Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are designed to effectively reverse the aging process by smoothing away lines, filling wrinkles and by enhancing areas such as sunken cheeks and thinning lips. The results are instant.

It is an artistic process, and with the combination of Botox and fillers, we can sculpt the face, and restore that youthful shape and glow.

What are the choices of filler?

The modern dermal fillers produced by Q-MED are made of non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid (NASHA) and these include Restylane, Perlane, Restylane Lipp, Restylane Sub Q, Restylane Vital and Restylane Touch.

What can we use Dermal Fillers to treat?

Lines, wrinkles and folds:

• naso-labial lines (nose to mouth lines)
• marionette lines (mouth to chin lines)
• crows feet (smile lines around eyes)
• tear troughs (baggy tired eyes)
• frown lines
• lip lines (smokers or lipstick lines)
• acne scars

Contouring and enhancement:

• lip enhancement
• turning up corners of the mouth
• cheek sculpting (sunken cheeks)
• jowls (sagging jaw line)
• chin enhancement
• nose re-shaping
• eye-brow shaping

Rejuvenation of dry and aging skin:

• backs of hands
• the décolletage area
• face
• neck

Is it safe?

Since the manufacturer Q-MED, launched Restylane in 1996, it is estimated that over 9 million treatments in over 70 countries have been carried out worldwide. It is a biocompatible and biodegradable product which means that it is not harmful to the body and is broken down and removed from the body naturally. Allergic reactions and long term side-effects such as firmness or infection are very rare.

The hyaluronic acid fillers come in the form of a sterile gel produced in the laboratory. The advantages of these modern fillers include that they are non-permanent, as opposed to the old silicone fillers and are longer lasting as opposed to the now outdated collagen fillers. The added advantage of the hyaluronic acid fillers is that there is no allergy testing required as they are non-animal, as opposed to the older collagen fillers which were derived from animal collagen

How does it work?

As the face ages, the skin begins to lose hyaluronic acid, collagen and it's elasticity as well as subcutaneous fat. As a result, with repetitive movements of the facial muscles and with the inevitable force of gravity, wrinkles form the face loses volume and the skin sags and droops. The main component of the dermal fillers we use is hyaluronic acid and we are therefore simply replacing the hyaluronic acid naturally lost by the body. The fillers come in a gel form, and are injected through a tiny needle. This is followed by gentle massage to ensure a smooth result and the results are instantaneous. The newly injected hyaluronic acid attracts water and integrates with the surrounding collagen restoring the youthful facial appearance. Latest medical research has also shown that by injecting the hyaluronic acid fillers into the skin, the body produces large amounts of collagen as a reaction, enhancing the results even further and making them last longer.

Does it hurt?

The treatment takes about 15-30 minutes, and depending on the patient's pain threshold we can either numb the skin with a topical cream or completely numb the area with a local anaesthetic block, similar to those given by dentists, therefore giving the patient a completely pain free and relaxing treatment.

How long do the effects last?

This varies but the results can last for as long as 12 months, although experience has shown us that the effects can last much longer with repeat treatments. In the case of Restylane Sub Q (the main use for which is cheek enhancement) the results are even more long lasting than the other fillers.

After a few years of regular treatments with dermal fillers, it is not uncommon that our patients do not return for over 2 years, and then it is just for a tiny top-up.

Does it look natural?

It is the most natural treatment, simply restoring back to the skin what was lost through the years. The facial expressions stay the same, the lips look more sensual, the natural facial volume is restored and the skin looks youthful once again. We think of the dermal filler treatments as an art form, sculpting, shaping and striving for the most classical beauty.

Are there any side effects?

Some injection related side-effects can occur including redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising and none of these are ever very serious and they will resolve in a matter of days.

Major long term side-effects are incredibly rare, and hypersensitivity reactions are reported to be as rare as 1 in 20,000 according to latest research.

Aftercare

• Do not consume excessive alcohol for 24 hours
• Do not do any aerobic exercise for 24 hours after the procedure
• If you get any bruising do apply ice and arnica cream. Mineral based make up can be applied immediately after the procedure
• If you bruise easily, you may want to take arnica tablets for 1 day before the procedure and for 5 days afterwards.
• If you are prone to cold sores around the mouth, and this is the area which you want to be treated, ask your GP to prescribe zovirax tablets for you, to be taken just before and for a few days after the procedure.
• We will massage the areas treated thoroughly straight after the treatment, but you can do some gentle massage at home over a clean cloth.
• Try to avoid sun beds and saunas for 3-4 days after the procedure.
• If there is anything which is not clear, if you feel that you are getting any side effects or if you are not sure that results have come up to your expectations, do contact us and we can try to address your worries over the phone or arrange a follow up appointment.