Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler is a smooth injectable gel containing hyaluronic acid designed to replace the hyaluronic acid you have lost. It does this by filling the space of volume loss which improves folds and wrinkles, as well as attracting water to replenish moisture to your skin. It also has a biological effect on your own hyaluronic acid by encouraging it to increase collagen and elastin production which improves skin integrity and quality. Overall this restores a natural and youthful appearance.

As you age, your body starts to lose collagen. Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Decreased amounts of collagen in your skin cause skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.

• Add volume to sagging skin.
• Make your facial features more symmetrical.
• Plump up lips and cheeks.
• Smooth wrinkles and creases in your face.
• Enhance natural features and add hydration to your skin

Dermal fillers can be used in multiple areas such as the skin (to plump, add hydration and address fine lines and wrinkles), cheeks, lips, jaw, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, neck and chin.

The areas for use will be discussed at the consultation and will depend on your areas of need and aesthetic goals.

There are many types of filler. Each differs in the concentration of hyaluronic acid, the number of cross-links, and the stiffness or hardness of the gel. As we all age differently this will affect which type and how much dermal filler you will need depending on your degree of volume lost, the depth of the fold or wrinkle being treated and the desired treatment outcome.

To help you look rejuvenated for longer dermal filler is manufactured using cross-linked technology to slow down the naturally occurring breakdown of hyaluronic acid within your skin. Without crosslinks, the hyaluronic acid would only last a few days. This technology enables results to last 6 to 18 months although there is variation between individuals, as well as according to the type, quantity and depth of the dermal filler placed within your skin. This is discussed at length during your initial consultation.

Serious complications are rare, and some of these side effects are only temporary. But as with any medical procedure, there are risks. They include:

Asymmetrical appearance.

Bleeding, bruising, redness, pain and swelling.

Damage to your skin, which may cause scars

Infection

Lumps or bumps under your skin.

Numbness.

Pimples that look like acne

Rash

All risks are discussed at length during your consultation.

Before you get dermal fillers, you’ll have a comprehensive consultation with our Registered Nurse. This gives time and opportunity to discuss the areas of need, goals and expectations, treatment outcome, possible risks and overall cost. Think of this as an education session to ensure you have a full understanding of the treatment and can make an informed choice for optimal outcomes.

During this consultation, the Registered Nurse will also ask about your medical history. It’s important to tell them if you’re taking any medications, as some drugs can increase the risk of complications after getting fillers. You will also speak to a medical practitioner to summarize your treatment and obtain a script.

Please advise your injector prior to treatment if you have suffered in the past with cold sores on the skin or lips. This viral infection may be re-activated by some injectable treatments. You are advised to take an anti-viral medication such as Zovirax on the day of your treatment and for several days after your treatment.

Remember to plan ahead before any treatment. Schedule your treatment at least two weeks before any major events or holidays to allow for any potential swelling or bruising to subside.

Your skin will be cleaned thoroughly and we may apply a local anesthetic to the area, however, this will depend on the area being treated. Using a thin needle, small amounts of filler are injected under your skin. The needle will pinch or sting, but most people don’t experience much pain during these injections. The whole process can take a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the areas being treated.

We pride ourselves on taking our time during all procedures to ensure optimal safety, and prevention of infection and to ensure all patients feel comfortable and relaxed.

After receiving dermal filler injections, you will be provided with aftercare instructions to follow.

Many people see results right away after getting these injections however everyone’s results are different. How long it takes to see results (and how long they last) will depend on several factors, including the type of treatment you received.

During the first 24–48 hours after treatment you will experience some redness, swelling and tenderness in the treated areas. These responses are normal and resolve quickly and spontaneously over the next 2-4 days. You can apply light water-based or mineral makeup where necessary.

Drink plenty of cold water for 48 hours after the procedure to ensure optimal outcomes.

Bruising at the site of injection is also common and clears completely in 1-10 days. Please read the aftercare instructions that will be sent to you directly after your treatment which will provide comprehensive advice on how to reduce bruising.

Swelling and bruising can give the appearance of ‘unevenness’ in the area treated. This will settle once the swelling and bruising have gone. If there is any ‘unevenness’ present after 14 days, please contact the clinic for advice.

Occasionally a further ‘correctional’ treatment is required within the first 2-4 weeks after your dermal filler treatment. If you would like to have further enhancement, it can be done after 1-2 months. Note that any additional dermal filler required will be charged at the usual rate.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks and spicy food for 24 hours, as these may exacerbate bruising and swelling.
• Avoid medications such as aspirin or nurofen for 24 hours as they are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising (if these medications have been advised by your GP please check with your GP before stopping them)
• Avoid supplements such as multivitamins, fish oils, glucosamine and Vitamin B or Vitamin E, which are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising for 24 hours (if these supplements have been advised by your GP please check with your GP before stopping them)
• Avoid excessive exercise for 24 hours
• Avoid excess sun exposure for 24 hours
• Apply ice frequently as required to the area injected for up to 6 hours after the treatment. This will prevent or help to alleviate any bruising. It will also help to reduce any swelling. You can use Arnica cream and arnica tablets (Bruises can last 1-10 days. They are temporary and will completely disappear over time with no effect on your treatment).

Everyone’s recovery time is different. Your recovery time depends on:

• How many areas were treated.
• The type of filler you received
• Your overall health.

Most people can get back to the activities they enjoy right after getting dermal filler injections.