Dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid based soft tissue fillers which are used to fill facial lines and restore volume. The most common brand of dermal fillers is Juvederm by market leaders Allergan.

Which areas can be treated?

Most of our clients request treatment on one or more of these facial areas:-

    Nose to mouth lines
    Cheeks
    Lips / lines around the lip

Other areas that can be treated with dermal fillers include the lower face, jaw and chin.

How does the treatment work?

Using a needle or cannula, small quantities of the filler are injected into the dermal layer of the skin. The product temporarily fills wrinkles, restores volume loss and enhances features by lifting and supporting the skin in the area being treated.

How soon will I see the effects and how long do the effects last?

The initial effects of the treatment are seen straight away but it can take up to 14 days to see the full effect. You may be advised to book a follow up appointment 2-3 weeks after if you would like your treatment reviewed or if additional product is needed. This can help to optimise the results and maximise the duration.

The effects of the treatment usually last between 6 and 8 months, this will vary from person to person. Some fillers can give results for up to 18 months. The average effect of treatment to the lips is less than in other areas dues to the high vascularisation and action of the lip area. Deep lines will be softened and may take a couple of treatments until the optimum result is seen. Fine lines can almost disappear.

Is it safe and does it hurt?

Millions of people worldwide have had these injections and the safety of the product is well established.

You should be aware that most dermal filler products contain 0.3% of lidocaine so may produce a positive result in anti-doping tests. Due to the use of a needle there is likely to be some bleeding at the injection site.

People taking certain medications which reduce or inhibit metabolism (cimetidine, beta-blockers etc) are advised not have dermal fillers treatments. Treatment is also not recommended in pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Are there any side effects?

The injections are fairly painless and may cause a minor stinging, redness, itching or discomfort. This reaction may last for several days. The risk of bleeding or bruising can occur at the injection site. Indurations (hardening of the skin), bruising or nodules may develop at the injection site. These usually resolve within 1 – 2 weeks.

Infection is possible at the injection site although rare and can be treated with antibiotics. The injection of dermal fillers in patients who are prone to herpes simplex (cold sores) may trigger an outbreak, particularly when injecting into the lip area. Prophylactic treatment with anti-virals will be discussed with these individuals.

In rare cases discolouration of the injection site, necrosis, abscess formation, granulomas, hypersensitivity and haematomas have been reported.

Very rarely reported: occlusion and compression of blood vessels in the area which can lead to skin necrosis (skin death) and permanent scarring. Delayed allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) may occur which can result in swelling and redness after several weeks which may need prolonged treatment.

There have been a few reported cases of blindness across the world which may have been attributed to the treatment with dermal fillers in the temple area, tear trough and nose re-shaping.

Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are a very rare possibility.

If any side effect becomes serious, or any side effect not listed her, please contact us.

What can I expect after the treatment?

For 12 hours after treatment we advise that you avoid extreme facial expressions, alcohol consumption and applying make up. Please avoid extreme sun exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures and saunas for 2 weeks after treatment. It is important to avoid touching the area injected unless advised by your practitioner.

We always offer our patients a follow up appointment 2 – 3 weeks after their treatment to ensure we have got the best result possible; any additional product needed at this appointment may incur an additional cost.