During the ageing process, volume loss in the face is experienced by many people. With dermal fillers, we can restore volume and hydration for a youthful appearance, and even improve the appearance of scars and creases.
The vibrancy of youthful skin melts away over the many years of our lives. As our faces lengthen, we look more mature and as we age even more, volume loss of facial muscle, fat and tissue occurs.
Volume loss is caused by the decreased ability of the body to produce enough collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin allows the skin to return to it’s normal tight and plump state. Once volume is lost in the face, it can give you a hollow and sunken appearance. Dermal fillers are used to fill and change the facial profile to a more youthful one.
Our aim is to restore volume and hydration in areas such as the cheeks and lips using filler specialised to each area. The use of fillers can restore the volume lost and enhance areas whilst still looking natural. Dermal fillers can also be used to fill deep folds and help to improve the appearance of scars, fine lines and creases.
The dermal fillers used contain Hyaluronic Acid, which is a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body, helping to keep our skin hydrated and looking more youthful. Dermal fillers help to restore volume to redefine the natural curves of the face. With skillful application, you'll look just like yourself, only fresher and more radiant.
Dermal Fillers enhance facial features with natural-looking and feeling results. They are injected below the skin's surface to fill-in wrinkles or hollow areas, plump-up small areas such as the lips or redefine larger areas such as the cheeks.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are great for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and for adding volume and fullness to skin beginning to suffer from volume loss. A single treatment can be seen instantly and can last for around 6 to 24 months depending on the thickness of the product and a number of biological factors of an individual client. We use dermal filler injections to give a natural looking result that does not affect facial expression. As we age, our face changes over time, so dermal fillers allow you to control your looks subtly as you age.
What are the risks of dermal fillers?
Product related reactions are very rare. There are however occasional injection related reactions which may occur after injection, these typically resolve spontaneously a few days after injection to the skin. These reactions include redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising or tenderness at the injection site. After lip enhancement, lips may swell for up to a week, but this typically reduces after two to three days.
How many treatments will I need?
One of the great advantages of dermal fillers is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent. Dermal fillers are biodegradable, which means they will naturally disappear in the body. To ensure an optimal and long lasting result, a top-up treatment is recommended 6-12 months after your initial treatment. Our dermatologists will guide you on the appropriate time for your follow-up appointment.
What happens during my treatment?
Ice or an anaesthetic cream might be used first to numb your skin. Injections are given around the area of your face being treated, which is then massaged. It might feel uncomfortable but should not be painful. The treatment usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
What can I expect following the treatment?
The affected area may be a bit red, sore and swollen. Any swelling or bruising should settle down in a few days. Your dermatologist will advise you about what to do to help reduce the risk of side effects.
What precautions should I take before and after treatment?
Before Treatment
- Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications for 1 week prior.
- Avoid supplements including St. Johns Wort, ginko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E for 1 week
- Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, or any "Anti-Aging" products for 3 days prior
- Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or hair removal cream on the area to be treated for 3 days prior
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to treatment
- If prone to cold sores, a physician-dispensed prescription may be used 2 days before and 5 days after the procedure.
- Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any ingredients, or suffer from neurological disorders. Please inform us if you have any questions about this prior to your treatment
After Treatment
- You may use ice or bruise cream to reduce or resolve potential bruising
- Avoid drinking alcohol or partaking in strenuous exercise, as it may result in additional bruising.
- Until the swelling and redness have resolved, avoid intense heat or extreme cold in the treated area(s)
- Minimize movement of the treated area(s). However, if there is a visible bump, you can massage the area. Depending on the areas treated and the product used, you may feel "firmness". These areas will soften and settle with time, usually 1-2 weeks.
- Sunscreen and makeup can be applied, and the area can be gently washed with a gentle cleanser.
Will the injections hurt?
Depending on the area, your practitioner may apply or inject a local anaesthetic to the area to be treated. Some of the fillers already contain local anaesthetic which also makes the treatment tolerable.
Further Information
Skin Filler Factsheet
This leaflet has been written to help you understand more skin fillers.
Questions for your Dermatologist
A practical checklist of questions for your dermatologist during and after treatment.