Dermal fillers are Injectable substances used to replace lost soft tissues. They are used for filling wrinkles, correcting tissue defects after scarring or atrophy and for facial remodelling (lip augmentation, cheek bone and chin enhancement and nose correction).
What is it made of?
There are different types of dermal fillers. Some of them are extracted from collagen produced by a special cattle herd; others come from plants or bacteria. However, most of dermal fillers used today are man-made and chemically resemble human hyaluronic acid – a substance which makes most of the deeper layers of skin.
How is done?
A doctor administers dermal filler by injecting it into a target area.
Are there any contraindications?
There are only a small number of contraindications: allergy to components of dermal fillers, pregnancy, breastfeeding, active skin infection and a tendency to scar badly.
How long does it take?
Initial consultation, counselling and the actual procedure might take about 45 minutes. Patients also will require application of local anaesthetic cream prior to the injections.
What I will look like immediately after and is there any recovery time?
Correcting effect is instant. Most patients will have slight swelling and redness, these settle within 24-72 hours. Some minimal bruising is possible and settles within 10 days.
Is it painful?
Local anaesthetic cream is the only thing most people need to feel comfortable during injections. For more sensitive areas, such as lips, a doctor might use dental block.
Are dermal fillers safe and are there any complications?
Modern dermal fillers have excellent safety records. However, there are possible rare complications such as infection, scarring, hardening of dermal filler and lumpiness, and allergic reaction.
What determines choice of dermal filler?
There are many different types of dermal fillers. The selection of a suitable one depends on length of a desired effect, the area to be corrected, price of a product, and previous treatments. The doctor will be able to advise which one is the most suitable.
What aftercare is required?
Following the treatment an ice pack will be applied to minimise swelling and bruising. Depending on the treated area, the doctor may advice gentle massage to the area. People who are prone to develop herpes infection are advised to use antiviral cream or tablets for 5-10 days after the treatment. Make up can be applied after 24 hours.
What happens to dermal filler?
Different dermal fillers have different length of effect, varying from 3 months to few years. Dermal filler gets slowly broken down and eliminated from the body naturally. Permanent dermal fillers are rarely used and they remain in place unless removed surgically.