BEAUTY AND COSMETIC
Dermal Fiilers
Dermal fillers are non-surgical cosmetic treatments which are used to bring a more youthful appearance by restoring volume or fullness to the face and lips. They work by plumping out lines, wrinkles and folds in the skin. The effect is seen immediately after treatment. As skin ages, collagen, fat and other natural moisturising substances – the natural ‘scaffolding’ which keeps the skin looking young and firm - are lost. This happens both naturally and because of other factors, such as sun damage, smoking, and poor diet. As they diminish, skin becomes thinner and lines, wrinkles and folds develop. This is usually more noticeable on the face than elsewhere on the body.
Which areas can be treated?
Dermal fillers can be used to smooth out facial lines, create fuller lips and shape facial contours, such as cheeks and chin.
The most common areas treated are:
- from the nose to the angle of the mouth (the nasolabial folds)
- lips (enhancement)
- cheeks and chin (shaping)
- back of the hands, décolletage, face (skin hydro-balance)
- between the eyebrows (the glabellar lines) – usually in conjunction with wrinkle relaxing injections
 | Female client before and after lip enhancement with 1.5ml of Juvéderm Ultra |
What are dermal fillers made of?
Various kinds of safe, natural and man-made materials are used as dermal fillers. These have been specifically developed over many years for use in the skin. Our recommendation is for Hyaluronic Acid fillers, which are long lasting, but not permanent, providing the option to adapt the treatment as the face changes over time. Semi-permanent fillers, such as Teosyal, Juvedérm Ultra and Restylane, last initially for around 6 months, depending upon the site of application, but the effect following subsequent treatments will last longer. Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally throughout the body, in skin, bones, joints, and eyes. It acts as a lubricant and moisturiser due to its ability to attract and store water and is clinically produced. Hyaluronic Acid is not from animal or human sources.
How are fillers supplied?
Dermal fillers are supplied in pre-filled sterile syringes, ready for injection. A one millilitre syringe is the standard size. However, the number of syringes required depends on each individual’s circumstances. Lines tend to become deeper with age, but there are also other lifestyle and hereditary factors that have a bearing, and deeper lines require more filler. The following are examples of typical treatment regimes for correcting nose-to-mouth lines or lip lines:
1 x 1ml syringe every 6 months for 2 years;
1 x 1ml syringe every 9-12 months to keep the lines at bay.
2 x 1ml syringes every 6 months for the first year;
1 x 1ml syringe every 6 months to keep the lines at bay.
These are ‘typical’ examples and should not be taken as being right for
everybody. If insufficient filler is used, the effect will be disappointing.
 | Nose-to-mouth lines before and after Teosyal Dermal Fillers |
Dermal fillers are manufactured in different thicknesses; some are more gel-like, while others are more liquid. The thicker ones are used to restore deeper folds or wrinkles, such as those between the nose and corner of the mouth; thinner ones are used for more superficial fine lines.
Is the treatment comfortable?
Yes. Juverderm Ultra contains anaesthetic, but for every treatment we also offer anaesthetic cream and/or short-acting dental anaesthetic to numb the area to be treated.
Are there any adverse effects?
Thousands of dermal filler treatments have been carried out in the UK and even more around the world, with few serious or lasting side effects. Most people can return to their normal daily life immediately after the treatment. However, as you would expect, your practitioner will explain any possible side effects during the initial consultation. The most common side effects are simply related to the fact that there have been injections in the area being treated. These can include slight bleeding, mild bruising, and possibly some swelling around the area. If you have lip treatment, swelling can last up to a week and the lips may look uneven during that time. Allergic reactions to dermal filler treatment are rare, but can include redness, itching, swelling and hardness, or small bumps under the skin. These side effects may last for weeks or months and sometimes longer.
Fortunately they are very rare.
How long do dermal fillers last?
The length of time that dermal fillers last depends on the type of filler used and the area injected. On average, the results of Hyaluronic Acid dermal filler will last 6-12 months. Thicker dermal fillers tend to last longer than those used for finer lines; the filler is gradually broken down naturally by the body. A key advantage of the filler being non-permanent is that the area treated will gradually and naturally return to its previous state. To sustain the effect, the area can be retreated and the regained volume maintained.
Can anyone have dermal filler treatment?
Whilst most people can benefit from dermal fillers, there are certain medications and conditions that preclude their use. Your practitioner will ask a number of questions to ensure that fillers are appropriate. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should delay treatment until breast-feeding has finished. This is simply a precaution.
What are my other treatment options - excluding surgery?
Sculptra – often known as the ‘liquid facelift’ – is not a dermal filler, but a ‘volumiser’. It is used to reduce lines and wrinkles by stimulating the skin's own collagen production. It thickens the skin, replaces volume lost through ageing and can last for up to 3 years. Sculptra is a simple, injectable treatment that works with the body to restore lost facial volume and create a fuller, younger looking face. The enhancement is long-lasting and looks completely natural. SculptraTM subtly revolumises and thickens skin over a period of 7-8 months and is usually carried out over 3 or 4 treatment sessions 4-6 weeks apart. Its main ingredient is Poly-l-Lactic Acid, which has been successfully used in surgical operations for more than 25 years. Sculptra was specially developed to repair facial scars and contour defects, and more than 150,000 patients have been treated worldwide.
| Before ........... | ........... After |
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In Summary:
| Dermal fillers are injected to plump out lines and wrinkles. |
| Once a wrinkle has occurred in the skin, dermal fillers cannot repair or remove it. However, they can plump it out, reduce the depth and make it much less noticeable. |
| If treatments are carried out as recommended by your practitioner, over time the correction will last longer, less product may be needed and the results will improve with each treatment. |
| The deeper the lines to be treated, the more product will be required to correct the areas of concern. |
| If insufficient filler is used the effect will be disappointing. |
| Sculptra is a longer lasting alternative which subtly revolumises the whole face. |
If you would like to discuss this treatment further please make an appointment at The Broadstone Clinic Reception for a free consultation. Harley Court offers a direct debit scheme which allows you to pay for your treatment on a monthly basis. Please contact us for details.