Procedures
Dermal Fillers
Ageing is a natural process that everyone goes through, and with it comes changes that might affect how you feel about your appearance. Dermal fillers are a popular treatment designed to help mitigate some of these changes by smoothing out wrinkles, restoring volume to your face, and enhancing your facial contours. Whether you have deep-set wrinkles that make you look more tired than you feel, or if your face has lost its plumpness and seems drawn, dermal fillers can help fill in these areas to create a smoother, fuller appearance. The results are immediate and can last for months or even years, depending on the type of filler used.
At a glance
Firmer, fuller skin
Approx. 30 minutes
Topical numbing cream
Minimal
Every 12-18 months
Table of Contents
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, also known simply as fillers, are substances injected into the skin at different depths to help fill in facial wrinkles, provide facial volume, and augment facial features: restoring a smoother appearance. Most of these fillers use substances that mimic the body’s own hyaluronic acid, which is naturally lost during the ageing process.
The procedure for injecting dermal fillers is relatively quick and often completed within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the areas treated. This procedure requires no incisions, which means no significant recovery time is needed. The results tend to be immediate, vary by individual, and can last from 6 months to over a year.
Fillers are most commonly used to treat smile lines, though they can also soften the look of scars or enhance the volume in cheeks or lips. In today’s aesthetic practice, fillers are incredibly popular worldwide due to their cost-effectiveness and the rapidity with which they work. With fillers, facial rejuvenation can be achieved in a manner that is not only efficient but also non-invasive and with minimal discomfort.
Who Needs Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers might be an excellent choice if you have moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, areas of hollowing, or if you are interested in altering the contours of your face without invasive surgery.
Common issues that dermal fillers can treat include:
- Nasolabial folds (also known as smile lines, which extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
- Marionette lines (which run from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin)
- Vertical lip lines
- Thinning lips
- Hollow cheeks or temples
Adults of any age who are not pregnant or breastfeeding and who do not have a history of severe allergies or skin conditions can consider dermal fillers as a safe option. It is also important for candidates to have realistic expectations about what fillers can accomplish. While fillers can enhance your appearance significantly, they cannot completely alter your facial structure or return your skin to its adolescent texture.
Before you decide on getting fillers, a detailed consultation with Consultant Plastic Surgeon AncaBreahnais essential. This discussion will help determine the best type and volume of filler needed for your concerns and ensure that the treatment aligns with your overall appearance goals.
Benefits of the Dermal Filler Procedure
One of the key benefits of opting for dermal fillers is the ability to see immediate results. The enhancements you choose can be noticed right after your appointment, which means you don’t have to wait to enjoy the changes to your appearance. This immediate transformation is accompanied by a very minimal recovery time, which allows you to continue with your day-to-day activities almost instantly after your treatment.
Another significant benefit of dermal fillers is their safety profile. These fillers are generally made from substances that are either naturally found in the body or closely mimic these natural components, thus reducing the potential for allergic reactions and complications. For example, hyaluronic acid, which is commonly used in these treatments, is a substance that is naturally present in the skin and helps to retain moisture and softness.
Furthermore, dermal fillers are a non-invasive treatment compared to surgical options. There are no incisions or scars involved; the procedure is performed using fine needles to inject the filler into specified areas. This non-surgical aspect is especially appealing if you are uneasy about the idea of surgery but still want to address the signs of ageing or enhance facial features.
The results of dermal fillers are also customisable based on your specific needs. Whether you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, enhance lip volume, or modify the contours of your face, the treatment can be tailored to achieve these goals. This high level of customisation ensures that the results look natural and complement your overall facial structure.
Dermal fillers provide long-lasting results. While they are not a permanent solution, the effects can last from 6 months to over a year, or even longer in some cases, depending on the type of filler used. This duration allows you to enjoy your rejuvenated appearance without frequent maintenance treatments, making it a time-efficient and cost-effective cosmetic solution.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
These are the most popular type of dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the skin, which keeps the skin hydrated and voluminous. Fillers based on hyaluronic acid are effective for smoothing out wrinkles and folds, and the results are very natural-looking.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Originally used in dentistry and reconstructive surgery, this type of filler is known for its ability to promote collagen production in the skin. It is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles and is well-suited for enhancing fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
This filler is a biodegradable synthetic substance that is also used to stimulate collagen production. It works gradually over a series of injections and is good for restoring facial volume as well as smoothing deep wrinkles.
Polymethylmethacrylate Beads (PMMA):
This is a semi-permanent filler and the only type that contains a synthetic substance. PMMA fillers also contain collagen and are used to treat medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds, and furrows, particularly those around the mouth and nose.
How is the Dermal Filler Procedure Performed?
The process of having dermal fillers injected is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. Here’s what you can expect during a filler treatment session:
- Consultation: Before anything else, you’ll sit down with Anca for a detailed consultation. During this time, you’ll discuss your goals, review your medical history, and Anca will examine your skin and the areas that you want to enhance. This step is important to ensure the chosen filler is appropriate for your needs.
- Preparation: The treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned, and a topical anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area and minimise any discomfort during the injection process.
- Marking: Anca might mark the specific sites on your skin where the injections will be placed. These marks guide the injections to ensure the filler is applied exactly where it is needed to achieve the best results.
