DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Collagen was the first in 1976 and is still widely used. However it was derived from the skin of cattle so there is a significant demand for alternatives that are non animal sourced and longer lasting.
Products containing hyaluronic acid such as Restylane®, Perlane® and Juvederm® have become available over the last 5-6 years and proved highly popular. Most contain cross-links that stabalise the product once injected so that the effect is longer lasting. Topical anaesthetic cream is often applied to the treatment area prior to injection to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Dental blocks are also used for work on and around the lip area as this is a very sensitive area of the face. There will be a degree of post injection swelling but this usually resolves in 24hrs. There may also be some bruising following work on the lips which may take longer to settle.
Results depend on:
- the part of the face which is treated
- how much movement there is in the treated area
- the condition of the skin
- the experience and skill of the person performing the treatment.
Dermal fillers must be administered only by doctors and nurses. It is a simple procedure, done in the doctor's office, and not usually requiring time off work.
Dermal fillers can be used to improve:
- acne scars
- depressions or pockmarks in the skin due to injury or disease, for example, chickenpox marks
- unevenness in the skin after surgery or skin grafting
IN ADDITION
Many people have been treated with dermal fillers for:
- deep 'smile lines' which run from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth
- 'crows feet' at the corner of the eyes
- 'frown lines' between the eyebrows
- 'smokers lines' which are vertical lines on the top lip
- 'marionette lines' at the corner of the mouth
- 'worry lines' which run across the forehead
- the definition of the lip border
- other facial lines.
Some defects can be difficult to improve with the first treatment and although you may notice some improvement, more treatments may be needed to get the best results. Treatment with dermal fillers is not going to be successful for every person, and results and duration are variable. In some people wanting treatment of deep facial fines other treatment may be required first, followed by 'fine tuning' with dermal fillers.