|
|
 |
|
Information, images and brochure courtesy of CODEplan Marketing Solutions. Practitioners can click here to read more or buy patient information brochures, stationery, posters, treatment plan forms, medical history forms and more.
|
Dermal Fillers |
Download Brochure
|
|
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are non-surgical cosmetic treatments used to bring
a more youthful appearance by restoring volume or fullness to
the face and lips.They work by reducing or eliminating lines,
wrinkles and folds in the skin and the effect is seen immediately
after treatment.
As skin ages, both naturally and because of other factors such as
sun damage, smoking, and poor diet, we lose collagen, fat and
other natural moisturising substances from our skin.These can be
thought of as the natural 'scaffolding' that keeps it looking young
and feeling firm. With less of these, our skin becomes thinner and
we start to see lines, wrinkles and folds developing.This is usually
more noticeable on our faces.
Put simply, dermal fillers are used to restore that lost volume in
the face by plumping out lines, wrinkles and folds.
|
|
What are dermal fillers made of?
Various kinds of safe, natural and man-made materials are used as
dermal fillers; these have been specifically developed over the
years for use in the skin.
Two kinds of dermal fillers are usually suggested for the face:
semi-permanent and non-permanent.The semi-permanent
type (e.g. Radiesse and Sculptra) lasts up to 18 months.The
non-permanent fillers, such as, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) derived
Hydra Fill and Restylane, last for around 6-12 months, depending
upon the the site of application and the formulation of the
material used.
Hyaluronic acid
HA is found naturally throughout our bodies: in our skin, bones,
joints, and eyes. It acts as a lubricant and moisturiser due to its ability
to attract and store water. Hyaluronic Acid is clinically produced,
usually from bacterial, not from animal or human sources.
Some well-known brands of HA dermal fillers in the UK include:
- Hydra Fill
- Restylane
- Matridur
Restylane has robust clinical data spanning over 10 years to
underpin its safety and efficacy, with over 6 million treatments
worldwide as further testimony.
There are other brands that your practitioner may recommend
and you will be advised about their side effects as well as their
longevity.
Alternative materials used in dermal fillers
Collagen fillers
Collagen fillers are produced by purifying collagen from animal
sources.With collagen you must have an allergy test 28 days before
treatment to ensure that you are not sensitive to the constituents of
the filler. Collagen fillers don't generally last as long as HA fillers and
their use has declined.Two examples are Zyderm and Zyplast.
Radiesse
This dermal filler contains particles of synthetic calcium suspended in a
gel and its history includes use in surgery and dental surgery. It has
the effect of a dermal filler but it also encourages collagen production
in your skin to help increase its volume over time.
Sculptra
Sculptra is not a true dermal filler but a volumiser; it is used to
reduce lines and wrinkles by stimulating the skin's own collagen
production to thicken your skin and to replace the volume lost
through ageing. It usually lasts for about 18 months.
|
|
How are fillers supplied?
Dermal fillers are supplied in a pre-filled sterile syringe
for injection. They are manufactured in different thicknesses;
some are more gel-like, and others are more liquid.
The thicker ones are used to restore the deeper folds or wrinkles
such as those between the nose and corner of the mouth.The
thinner ones are used more superficially for fine lines such as
crow's feet.
Is the treatment uncomfortable?
A local anaesthetic cream is used to make the treatment as
comfortable as possible. For treatments near the mouth, such as
lip treatments, your practitioner will freeze the area with an
injection which is similar to a dental anaesthetic.
After the treatment your practitioner will give you aftercare
instructions to maximise its benefits.
Are there any adverse effects?
Many thousands of dermal filler treatments have been carried out
in the UK and even more around the world, with few serious or
lasting side effects.
Most people can return to their normal daily life immediately
after the treatment. However, your practitioner will explain the
possible side effects during the initial consultation.
The commonest side effects are related to the fact that you have
had injections in the area being treated, they typically last only
one to three days.
These side effects can include slight bleeding and mild bruising,
swelling may also occur around the area. If you have lip treatment
swelling can last 3-5 days, otherwise it is transient.
Allergic reactions to dermal filler treatment are rare but can
include: redness, itching, swelling, and hardness, or small bumps
under the skin.These side effects may last for weeks or months
and sometimes longer, fortunately they are very rare.
If you have a history of cold sores, dermal filler treatment in that
area might cause them to break out again.Your practitioner may
prescribe a course of anti-viral tablets (e.g. acyclovir) immediately
after the treatment and for a few days afterwards, to reduce the
possibility of a recurrence.
How long do dermal fillers last?
The length of time that dermal fillers last depends on the type of
filler used and the area injected. On average, you would expect
the results of a Hyaluronic Acid dermal filler to last around 6-12
months.Thicker dermal fillers tend to last longer than those used
for finer lines.
Laresse lasts for a similar time to HA dermal fillers, but collagen
generally lasts between 3-6 months. The effects of Radiesse and Sculptra
last 18 months or more.
As the dermal filler is gradually broken down and the level of
volume you gained lessens, you can choose to have the area
'topped-up' to retain the effect. However, if you decide not to, the
advantage of non-permanent dermal fillers is that the area will
gradually return to how it was before the treatment.
|
Can anyone have dermal filler treatment?
Whilst most people can benefit from this treatment, there are
certain medications and conditions that preclude its use.Your
practitioner will ask a number of questions to ensure that dermal
fillers are appropriate.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you would be advised to
delay treatment until breast-feeding has finished, this is simply
a precaution.
What to do next?
Please make an appointment to discuss the options for skin
rejuvenation with our trained medical professional. Dermal fillers
can be complemented by Botulinum Toxin treatment such as
Botox as well as chemical peels.The practitioner will also advise
you about skin care including sun protection and moisturisers.
Please make sure that you are fully aware of any potential side
effects before benefiting from skin rejuvenation treatments.
|
|
 |
|
Download Brochure
|
|
Information, images and brochure courtesy of CODEplan Marketing Solutions. Practitioners can click here to read more or buy patient information brochures, stationery, posters, treatment plan forms, medical history forms and more.
|
|
|
|
