Dermal Fillers
Throughout the ageing process we lose some of the skin’s ‘building blocks’ such as collagen and fat, which are the materials that prevent the skin becoming loose and saggy. As a result fine lines and wrinkles appear.
As we age our skin becomes thinner and more visible lines and wrinkles start to appear. The facial bones and fat pads begin to shrink accelerating the creation of folds and deep wrinkles.
The dermal filler acts as a replacement for the lost fat and helps to restore our skin to its former youthful appearance. There is minimal downtime and patients can usually be expected to continue normal activities straight after the procedure. Treatment duration varies but typically last 6-12 months.
Typical areas that can be treated with dermal fillers at Wishfill Aesthetics are:
-
Nasolabial lines or folds, which run from each corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
-
Marionette Lines, which run from the corner of the lower lip towards the jaw line
-
Smokers lines appearing above the top lip.
-
Lip plumping is an extremely popular request by a growing number of women purely looking to enhance their natural appearance, as opposed to an anti-ageing solution.
-
Cheek volumising or can create improved definition of the face that is lost over the years through the ageing process, giving sunken or flat cheeks. As we get older our facial bones shrink causing skin folds to appear. Building up our cheek bones using dermal fillers is an effective way of combating these imperfections.
-
Chin volumising or projecting to balance the face
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dermal fillers? The most popular dermal fillers used today are hyaluronic acid based products. These hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are non-permanent meaning that they are reabsorbed into the body over time. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in body tissues and it has been used safely in general medical applications for several decades.
How do dermal fillers work? Throughout the ageing process we lose some of the skin’s ‘building blocks’ such as collagen and fat which are the materials that prevent to skin becoming loose and saggy, allowing fine lines and wrinkles to appear. As we age our skin becomes thinner and more visible lines and wrinkles start to appear. The facial bones and fat pads begin to shrink accelerating the creation of folds and deep wrinkles. The dermal filler acts as a replacement for the lost fat and helps to restore our skin to its former youthful appearance. The material is carefully injected into different layers of the skin depending on the type of filler selected and the patient’s needs. Dermal fillers are available in different thicknesses and viscosity that match to the patients needs. The thicker products are generally reserved for deep folds or wrinkles, whilst a smoother product is used to plump out fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the benefits? Dermal fillers are not permanent. As our faces and perceptions of beauty may change over time patients can reassess their needs. At Wishfill Aesthetics we only use FDA approved fillers for safety and effectiveness. Dermal fillers are often the preferred treatment for cosmetic surgery because of the risks associated with general anaesthetics and cosmetic surgery and their cost effectiveness. Results are instant: patients can see how much they like the treatment as it progresses and can request for a more dramatic effect if they desire at the time of treatment.
What does the procedure involve? The first step in the process is to arrange a consultation with the nurse practitioner who has been trained in the use of dermal fillers specifically. At consultation the practitioner will take details of patient medical history and current medication and then complete a care plan, having discussed the patient’s requirements and expectations. The practitioner will then be in a position to advise treatment options and make individual treatment recommendations. At the consultation patients will be informed of the cost of investment for the treatment options provided. The practitioner will state the risks associated with injectable treatments in writing. Patients can then reflect on what has been said and be given written treatment information. Treatments generally take between 30 – 60 minutes. A topical anaesthetic cream will be applied prior to appointment to maximise patient comfort during the procedure. The product has local anaesthetic in the solutions, making the treatment more comfortable. After having the injection the practitioner will give patients aftercare advice and information.
How common are filler treatments? Hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers are the 2nd most popular cosmetic treatment. Last year there were over 1.2 million treatments in the USA alone. Comparable figures are not available in UK but there is evidence to support the theory that the usage per population is similar. The reason for their popularity can be attributed to the minimal side effects and effectiveness of treatment. The other main reasons for their popularity is that many people are not ready or prepared to have cosmetic surgery but still want an effective and long lasting treatment.
What areas can be treated? Typical areas that can be treated at Wishfill Aesthetics are: Nasolabial lines or folds, which run from each corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Marionette Lines, which run from the corner of the lower lip towards the jaw line Smokers lines appearing above the top lip. Lip plumping is an extremely popular request by growing number of women purely looking to enhance their natural appearance, as opposed to an anti-ageing solution. Cheek Volumising or can create improved definition of the face that is lost over the years through the ageing process, giving sunken or flat cheeks. As we get older our facial bones shrink causing skin folds to appear. Building up our cheek bones using dermal fillers such as is an effective way of combating these imperfections. Chin Volumising or projecting to balance the face
What are the possible side effects ? All dermal filler treatments have the risk of temporary bruising around the injection site, swollen facial features during the initial healing period and infection at injection site. The side effects and risks associated with dermal fillers will be discussed with the practitioner at consultation.
