What are Dermal Fillers?
What can they be used for?
Are they Safe?
When will I see a Difference?
How long will the filler last?
Is the treatment Painful?

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal Fillers are injectable substances which are used to smooth wrinkles and scars, and enhance lips. The effect is instant.

The most popular Fillers in use in the United States and Britain are the Restylane® and Juvederm® products which come in varying consistencies depending on the type and depth of line or wrinkle to be filled. These are crystal clear, non-animal derived, biodegradable gels based on a natural substance called hyaluronic acid. This substance is present in all living organisms and its role in the skin is to deliver nutrients and hydrate it by holding in water. As we grow older, we have less and less hyaluronic acid present in our skin. (By contrast babies have a great deal of hyaluronic acid in theirs). Top

What can they be used for?

Over time some areas of the face show this loss of hyaluronic acid more obviously than others. Typically, furrow lines between the eyes can appear deeper. These are particularly amenable to Filler treatment. Other areas are the smile lines (or nasolabial folds) running from the edge of the nostrils to the corners of the mouth.

When small amounts of Filler material are injected into the wrinkled areas, depressions can be raised to the level of the surrounding skin. Facial lines are minimised, texture is improved and, as a result your face has a softer, more youthful appearance.

Other areas of treatment are:

• marionette lines (from mouth to chin)
• vertical lines of the upper and lower lip
• lip enhancement
• scars caused by acne
• other shallow scars

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Are they Safe?

Dermal Fillers are used for non-surgical and non-invasive procedures. The Fillers used are stable, non animal based, do not require a skin test and, because they occur in our own skin, are non-allergenic. They have been safely used in the United States for the past 10 years and it has been estimated that Restylane itself has been used safely in over 100 000 people. Top

When will I see a Difference?

You will see a difference immediately.

How long will the filler last?

Over time the Filler is completely reabsorbed by the body and is replaced by water. Because of this replacement by water, the effect wears off gradually. Depending on the type of Filler used, the effect will last from 6 to 12 months.

Is the treatment Painful?

As Anaesthetists, we always give a local anaesthetic (dental block) prior to Filler treatment as it can be uncomfortable. The local anaesthetics are quick and wear off fairly rapidly (30 mins). This allows for painless, careful and unhurried placement of the Filler.

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