Dermal Fillers - what are they ?

Before Treatment Directly After Treatment

On the market today there are many types of Dermal Fillers available. New technologically advanced products have somewhat replaced the once used animal based products which were constituted mainly of bovine collagen which is an animal derivative. These older products had their problems and quite often resulted in allergic reactions. Today most Dermal Fillers used are replicated from either the Hyaluronic Acid or Poly-lactic Acid molecule. Both of these are naturally occurring substances within the human body and for ethical reasons are the number one choice since campaigners have been fighting against animal derived products being used in the Beauty Industry. Thankfully, with today’s pharmaceutical advancements the mainstream Dermal Fillers are now synthesized in a laboratory and are based on the same substance our body produces naturally known as Hyaluronic Acid. This substance is found in all living tissue such as skin, collagen and is abundant in the synovial fluid which lubricates our joints to stop wear and tear. Since the product is synthesised to replicate the same Hyaluronic Acid molecule and is not derived from animal sources, no allergy test is required prior to administering. Are Dermal Fillers safe? Dermal Fillers today have a very high degree of safety. The Dermal Fillers we use are extremely safe and are very well tolerated. The safety profile based on the manufacturers clinical studies have shown that allergic reactions which were mild and only of a swelling nature are one in 2000 patients. Any other reactions are very rare indeed. No skin test required A major benefit of Hyaluronic Acid and Poly-lactic Acid is that it is chemically identical in all living organisms and therefore has no immunological properties so no sensitivity test is required prior to administering the treatment. Only very mild reactions have been reported which were of a swelling nature and these subsided over a few days. In some cases the swelling has been known to last around a week and this was when the treatment was used to increase lip volume. Bearing in mind the lips are the most vascular area containing many sensory nerves, thus are the most likely to swell. Where are Dermal Fillers used? Dermal Fillers come in different grades and particle size and have been specifically designed to carry out a certain job. A small particle size is designed to work in reducing fine lines such as those around the eyes known as ‘crows feet’ and ‘smokers lines’ around the mouth and upper lip. A larger particle size is used to fill deeper lines such as the Glabella lines also known as ‘frown lines’. Other areas that are very much requested for enhancement are the lips in order to create a more sensual pout and a little volume. Generally, most lines on the face can be treated and made to appear softer with the use of the correct Dermal Filler. There are many different brands of Dermal Fillers available but we choose to use the most reliable and those which have a long-standing history of use. The following are very well tolerated and have an excellent record of use in the Anti – Ageing Industry. We use Restylane, Juvaderm, Hydra Fill, Teosyal. How long do Demal Fillers last? The duration of the treatment’s life is dependant on several factors. Since the properties of Hyaluronic Acid are comparable to our body’s own natural make-up the product will eventually be broken down and reabsorbed just like our cells are constantly renewed. Usual life expectancy is also dependant on the particle size and which products have been used. Hyaluronic Acid fillers have a typical life of anything from three months to nine months and sometimes longer. This factor also depends on healthy lifestyle, healthy diet and so on. Treatment Images Above. The pictures above show a male client who has received treatment of the nasolabial folds. These are the lines which run from the side of the nostrils down to the corners of the mouth. The treatment was carried using Hydra Fill Grade 2 which is a Dermal Filler designed to be used in these specific areas. Skin texture is also crucial when deciding which grade of filler to use and in his case Hydra Fill Grade 2 was the correct choice. As you can see, the area has been softened a great deal and the lines have been dramatically reduced.