Dermal Fillers
- What are dermal fillers?
- Dermal fillers are substances that are injected into folds and creases in the skin to make the skin appear more youthful. The main dermal filler used is a soft gel made up of hyaluronic acid. The gel does not damage tissue as it is similar to the hyaluronic acid that is found naturally occurring in the body. It does last a long time but it is not permanent.
- How beneficial are dermal fillers?
- Dermal fillers will enhance your facial appearance and the results from just one treatment can be seen almost immediately. Each treatment will last for approximately a year for a facial treatment and for lip enhancement about six months. Dermal fillers allow you to achieve a natural look without affecting facial expression. As your face changes with age the dermal filling can be changed to suit.
- What is hyaluronic acid?
- Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is found naturally in the body and helps to hydrate and give our skin its volume. Hyaluronic acid found in our body is broken down in a day or two, so it’s normally replaced constantly. Aging diminishes this mechanism so the effects of hyaluronic acid as a hydrator to the skin slows down while adding fullness. This is where hyaluronic acid found in dermal fillers is useful for cosmetic treatments.
- What parts are treatable with dermal fillers?
- Dermal fillers are good for smoothing away wrinkles and facial lines while creating fuller lips, shaping facial contours and revitalising the skin. They are commonly used for treating mouth to nose lines, enhancing lips, augmenting cheeks and finally for replacing volume in tissues and concealing scars.
- Does dermal filler treatment hurt?
- Normally, mild discomfort is experienced only with no need for pain killers. Some people who dislike the mild discomfort can resort to the use of a local anaesthetic cream which can be applied to the sensitive area. The lips are a particularly sensitive area of the body and anaesthesia is often recommended before dermal fillers are used lip enhancement.
- How long does an appointment take?
- A discussion with your dermal fillers professional regarding a suitable anaesthesia may be required before the treatment phase starts but It only takes as little as 15-30 minutes to complete the injections.
- Can I see the results of dermal filler treatment immediately?
- You will be able to see the results once your appointment has finished.
- Is it necessary to get time off work?
- Not at all, as you can arrange an appointment during your usual lunch hour and then go straight back to work.
- Does dermal filler treatment have any side effects or risks?
- Negative reactions to dermal filler treatment are rare but on occasions there are reactions to the injection which could include swelling, a reddish appearance to the skin, tenderness, itching, bruising and mild pain. Following lip treatment the lips could swell up for up to a seven days. All these side effects are not debilitative in any way.
- How long will the effects of dermal filler treatment last?
- Today’s range of dermal fillers that are available can last up to 12 months, particularly in nose to mouth lines and six months in the lips. After the first treatment, additional sessions are usually recommended at six to twelve months intervals depending on the person and the treatment outcome.
- Do I need to prepare myself for the treatment?
- You should not take anti-inflammatory drugs for two days before commencement of your treatment as this will minimise bleeding and bruising when the injection is applied.
- What happens at a dermal filler appointment?
- An extremely fine needle is used to inject small amounts of the filler into the skin. This gel smoothes away wrinkles and lines, improves facial shape and creates fuller lips.
- What happens after treatment?
- Dermal fillers have biodegradable features so they will disappear into the body naturally and there may be a need to have top-up treatment every year.
- Can anyone use dermal fillers?
- Generally anyone can use dermal fillers but they should not be used in or close to areas that are or have been affected by skin disease. Dermal fillers, to date, have not been tested on breast –feeding or pregnant women, people who have with medical conditions that affect the body’s immune response or those undergoing therapy that suppresses the immune system.