How painful are filler injections? Local topical anaesthetic cream is applied 20 -30 minutes before treatment and filler products themselves contain lidocaine which is a fast acting anaesthetic. The vast majority of patients find the injections tolerable with slight initial discomfort. Levels of discomfort may be higher if a patients opts for an inexperienced practitioner or use an inferior product.
How long do the dermal fillers last? Typically most fillers last around six to nine months, with the exact time depending on the area applied and the individual patient, as some patients’ bodies break down the fillers faster than others.
What is the typical cost of treatment? The cost of dermal fillers starts at £135. The exact cost of fillers for each patient will be determined at consultation as the practitioner will need to determine the most suitable filler and the number of areas being treated.
Can all fillers be dissolved? When it comes to dermal fillers, not all of them can be dissolved. Some fillers are designed to be long-lasting or permanent, and as a result, they are not meant to be reversible. For instance, silicone fillers and certain semi-permanent fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse cannot be dissolved. The reason for this is twofold. First, some fillers are designed to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which means that they need time to work and are intended to be a longer-lasting solution. Second, there are no known enzymes or chemicals that can break down these types of fillers. On the other hand, temporary fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA) can be easily dissolved. This is because HA fillers are designed to be a short-term solution and will naturally break down in the body over time. It is important to note that the ability to dissolve a filler is an essential consideration when choosing the right type of filler for your needs. If you are interested in a temporary solution, a HA filler might be the best choice for you. However, if you are looking for a longer-lasting solution, you may want to consider a semi-permanent or permanent filler that cannot be dissolved.
What is the process for dissolving fillers? It is important to understand the process involved in dissolving fillers . Typically, the first step is a consultation with a qualified practitioner, who will aim to understand your reasons for wanting the filler dissolved and explore different options that may be available to you. During the consultation the practitioner may ask questions such as why you are unhappy with the filler, how long ago it was injected and what you hope to achieve by having it dissolved. It's important to be honest and open with your practitioner. This will help them determine the best course of action for your unique situation. If filler dissolution is the best option for you, the procedure will typically start with the application of numbing cream to the area being treated. This helps to minimize any discomfort you may feel during the injection process. The next step is to use Hyalase which is a specific product that contains hyaluronidase. Before the hyaluronidase is injected, a skin prick test may be performed to check for any risk of allergy. If there is no allergic response hyaluronidase will be injected into the desired area. The hyaluronidase works by breaking down the hyaluronic acid molecules in the filler causing it to dissolve. Over time the dissolved filler is reabsorbed by the body. It's important to note that the process of filler dissolution can vary depending on factors such as the type and amount of filler used, as well as individual differences in how the body responds to hyaluronidase. As such it's crucial to have the procedure performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner to ensure the best possible outcome.
Will my skin look deflated after the filler is dissolved? One of the concerns that patients have is what will happen to their skin once the filler is dissolved. The good news is that in general, the skin should return to its previous appearance once the filler is dissolved. However there are some factors that can affect how your skin reacts to the dissolving process. One of the most significant factors is how long you've had the filler. The longer the filler has been in place the more likely it is that your skin won't snap back as quickly once the filler is dissolved. This is because, over time, the filler can stretch out the skin and it may take some time for the skin to regain its elasticity. In the case of the lips, it is essential to note that they are particularly prone to stretching out with filler use. If you've had filler in your lips for a long time there may be some deflation or loss of volume once the filler is dissolved. However this doesn't mean that your lips will look deflated permanently. Instead, your lips may need to be refilled gently to restore their natural volume. It's important to work with a skilled and experienced injector who can help you understand the risks and benefits of using fillers and guide you through the process of dissolving them. Your injector can also recommend other treatments, such as Radiofrequency skin tightening, that may help you achieve your desired results if your skin doesn't snap back as quickly as you'd like after filler removal.
Are there downsides to dissolving fillers? Dissolving fillers with hyaluronidase can be an effective way to address issues with previously injected fillers, but like any medical procedure it is not without potential downsides. Whilst the procedure is generally safe there may be some temporary redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site. Additionally, there is a risk of allergic reaction to the dissolving agent which is why a skin prick test is usually performed prior to treatment to minimise this risk. One possible downside of the treatment is the potential for the hyaluronidase to break down some of the natural hyaluronic acid in the skin, which could cause some unevenness or puckering. However this can generally be avoided by using the correct concentrations and dilutions of the dissolving agent. If any natural hyaluronic acid is lost during the treatment the body will naturally replace it over time. In addition to the physical side effects there may also be psychological side effects to consider. Some patients may find it difficult to adjust to changes in their appearance during the dissolving process. This can be especially challenging for those who have become accustomed to their previous appearance and it may require some patience and understanding from both the patient and the practitioner. Overall, while there are some potential downsides to dissolving fillers with hyaluronidase, many patients find it to be a safe and effective solution for addressing issues with previously injected fillers. As with any medical procedure, it's important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before deciding if it's the right choice for you.
Find out more about our other skin care and botox treatments: