What is Dermal Fillers?

As a result of age, sun damage, worry, gravity and other environmental factors, our facial skin begins to develop lines and wrinkles. Whilst this is a manifestation of ageing of the skin and a reduction in the collagen and elastic framework of the skin it is possible to smooth out folds and wrinkles using Dermal Fillers to give a more relaxed and youthful appearance.

How is the procedure done?
The chosen filler material is injected into the lines and defects to plump them out and then remains in the skin where it binds water to produce a lift and firmness to the treated areas. The filler material is introduced into the skin by a simple injection technique, usually without the need for local anesthetics.

Which areas can be treated by dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers can be used for filling out lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, nose and forehead. In addition your mouth can be a fuller and more sensuous form by enhancing the lip in order to produce a better definition and reduction in lipstick bleed. The lips can also be given a greater volume and fuller appearance by this simple technique. Facial contouring, for example cheek and chin dimples can be achieved using dermal fillers to smooth out the hollows and alter the facial contour. The exact type of filler chosen will depend on the site of treatment and the degree of correction required.

How long does the treatment take?
Treatments usually take around thirty minutes and for lip enhancement a local anaesthetics injection is usually given to remove any discomfort associated with treatment at this site.

How long does the treatment last?
Typically, the results of the treatment can last six to nine months but this varies from one individual to another. The filler is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body so the lines, wrinkles or lips will ultimately return to their previous appearance unless top up treatments are given. There are now some semi-permanent or even permanent dermal fillers available producing long lasting results.

Are dermal fillers a safe treatment?
The modern synthetically produced dermal fillers are extremely safe with a low incidence of allergic reaction. There is, however, a very small possibility of allergic reaction, which will be discussed with you at your consultation. There is usually some degree of redness and swelling after the treatment, which usually resolves within 1-2 days. In the case of lip augmentation there may be some swelling and bruising for several days.

Types of Dermal Fillers:

1. Restylane
Restylane smooths wrinkles and enhances lips instantly.
Restylane is an innovation based n non-animal hyaluronic acid, manufactured by a unique method in the Q-Med Laboratories in Sweden . The treatment is performed by injecting Restylane into the skin or lip, and because no pre-test is needed it takes less than 30 minutes. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and therefore it also dissolves naturally with time.

2. Juvederm
Your tissue sags over the years, and your lips lose their substance. They retract, giving a sad, tired appearance. Juvederm fills nasal furrows and oral commissures and smoothes medium and superficial wrinkles. Juvederm is also an excellent volume creator which, when injected into your cheeks, gives you back your good looks. Through a simple injection, without a prior test, minor imperfections and signs of ageing are softened very evenly.

3. Radiesse
Radiesse is the latest injectable substance that is newly available for cosmetic purposes to give you fuller lips and fill in wrinkles and lines. Radiesse is made up of microscopic calcium particles (hydroxylapatite) suspended in gel. This is a safe material (one that is already in use for dental reconstruction, bone growth, and vocal cord injection) and one that has proven to be very compatible with the body. Unlike Collagen it does not require an allergy test, and lasts 2 to 5 years