Dermal Filler
As we get older our skin tissue elasticity, production of collagen, and hyaluronic acid decreases and so our skin can lose volume, natural elasticity, firmness and support, with this, areas of tissue deficit or hollowness together with wrinkles and lines start to appear.
Our natural fat pads in the face diminish, gravity pulls them down and coupled with sun exposure and other lifestyle factors, we show the tell-tale signs of ageing.
Injectable fillers are a great way to reduce the severity of these lines – they are natural or synthetic, fully biodegradable gels which are easily injected using very fine needles to replenish the lost volume and literally fill out and smooth those lines and hollows, resulting in an instantly firmer, smoother and much more youthful appearance.
They are non-animal-based products which are perfectly safe, so there is no better or more natural way to turn back time, enhance or revive your looks and get rid of those wrinkles, lines and hollows. Some of the fillers we use have even been proven to restart your own natural collagen production in the skin, so giving you younger, fresher skin.
Which areas can be treated?
Every client is unique - our practitioners are experts in all aspects of dermal fillers .
We believe that filler treatments are just as much an art as a clinical treatment and our practitioners have an eye for the best possible treatment for each individual client.
Fillers can be used to volumise, shape, enhance, transform, rejuvenate or smooth the skin on the face, hands, décolletage and anywhere else on the body.
The most common areas we treat are the cheeks, nasolabial lines (nose to mouth), marionette lines (below the mouth), lips , tear trough, jaw, chin and nose.
There are different fillers depending upon the area to be treated, ranging from hydrating fillers which are perfect for the décolletage, smooth fillers ideal for the lips or denser fillers for volumising which are most suitable for the cheeks.
Often, a combination of areas and fillers are used to achieve the perfect result.
We believe when it comes to creating the perfect look, less is most definitely more and you can rest assured we won’t create any trout pouts or overdone treatments.
How does this treatment work?
Using a tiny needle, the filler product is injected into the skin or just below it depending on the area being treated.
The filler plumps up the layers of skin immediately beneath the area and the result is an instant filling-out effect so that the skin is smoother, less wrinkled and more youthful.
Is it safe and does it hurt?
We only use fillers with a proven track record and CE marked for safety and so you can be assured that they are perfectly safe.
Treatment is not recommended in pregnant or breast-feeding women and those with active skin infections such as cold sores.
The injections may sting and can be slightly painful but many people experience only mild discomfort. Anaesthetic creams or injections are often used.
Our usual practice is to combine the filler material with local anaesthetic so just the area that needs to be treated is numbed and discomfort is kept to an absolute minimum.
Are there any side effects?
Since the products are hypoallergenic gels, allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Side effects are uncommon but can occur, and include bruising, tenderness, reddening, and occasionally itching.
There is usually a little swelling immediately after treatment but in most cases it is very mild. If any of these do occur they usually settle within a few days.
Bruising can sometimes be significant and last more than a week, it is best to avoid anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen) for at least 7 days before treatment, unless these have been prescribed for a medical indication.
Alcohol within the previous 24 hours can also increase the risk of bruising. Treatments are only carried out after a full medical history has been undertaken.
What can I expect after treatment?
The treatment will usually take about 30 minutes to perform and the results appear instantly.
You can carry on with your normal life immediately after treatment.
The product is broken down slowly by the body and so the results typically last between 6 months and a year, depending on the particular filler used with some fillers lasting considerably longer.
After this time you can choose whether to have more treatment to maintain the effect.
You should avoid touching the treated area for 6 hours after injection, and avoid applying make-up for the same period.
You should expect the area to be a little swollen after treatment but this usually settles within a day or two.
Bruising may occur and sometimes takes a couple of days to develop and a week or so to resolve.
We recommend ice packs if there is some swelling or inflammation post-treatment and painkillers if required.
Aftercare advice
Immediately after treatment there may be some swelling, redness, itching and tenderness. This is a normal result of the injection and will settle.
The swelling may remain for up to a few days, the other symptoms usually settle more quickly.
After injections to enhance lips, the swelling can persist for a week or more.
During this time the lips can look uneven and so it is important to understand that the result immediately after injection will not always be the final result.
There can be bruising after the procedure and the risk of this is higher if you have used aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen within the last two weeks.
Bruising can be quite marked in some instances and the application of ice following treatment may reduce this.
Avoid applying make-up for 24 hours to the treated area – this is especially important for the lips.
If you have had cold-sores in the past there is a risk that the needle punctures can cause another eruption – you may need some tablets or cream from the practitioner who treated you to prevent this.
Hyaluronic filler treatments may last from 4 months up to 12 months, depending on the area treated, age, skin-type, life style and muscle activity.
Fillers are broken down through the body’s natural processes and there are no permanent effects.