Dermal fillers are used to add volume to areas of the face. They help create a more youthful appearance, as volume in the face diminishes with age.
TREATMENT AREAS
Most common areas treated include:
- Lip Augmentation
- Cheek bones
- Lines around the mouth such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines
BEFORE TREATMENT
It is not unusual for patients to feel nervous about facial fillers, as there has been a lot of media coverage about extreme procedures.
The filler products used in the clinic contain hyaluronic acid – a protein found naturally in the body. As a result the product is broken down by the body over time, meaning that treatments are not permanent. In general most treatments can be expected to last approximately 12 months.
It is possible to tailor treatments according to patient preferences. This can range from very subtle enhancement to a most glamorous look. Please see my before and after pictures for examples.
DURING TREATMENT
Make up is removed and the skin cleaned, before filler product is injected into the desired area. Some procedures have the potential to be more uncomfortable than others. Options for pain relief are discussed prior to treatment and can include ice (often all that is needed for cheeks), numbing cream (often for nasolabial fold or marionette lines) or anaesthetic injection (often for lips).
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects include:
- Redness, swelling and injection marks immediately following treatment
- Bruising often occurs within a few days of treatment and can take a week or so to settle. As a result is is recommended to avoid treatment less than 4 weeks before a special occasion
Rarer side effects include:
- Lumps under the skin’s surface
- Infection
These are discussed in more detail during initial consultation.
AFTER TREATMENT
Effects are visible immediately following treatment, however it can take a several days for swelling to subside to reveal true results.
To reduce the risk of infection it is recommended to avoid make up application for 6-12 hours following treatment. It is also recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and excessive sun or heat exposure.