Dermal Fillers

What are Fillers and how do they work?
As we age, the natural collagen and elastin in the skin lessens, as cells lose their ability to produce more of their youthful component. The skin becomes dryer, thinner and less able to fix itself. When we are born, we have plentiful amounts of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in our body, but as we get older this store of HA diminishes, leaving the skin less well supported, and so lines and wrinkles develop. By lifting and smoothing targeted folds and wrinkles by adding subtle volume, dermal fillers can make a difference to a person's appearance, giving them a fresher look. The treatment of wrinkles with dermal filler will usually involve injecting this naturally occurring product (HA) through a tiny needle (a numbing agent is applied for comfort). The discomfort is minimal as the treatment does not take long to perform. The aesthetic outcomes of treatments with dermal filler are seen immediately after the treatment. Treating wrinkles with dermal filler is fast, leaving no scars. The Juvéderm range of fillers contains a variety of products, which can be used to treat different areas, from fine lines on more delicate parts of the face to deep skin depressions. You can also treat your lips with lip fillers to add extra volume. Today's sophisticated fillers are made of Hyaluronic Acid (or HA), which is a substance that's found naturally in the body, making it much safer than previous procedures.

What does the treatment involve?
The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes and patients can expect to notice the effects for as long as 18 months after treatment. If you do not like the outcome of your treatment with fillers it is completely reversible. Though it is recommended that a patient wait 2 weeks before deciding they want the filler reversed. As with any injectable treatment, there can be some slight bruising or swelling that accompanies it. This is minimal and is easily coverable with makeup. Who would this treatment suit? Facial fillers can be used on a wide range of patients, and are primarily used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of lines and wrinkles. Other suitable candidates are those seeking to add structure and volume to the face. For example patients who have lost volume in their face due to living a very active, high impact lifestyle (such as runners) or patients who have recently lost a lot of weight. Fillers help to restore the volume loss that naturally begins to occur when we reach our late thirties, and in turn gives a fresher, brighter appearance. Lip Fillers are very popular for those with a very thin upper lip or smile that shows the gums. Also those Patients that would like a more pronounced pout.

Who should avoid this treatment?
There is no known risk to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but we would advise against having treatment under these circumstances.

What results does the treatment aim to provide?
The results should be subtle, leaving our friends and family believing that we are simply looking our best and great for our years. Treatment lasts between 18-24 months but, naturally, towards the end of this period the effects begin to gradually soften, so there is no dramatic change. When the effects begin to soften more than you would like we can add a small amount of volume. Call for a consultation and we can discuss or options.