Dermal Fillers

How does skin age?

Young skin is constantly moisturised from within by Hyaluronic Acid and is supported by Collagen. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring sugar which absorbs moisture and keeps the skin well hydrated to maintain a youthful look. Collagen forms the support structure under the skin and maintains the shape and definition of the face.

As we age, our skin loses Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen. It will start to become dry and as there is no natural hydration, volume will decrease. The support that the skin receives from Collagen will also decrease and cause the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dimples. External factors such as exposure to sun, smoking, poor diet and stress will also increase wrinkle formation. The skin around your face may appear to sag, causing shadowing and a more elderly appearance.

How do Dermal Fillers work?

Dermal Fillers are made from Hyaluronic formulated into a smooth gel that also contains a local anaesthetic agent.

Fillers work in the same way as naturally occurring Collagen, by filling in the gaps where the skins natural firmness has deteriorated, allowing wrinkles to appear on the surface. The filler gel is placed under the surface layer of the skin directly into the wrinkle or crease, using an ultra-fine needle. The filler remains in the region that it is placed and helps to support the skin from below meaning that the surface appears smoother.

They help to restore your skin and facial contours to their former youthful appearance. The filler gel is placed into areas where the skin needs to be plumped up again and made to look firmer. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles by revolumising the facial tissue, minimising the visible signs of ageing.

Dermal fillers should not be confused with Botox. Although both procedures involve injections, Botox is most often injected around the eyes and forehead to stop muscle movement that results in the skin creasing and then appearing wrinkled. Botox has nothing to do with plumping of the tissue and does not have the same effect as fillers.

As they work in different manners, many people elect to have both Botox and fillers at the same time and this can produce a remarkably younger looking face.

When should I consider Dermal Fillers

There’s every reason to consider dermal fillers to correct the signs of ageing that are beyond the capabilities of good quality, Hyaluronic Acid containing skincare products. As any skincare product only works on the outer surface of the skin, fillers can be used to replace the lost volume in the deeper areas that face creams cannot reach.

It’s not to say that these products don’t help and we recommend that any skincare regime is maintained following filler application. It’s just that eventually, exposure to the sun, poor diet, smoking, ageing, gravity, etc.  will have an effect beyond the scope of any cream or lotion. Without question, fillers can help improve the appearance of the deep lines and give your skin a more supple, youthful appearance in ways that your daily skincare cannot.

Where can Dermal Fillers be placed?

Dermal fillers are best used on the lower portion of the face and can be used in the following areas;

  • Naso-labial folds from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth.
  • Vertical lip lines.
  • ‘Marionette’ lines from the corners of your mouth to the chin.
  • Chin crease: the horizontal line below the lower lip and above the chin.
  • Lips: to provide additional volume and definition to the vermillion border around the edges of the upper and lower lip.

 

Are Dermal Fillers suitable for everyone?

 There are very few reasons not to use dermal fillers. The only reasons not to place fillers are if you have any of the following conditions;

  • A System Collagen Disease
  • Keloid scarring
  • Have a blood disorder
  • Take anti-coagulants such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel or Aspirin
  • Have facial silicone implants

Are there any side-effects?

The most common complications are the same as with any injection. There may be a small amount of bruising, swelling, redness and tenderness at the injection site. If these side-effects do occur, they should disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

Rarely, allergic reactions can occur after treatment with fillers. These include prolonged redness, swelling, itching or hardness with lumps in the skin. Such signs can occur at any or all of the injection sites. Sometimes, these can last for several months or longer, but this is extremely unusual.

If you have a history of cold sores in the area to be treated, filler injections may cause them to break out again. In these cases, we would recommend that you use a cold sore cream, such as Zovirax, prior to treatment to help reduce the likelihood of an outbreak of cold sores.

Appointments

If you wish to discuss the use of Fillers, an assessment appointment can be arranged. At this appointment, we will assess the areas to be treated, take photographs and formulate a treatment plan.

If you wish to have Fillers placed, an appointment to do this will be arranged.

For a consultation, please ask at reception or call 01241 874263 for our Arbroath practice or 01382 477350 for our Broughty Ferry practice.