Dermal Fillers

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.

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.

Who can have Dermal Filler Injections?

Any adult who is clinically indicated and deemed fit to make an informed decision about the treatment and its associated risks.

Who can’t have Dermal Filler Injections?

Anyone with a previous allergic reaction to a Dermal Filler or someone with a allergy to Lidocain (often added to fillers for the comfort of client). Pregnant or breast feeding mothers are also contraindicated to treatment.

Which dermal filler lasts the longest?

Longevity of the dermal fillers depends on factors such as:

Density of the filler
Injection area
Patient’s metabolism

What is the difference between Restylane and Juvederm?

Juvederm and Restylane are both FDA-approved dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid gels. Juvederm comes as a smooth gel while Restylane is slightly granular. These differences can impact on where your practitioner decides to use the fillers. Restylane typically lasts from between 6 to 9 months, while Juvederm is labelled as lasting from 9 to 12 months.

Can dermal fillers be removed?

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, can be quickly dissolved using an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. This acts to disperse hyaluronic acid, speeding up the natural breakdown of the dermal filler. The use of hyaluronidase to remove fillers is off-license, so your practitioner will only go ahead if it is “in the best interest of the patient on the basis of available evidence”.

How soon will I notice results?

You should be able to spot the difference immediately as a non-surgical lift. Your skin will look dewy and revitalised in a totally natural way.Although this gradually improves over the course of the following 2–4 weeks.

What should I expect after treatment?

Following your treatment you can expect some local swelling and maybe bruising, a cold compress may help ease this, and arnica cream may be recommended to encourage the bruise to come out. It is often asked that you avoid any vigorous exercise or sun exposure for 24-48hrs. Some medications may be better avoided to ensure optimum healing too. All this information will be given to you in more detail both verbally and in writing during your treatment.

I’m interested in having dermal fillers but will the injections hurt?

Many people find their procedure at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic more comfortable than expected, and most dermal fillers contain a local anaesthetic. Our medical practitioners are highly skilled and precise; you should merely feel a light sting on your skin during the injection procedure. We use xylocaine numbing spray which is very effective to numb the area that's been injected, leaving you comfortable and at ease during the treatment

Can I take painkillers before having dermal filler injections?

It’s recommended to avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers before and after the procedure as these can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising, swelling and bleeding. Ibuprofen and aspirin are the most well-known anti-inflammatory drugs; however, during your consultation it’s important that you let us know what medication you are taking so we can advise on possible contraindications

How long is the recovery time after having dermal fillers?

Some people experience mild bruising and swelling after the procedure. If this occurs you can expect the bruising and swelling to wear off in a week or two. After the procedure you can expect to have slight redness around the treated area, which will last a few hours.

If I suffer from cold sores can I still have dermal fillers?

If you have a history of cold sores, there is a risk, due to the insertion of the needle into the skin, that the virus may be activated. This may cause a first outbreak of a cold sore or another eruption of a previous cold sore. Before your treatment, we advise you to take anti-viral medication. In the case of an outbreak of cold sores, please contact the clinic or seek medical advice.

Can I exercise after having dermal filler injections?

We recommend waiting at least a week after dermal fillers before doing any strenuous exercise to avoid the risk of infection. All strenuous exercise should be avoided, but it’s also recommended to avoid yoga as inverted positions, such as headstands, could also increase the risk of bruising and swelling.

How soon can I drink alcohol after having dermal filler injections?

Although drinking alcohol won’t impact on the long-term results of having dermal fillers, it can increase bruising and swelling. Consuming alcohol a day or two before or after a procedure could increase the likelihood of bruising and swelling in some patients.

How soon after having dermal fillers can I fly?

Although there is some concern that flying after having fillers can cause issues due to changing air pressure in the cabin, there is no evidence that this is the case. There should be no issue with flying after having dermal fillers.