- Injection: Using a fine needle, the dermal filler is injected into the targeted areas. This part of the procedure usually takes just a few minutes per site.
- Massaging: After the filler has been injected, Anca may lightly massage the area to smooth the product evenly through the skin and ensure natural-looking results.
- Cleanup and Recovery: Any marks from the pen used earlier will be cleaned off your skin. You’ll be able to see the results immediately, although the final effect will become clearer after any minor swelling has subsided.
- Follow-up: In some cases, you might be asked to return for a follow-up visit to check on the progress of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated. Most people find that they can go back to their normal activities right after their appointment, making dermal fillers a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
Recovery after the Dermal Filler Procedure
Recovery from dermal filler injections is generally very quick, with minimal downtime required. It is not uncommon for there to be some swelling or bruising at the injection sites, but these side effects typically clear up within a few days. Here are some tips to help you manage the recovery process smoothly:
- Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours to minimise swelling and bruising
- Apply ice to the treated areas to reduce swelling, if necessary
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as it can help speed up the healing process
- Avoid excessive sunlight and heat exposure until any redness or swelling has resolved
- Follow any specific care instructions. Anca may give you, including using over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
Most people find that they can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure, with no significant discomfort or disruption to their daily lives. The simplicity of the recovery process is one of the reasons why dermal fillers are such a popular cosmetic treatment.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
The cost of dermal fillers can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of filler used, the volume of filler injected, the area of the country in which you are treated, and the expertise of the practitioner performing the procedure. Typically, prices range from £200 to £500 per syringe.
Here are a few factors that can affect the overall cost of a dermal filler treatment:
- Type of filler: Some fillers, especially those that last longer, might be more expensive
- Amount of product needed: More significant volume corrections require more filler, which can increase the price
- Practitioner’s expertise: Highly experienced practitioners might charge more for their services but also tend to offer higher-quality results
It’s important to discuss costs during your initial consultation so there are no surprises. Remember, when it comes to cosmetic procedures, the cheapest option is not always the best. Quality and safety should be your top priorities.
Further Reading
- Read Anca’s Blog on Dermal Filler Clinic in Chester
- Read Anca’s Blog on Dermal Fillers Removal – How Do They Work?
- Read Anca’s Blog on Recovery after Dermal Fillers
- Read Anca’s Blog on Treatments and Solutions for Lines & Wrinkles
Procedure
Frequently asked questions
Am I suitable for dermal fillers?
Miss Breahna will discuss your specific concerns at a discreet pre-treatment consultation. She will demonstrate the results you are likely to achieve, according to your goal.
How long do dermal filler ?
Dermal fillers provide a temporary outcome for a range of concerns. They are reliable and effective and will dissolve gradually over a period of around 12-18 months.
They can also be quickly dissolved using Hyaluronidase injections.
What happens after the dermal filler injections?
You may experience swelling, bruising and redness immediately after the treatment. These may last for a few days, but don’t often cause lasting downtime.
Numbing cream may be applied before injecting to reduce any stinging.
When will I see the results?
Dermal filler will provide an instant result. As hyaluronic acid slowly integrates with the inner skin tissues, the outcome will continue to develop, resulting in an appearance that becomes firmer, fuller and more radiant.
What are the risks associated with dermal fillers?
Although dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by a qualified professional, there are some potential risks and side effects to consider:
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people may have allergies to ingredients used in filler products
- Infection: As with any procedure that involves injections, there is a small risk of infection
- Irregularities: Sometimes, the filler may create lumps or asymmetry, particularly if not administered evenly
- Vascular Occlusion: This occurs when filler is injected into a blood vessel, potentially leading to skin necrosis or other complications. This is very rare, especially when the procedure is performed by experienced practitioners
- Prolonged Swelling or Bruising: Some individuals might experience swelling or bruising that lasts longer than the typical few days
Can dermal fillers be removed or dissolved if I am not happy with the results?
Yes, certain types of dermal fillers, particularly those based on hyaluronic acid, can be dissolved if you are not satisfied with the outcome. An enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected into the treated area to break down the hyaluronic acid quickly, reversing its effects. This option adds an element of reassurance for those new to dermal fillers or trying a new area of the face.
Is there an ideal age to start using dermal fillers?
There is no “ideal” age for starting dermal fillers; the timing depends on your individual skin concerns and aesthetic goals. Some people start treatments in their late 20s to early 30s to delay signs of ageing, while others might wait until their 40s or 50s to address more significant facial volume loss and deep wrinkles. Anca can provide guidance based on a personal assessment of your skin’s condition.
How often will I need to repeat the treatment to maintain the results?
The frequency of repeat treatments depends on the type of filler used and how your body responds to it. Typically, fillers last between 6 months and 2 years. Hyaluronic acid fillers usually need to be redone every 6 to 18 months, while other types might last longer. Discussing a treatment schedule with Anca can help you maintain consistent results.
Medical References about Dermal Fillers
- Dermal fillers in aesthetics: an overview of adverse events and treatment approaches – PubMed
- Dermal Fillers: Types, Indications, and Complications – Science Direct
- Injectable Dermal Fillers Guide – American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
- Dermal Fillers: What They Are, Types, Benefits & Side Effects – Cleveland Clinic
- Treatment Options for Dermal Filler Complications – Oxford Academic
