If I asked you to guess what the most requested filler treatment was, I’m sure most of you would say ‘lip fillers’ and you’d be right! If I asked you what the most frequently made comment was at the time of initial assessment, would you guess it to be ‘please don’t give me a trout pout’? Yes, programmes such as Married at First Sight have got a lot to answer for!
Dermal fillers are used primarily to replace fat and bone loss associated with the process of ‘growing up’. Aimed at recontouring sagging skin, the result should leave you looking natural and refreshed – rather than plumped up and looking like a different person!
Dermal fillers can also be used to achieve better balance and symmetry in the face or to enhance what nature has already gifted you with, but the end result is the same… you should look like the best version of you rather than appearing unnatural or looking disproportional.
Dermal fillers can certainly make us feel better about the way we present ourselves; however, this is still not a life-saving procedure and it is important that you are well informed before undertaking any such procedure. So, here’s some interesting and useful information for you…
Dermal fillers have been around for over 40 years now in various forms. The modern dermal filler is a clear gel made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA) which is a naturally occurring carbohydrate already present in your skin, and which is rapidly broken down as part of your body’s metabolism. HA dermal fillers are manufactured by several different companies to concentrate the product and stop it from being broken down so rapidly; some of the more commonly known are Belotero, Teoxane, Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane amongst others. Depending on the type of filler used, treatments may last from 6 months up to two years; the type of filler used is generally determined by the area to be treatment.
Dermal fillers can be likened to a ‘sugar gel’ which, once injected, works by attracting fluid to itself to increase volume and hydration in the area of injection. The result is an enhancement of specific facial features with a reduction in lines and wrinkles caused by previous volume loss. The most popular areas for treatment are cheeks, peri-oral (around the mouth), peri-mental (around the chin) and the jawline.
It is important to remember that as we ‘grow up’ we also experience other changes that contribute to the aging process; a reduction in skin cell turnover also contributes to a skin that becomes dull, lax and increasingly lined over time. Lines and wrinkles on your face can also be exaggerated by repeated muscular action or a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin… in which case we may recommend a combination of treatments tailored to your individual needs.
Obviously, time required for treatment for dermal fillers varies depending on what (how much) is required, and the specific technique used. The treatment is relatively comfortable as the dermal filler itself contains a local anaesthetic.
As with all procedures, treatment with dermal fillers comes with potential risks and side effects which are minimised by choosing an experienced Practitioner. Because a needle is used to inject the dermal filler, possible side effects may include redness or bruising and there is always a very small potential risk of infection anytime the protective barrier of the skin is broken. Less likely potential side effects, for example temporary lumps and bumps, are also possible, which resolve as the product settles; your Practitioner will discuss all possible risks and side effects in detail to ensure your informed consent prior to treatment.
We really enjoy seeing the difference this treatment makes to our Clients and we love what we do! If we decline to treat you, it is because we care – your health and wellbeing really matters to us! We do not treat people that are under 18 years old, clinically unwell, pregnant or breastfeeding, or that have an underlying clinical condition that may be a contraindication to the treatment requested.
We can discuss all of this with you at an obligation free facial assessment, so come and have a chat – what have you got to lose (besides your wrinkles!)?