Dermal
Fillers

The Scientific Stuff

OK so let's get the scientific stuff out of the way first.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is normally produced by the body and it is plentiful when we are born. It occurs naturally in the deeper layers of our skin (the dermis). It helps to keep skin smooth and "plump" through its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The ability to retain and hold moisture is the secret to youthful, healthy, vibrant skin. Aging robs us of this innate ability to hold in moisture. As we get older our bodies produce less and less hyaluronic acid. The drop starts at around the age of 18-20 years. But after the age of 40 the downward slide becomes apparent. Skin starts to lose its elasticity and lines and wrinkles appear. Hyaluronic acid also supports the formation and maintenance of collagen. So we need to replace the lost hyaluronic acid as we get older.

The Good Stuff

Dermal Fillers are gels, which can be injected into the skin to fill out wrinkles & deep skin folds, correct depressed scars, enlarge or reshape the lips and enhance the size of the cheeks or chin. They are Non-Permanent/Temporary fillers composed of Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid, which is a stable biodegradeable substance that naturally metabolises out of the body over time.

Areas commonly injected include:

Nasolabial folds – the groove in the skin that leads from the nose to the outer corner of the mouth
Lips – to enhance volume, redefine lip shape and correct 'bleeding' lip lines above and below the lips (exaggerated when pursing the lips) …More
Frown lines
Hollows beneath the eyes 'tear troughs' (not where there are fat bags or excess loose skin)
Fine creases on the skin of the face eg sleep lines
Acne scars
Cheeks – to enhance volume and reshape the face …More
Chin enhancement – to enhance and reshape a chin that is small …More
Chin creases
Marionette lines – the groove that forms from the corner of the mouth to the chin ("puppet-like" grooves)
Crows feet
Forehead creases

What You Need To Know

So how much filler will you need? There are several competing companies that produce dermal fillers. Each company also has different types of fillers available. There are thin fillers that can be injected in the most superficial layers of the skin i.e. just underneath the surface. There are fillers that are moderately thick that can be injected a little deeper for larger wrinkles and to enhance some features such as lips. Then there are thicker fillers that can be injected deeper still to correct deep wrinkles and enhance features such as cheeks and chins. The amount of filler required will depend upon your own expectations and the area to be treated. It is sometimes not possible to get a full correction in the first treatment. Further treatments over a period of time to gradually fill up the area are often the only way to achieve optimum results. This 'layering' of filler in an area by repeating the treatment over a few weeks to achieve the final effect, has been shown to increase the longevity of the filler and therefore prolong the final result. Further injections of filler can be done at a 'correctional treatment' and in most cases only a small amount is required at that treatment.

What I Need To Tell You

Yes, this treatment does involve the use of needles and there is a very small amount of discomfort involved with the injection. But trust me, it is worth it and the minimal discomfort is over in an instant!

Unfortunately, everything we put on, in or expose our body to has a potential side effect. Luckily, any side effects from this treatment are extremely rare. It is not possible to be allergic to the active ingredient in temporary dermal fillers but it is rarely possible to have an allergic reaction to the preservatives used to stabilize those fillers, which can lead to prolonged local swelling and redness.
It is possible to get bruising from the injection. Of course any bruising will clear completely within 1-10 days with no long term effects (see Bruising for advice on what to do if you get bruising after a treatment)
Most people look 'puffy' in the treated area immediately after. This lasts for about 48 hours. It is usually mild and only noticeable to you or friends who know you.

To ensure the best results and reduce any possible complications from these injections it is important that you follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your cosmetic practitioner.

OK Let's Get Specific!

When dermal filler is injected in or around the lips it hurts so a local anaesthetic agent is injected to numb the area and minimize any discomfort felt during the treatment. These injections are similar to those given for dental procedures and the numbness usually lasts for several minutes after the treatment is completed. Local anaesthetic injections are also needed to numb the cheeks and chin before dermal filler is injected to enhance these features. In all other treatments, the area is numbed by applying an anaesthetic cream for 45-60 minutes before the treatment or the area is cooled with ice, which reduces any feeling in the area to be injected and also helps reduce (but not prevent) the formation of bruises and swelling.

How Much Does A Treatment Cost?

Dermal Fillers come in set quantities ranging from 0.5ml to 2ml. The cost of the treatment increases accordingly with the amount used. Dermal Fillers also come in different thicknesses (thicker fillers used for bigger wrinkles and cheeks) and generally the thicker the filler needed the more expensive the treatment.