What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are a soft injectable gel consisting of stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid. The gel is tissue-friendly and closely resembles the hyaluronic acid that exists naturally in the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent.

Dermal filler treatments are widely used in medical aesthetics to add volume, plump up and reduce the appearance of line and folds.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the human body and is central to regulating cell growth and renewal. HA has impact on number of functions in the body, some of which are to bind water, lubricate the movable parts of the body such as muscles and joints and to maintain the elasticity of the skin.

How do dermal filler treatments work?

Due to the properties of hyaluronic acid, once injected an instant volumizing effect can be seen, giving volumeto the skin and longer term binding with water increasing hydration. Unwanted folds and wrinkles can be “plumped up” to reduce their appearance, resulting in a smoother, more youthful looking skin.

What are the benefits of dermal filler treatments?

Dermal filler injections provide an effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, smooth the skin and give a more youthful appearance. The result of a single treatment can be seen instantly and can last for around 6 to 9 months. Dermal filler injections can give natural looking results that do not affect facial expression. As your face changes over time, dermal fillers allow you to control you looks subtly as you age.

Are dermal filler treatments safe?

Everybody recalls the tragic results shown by Leslie Ash in early 2000, who received lip filler injections. The product used in her case was an injection of liquid silicone. This has no relationship at all to dermal fillersused today in aesthetic procedures.

There are a few issues and problems with hyaluronic acid fillers but these are in general very rare. These issues should be discussed with your aesthetic practitioner to ensure you know he or she is properly qualified and that you yourself won’t be added to a list of unsuccessful treatments and remain in safe hands.

What is involved with dermal filler treatments?

Before

All treatments follow a detailed pre-treatment consultation. At this consultation you will discuss with the doctor the look you wish to achieve. Your doctor will advise you which treatments will be most effective at helping you reach this. If you decide to proceed the doctor will make a detailed recording of your medical history and conduct a careful examination of your face.

Following this, the doctor will explain which dermal filler option is best for your requirements and how you can expect to look afterwards.

During

The dermal filler is gently injected into specific areas of your skin to reduce the depth of the skin crease. Your Oris doctor will customise the exact depth and number of injections to give you the most natural result. Different dermal fillers can be used in different areas of your face to produce the most effective result.

The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes and the results are immediately visible. Patients can continue with their normal day after treatment.

After

You should leave the treated area alone for 48 hours to let it settle. We advise that you do not have a facial or similar treatment that may disturb the products or expose the newly-treated areas to strong sunlight for 2-3 days.

In the days after the treatment there may be some redness and minimal swelling, which normally settles in 1-2 days. Very occasionally patients can suffer some bruising at the injection site.

Your doctor will arrange to see you for a review of your treatment two weeks later.

How long do the effects of a dermal filler treatment last?

One of the great advantages of dermal filler treatment is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent. Duration depends on many factors, such as the area treated, individual’s skin type, skin condition lifestyle and age. Generally the effects can last between 6-12 months.

Does dermal filler treatment need pain relief?

Some clients may experience the treatment as a mild discomfort. The lips are extremely sensitive and as such cause most discomfort. Ranges of dermal fillers containing local anaesthetic are available which ease any discomfort.

We may use local anaesthetic creams which are applied 30 minutes or so prior to treatment, which will ease any discomfort.

Are there any risks with dermal fillers?

Product related reactions are rare. There are some injection related reactions which may occur after any injection including redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising or tenderness at the injection site.

After lip enhancement, some swelling is likely for a short period.