Dermal fillers

Static wrinkles are caused by the environment in which we live in and the gradual loss of the elasticity of the skin with age. The most common areas affected are the lip, the nasolabial furrows (edge of nose to outer lip) and the marionette area (outer edge of lip to chin).

What is a Dermal filler and what does it do? Is it safe?

The dermal filler we use is a natural body protein, that has local anaesthetic inbuilt, to minimize pain and discomfort. This natural body protein is a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body which stabilises the skin structure, attracts and binds water, and contributes to the elastic properties of the skin that allow it to remain tight. Injections of this natual body protein into the skin are thought to replenish its natural support structures damaged by aging.

Dermal Fillers are commonly used for filling in the depression that causes the facial wrinkles and hollows, enlarge the lips and cheeks and lip augmentation. It is introduced into the skin at different levels with a fine needle. It can absorb naturally existing moisture into the area by their chemical structure which can further control the swelling of the treated area and improve the results of the injection. Nevertheless, it is not a permanent solution for facials wrinkles and hollows. It is however, simple, effective and available with a duration of effectiveness of 6 months to 1 year depending on the area being treated and the depth of the lines, the condition of the skin and the lifestyle of the individual, the metabolism of the individual and the amount of muscle action around the filled area. Optimal results are achieved are a few days of discomfort. 

In general, dermal fillers are safe as it does not contain any chemicals, animal proteins or allergens. It is a natural constituent of human tissue and is biocompatible. This natural body protein becomes integrated into the tissue and any degraded material is metabolised slowly into the skin and excreted by the same pathways as the natural substance, passing through the liver quickly and is broken down into carbon dioxide and water.

What are the possible side effects?

There are risks, and possible side effects associated with all medical treatments. These reactions have started either shortly after injection or after a delay of 2 to 4 weeks and have generally described as mild to moderate, and self-limiting with an average duration of 2 weeks. The risks and side effects which may result due to the use of Dermal Filler Injectable implants include redness, pain, tenderness, swelling and induration at the implant site, oedema in the surrounding tissue, acne form papules, bumps and/or pimples, discolouration, bruising, tenderness or itching sensation in the treated area. These common side effects typically resolve within a few days. In addition, rare cases of abscess (hard and swollen sore that may contain pus), granuloma (small accumulation of tissue), scab, rash, shedding and scarring at the treatment site have been reported. In addition, rare cases (less than 1 in 15,000 treatments) of granuloma formation, superficial necrosis and urticaria have been reported. If you experience any discomfort as a result of the treatment, you should notify our practice immediately. If necessary, appropriate treatment may be prescribed. Please note, that you cannot be allergic to dermal fillers.

What should my physician advise me about?

If you have previously had permanent Dermal Filler implanted; you should notify your doctor prior to receiving Dermalfiller injections. If you are using a substances that can prolong bleeding such as aspirin or ibuprofen, you should advise your physician as these substances may cause increased bruising or bleeding at injected sites. The safety of Dermalfillers for use during pregnancy, in breastfeeding females or in patients under 18 years, patients with a history of excessive scarring or pigment disorders has not been established.

What should I expect during and after my treatment with Dermal Filler injectable implants?

Your clinician will apply ice and or a topical anaesthetic agent to the area to be treated to reduce the discomfort from the injections. You should not expose the treated area to intense heat or extreme cold for the first few days after the treatment to avoid the risk of inflammation in the area. You should not apply make-up or moisturisers for 12-48 hours after the injection and should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV light, freezing temperatures or using saunas or Turkish baths for two weeks after the injection. Over time, DermalFiller Injectable Gel is gradually and naturally degraded in the human body. The effect of DermalFiller Injectable Gel generally lasts for six months or longer. Follow-up treatments are needed to maintain the effects of DermalFiller Injectable Gel. Although the effects of DermalFiller Injectable Gel are usually dramatic, the practice of medicine is not an exact science and no guarantees can be or have been made concerning the expected results.

• Apply cool compresses to the treated areas to relieve swelling.
• Drink water regularly throughout the day.
• Until redness has subsided, avoid all of the following:
  • Drinking alcohol as it opens up blood vessels and may increase bruising or swelling.
  • Strenuous exercise and extremes of hot and cold.
  • Blood thinning medicines such as Aspirin.
  • Facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, Liquid Nitrogen (dry ice) or Laser treatments for 10 to 14 days after temporary fillers injections.
  • If any lumps should occur in the treated area once swelling has subsided it is recommended that you gently massage that area with clean fingers.

Patients are advised of our injection dates and choose to attend for subsequent treatments when they notice the effectiveness of their last injection is beginning to wane. Regular top-up injections at 3-4 month intervals have bee shown to deliver the most effective ongoing results.

Does the treatment hurt?

Dermal fillers involve injections into the skin and therefore, you may experience some discomfort. However, local anaesthetic and ice application are used to minimise your discomfort and pain.

How long do dermal filler treatments take?

The treatment takes between 30 to 45 minutes and the results are instantaneous and immediate.

Your initial consultation with the practitioner will take 1 hour which includes the treatment and an assessment of the condition of your face. When you are ready to proceed with the treatment, you will be asked to sign a consent form and the actual injections will only take few minutes.

What will happen if I decide against any more treatments? Will I become more wrinkled?

No, you won’t become more wrinkled. The filing effect on the skin will have delayed the development of age lines and wrinkles had the dermal fillers no intervened. The skin will return to its original state.

Can I go back to work after the treatment?

Yes, you can. Filling around the naso-labial area and under the angles of the mouth, usually produces little downtime, depending on the amount of temporary fillers used. Filling of scars and depressions settles within a few hours. If you are having lip enhancements your lips will be swollen for 1-3 days. Clients with softer, younger lips, in their twenties or thirties, will recover quickly, often the next day. Clients in their forties and fifties wanting lip enhancement, should preferably fill them in small stages, progressively over several sessions. This gradually stretches the age-scar lines in the lips and makes the enhancement more comfortable.