, they can be used to:

• Lessen and soften wrinkles
• Boost the lips
• Hydrate the skin, refining texture and tone
• Improve tear troughs (hollows) that appear beneath the eyes
• Augment and correct facial contours – temples, jawline, nose, chin, cheeks
• Reinstate volume to hands, decreasing noticeable veins and tendons

During your consultation your practitioner (a doctor, nurse, dentist or prescribing pharmacist) will take a comprehensive medical history from you, assess your needs and discuss your expectations. This is all essential in order to check if derma fillers will be the most appropriate treatment for you. Whilst this procedure is beneficial to many, unfortunately derma fillers are right for everyone, steer clear if you:

• Are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Are taking medication that impacts upon your immune system.
• Have experienced a reaction to dermal fillers / local anaesthetic in the past.
• Have suffered from a skin infection or are feeling unwell.
• Have experienced problems related to bleeding.
• Are taking medication, such as aspirin, which affects bleeding.
• You are taking or have taken Roaccutane (acne treatment) during the last 18 months.

You will receive guidance on aftercare, but you should be able to get back to your normal activities fairly quickly, (however it’s not a good idea to undertake any vigorous exercise for 48 hours). You might experience some degree of redness, pin prick marks, or tenderness – however this should settle down within a couple of days.

You might also notice bruising or swelling (which will be more apparent the day after the procedure) – this may take a couple of weeks to fully disappear. We suggest cold packs to alleviate any swelling and arnica cream to reduce bruising.

Expect to see a change almost immediately. However, keep in mind that swelling may cause the product to feel clumpy and rigid at first. It’s best to judge the final results after two weeks (when you will be invited to attend to review), so we can assess the outcome together.

Results can last between four months and a whole year (based upon the product used and which area has been treated). In the unlikely case that you experience any problems you will be able to see your practitioner for advice and to discuss further treatment.