What are dermal fillers?
They are natural or man-made material that are injected into the skin.
Fillers are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles: especially the vertical lip lines, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Wrinkles are deeper than the surrounding skin. The resulting shadow makes the wrinkles visible. Fillers work by attempting to raise the wrinkle to the same level as the surrounding skin.
Questions to Ask Before Having Fillers
What formal training have you had in injecting dermal fillers?
Is the filler man-made, natural or animal [cow and pig]?
Is it licensed for this use in this country?
What are the potential side effects?
How long do they last?
What treatment is possible if I experience any side-effects?
How long will it last before I need more treatment?
What is the price?
What can be done if it looks odd?
Dermal Fillers Side Effects
Bruising and swelling are to be expected for the first 72 hours. Some types can produce lumpiness. Permanent fillers can result in scar tissue formation. Bovine collagen can cause allergic reactions – allergy testing before treatment is required.
Types of Dermal Fillers
They are divided into 2 main groups.
- temporary
- permanent
Permanent fillers , as their name suggests, will be with you always. In contrast, temporary have to be updated regularly. Unfortunately, permanent fillers are associated with more side-effects. Personally I feel they should be avoided.
Temporary Fillers
Include natural collagens and synthetic[man-made] fillers…hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lactic acid and hydoxyapatite.
These dissolve slowly. They are generally considered the safest fillers.
Hyaluronic Acids
It is man-made and breaks down over time. Expect some bruising and swelling for the first few days – make up can be worn straight away. Results last 3-9 months depending on which particular product is used. Can be injected into the vertical lip lines, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It may also be used for augmenting [plumping] the lips.
The most popular brand name is Restylane. It costs £300+ per syringe. Up to 2 syringes made be required. It is safe. Allergic reactions are rare.
Other brand names include Macrolane and Juvederm.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Brand name is Sculptra. Man-made and lasts up to 18 months. Used for filling nasolabial folds and and hollow cheeks. After the initial 3 treatments, results last 2 years.
Calcium Hydoxyapatite
Brand name is Radiesse. Lasts up to 2 years. Used for nasolabial folds and depressed [sunken] scars. Used with care in areas of thin skin as it can leave a lumpy appearance.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that provides structural strength to the skin. For use as a filler, it can be obtained from your own skin. Other sources include cow, pig and cadaver.
It is best used for wrinkles.
>Pig’s collagen e.g. Evolence. Lasts up to a year. No allergy testing is required.
>Bovine collagen e.g. Zyderm and Zyplast. Lasts 3 months. Allergy testing is required.
>Your own collagen. e.g. Autologen. Comes from your own skin. It can be stored for up to 5 years. Once injected it may last anything from 2 months to 2 years.
Fat Injections
Your own fat is removed by liposuction, typically from the thighs, hips or abdomen [tummy]. It is then reinjected back into a hollow e. g. cheek hollow. It is worth pointing out that hollows are caused by loss of fat. Wrinkles are caused by the muscles of facial expression [frowning, laughing and pursing of the lips] and gravity.
Expect redness, swelling and bruising for several days. In skilled hands it can produce excellent filling of hollows. In a less experienced doctor you can be left with lumpy areas which are difficult to correct.
When injected into the skin, it will not last. For the best results it should be injected into the fat of the treated area. It can last anything from 6 months to several years.
Permanent Fillers
As mentioned previously, I personally would advise you never to get permanent fillers.
They are difficult to inject…which may lead to an uneven or lumpy appearance. They may cause permanent hardening and swelling of the treated area e.g. ‘trout pout’. They may also lead to the formation of scar tissue. They are difficult to remove. The filler may migrate [move] from one area to another…distorting your appearance.
Dermal Fillers Cost
Always check before treatment what the price will be. Ask how often you will need to be reinjected. Work out what this is going to cost you per month over a year. Prices vary from £300 to over £1000 per treatment. This depends on the type of filler, the surgeon and how much is required.
Summary
Temporary dermal fillers can produce excellent results. They are best used for wrinkles. Although relatively inexpensive, the treatments do need to be repeated at regular intervals.
For more information on Dermal Fillers in Watford call 01923 223278.
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