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Dermal Fillers What are dermal fillers? These are generally a crystal-clear gel form of hyaluronic acid. This is a substance that naturally occurs in the body. Hyaluronic acid holds water, hydrating and giving volume to the skin. We only use dermal fillers with proven efficacy, longevity and safety. The type of filler used can be dependent upon area being treated or on the doctor/patient preference. The range of dermal fillers used at the clinic includes: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Radiesse® (A unique formulation of a calcium-based microspheres suspended in a gel carrier) How do they work? As we get older our bodies natural hyaluronic acid diminishes, skin gets thinner and dryer. Collagen and elastin -- the networks of fibers that make your skin firm and elastic -- become disconnected, leading to sagging , wrinkles and loss in volume. This treatment replenishes the lost volume and improves your looks by enhancing your profile, creating fuller lips, and smoothing out lines and wrinkles. What can be treated? Dermal fillers can be used in a number of ways, these include the following: ▪ Lip-enhancement/re-shaping/volumising ▪ Naso-labial lines/folds (this is the area from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth) ▪ Cheek augmentation (adding volume to the cheeks) ▪ Restylane Vital® used for hands, neck and décolletage ▪ Marionette lines (the so-called ‘smile lines’ at the mouth corners) ▪ Oral commissure or Marionette fold correction (downturned mouth corners often giving the appearance of sadness) ▪ Depressions and blemishes (acne scars) ▪ Correcting unevenness of the chin, nose or improving the jaw contour What happens during treatment? An extremely fine, short needle is used to inject the filler into the appropriate area. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes. Some of the newer dermal filler formulations have an anaesthetic (Lidocaine). A topical anaesthetic cream (Emla) may be used prior to the treatment or a nerve block depending on the area treated. The treatment may cause some slight but brief discomfort, redness or swelling, which normally resolves in an hour or two. The effects are visible almost immediately and its effects will typically last between 6-12 months. Some longer lasting fillers may last up to 12-18 months. |
