FAQ

Dermal fillers are injections used to fill out wrinkles and creases in the skin. They can also be used to increase the volume and definition of the lips and cheeks. We mainly recommend hyaluronic acid fillers.

The filters are made from a variety of materials, and the effects can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the type of filler:

• Collagen – effects last three to four months.

• Hyaluronic acid – lasts about four to six months.

• Calcium hydroxylapatite – lasts about 18 months.

• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) – effects of injections given over several months may last up to two years.

• Polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA) are the most permanent but also the most dangerous.

• Lip Volume

• Creases & Lines

• Tear Troughs

• Cheek Volume

• Lough Lines

• Marionette Lines

• Chin Wrinkles

Dermal fillers are growing in popularity because they are a quick way to reduce the common signs of ageing across your visage.

The very first reason why people love dermal fillers is because they do not have to wait in order to enjoy the benefits of the treatment. As soon as the product is injected into the skin, they are going to see their appearance transform.

Most dermal fillers are based on hyaluronic acid or collagen. These are two substances that you have in your skin already and that cause your skin to look youthful and healthy.

You get long-lasting results! In most cases, you will be able to enjoy a more youthful look for at least half a year. This means that you do not have to return to our clinic often in order to maintain an attractive appearance.

The results are usually subtle. This is what most people want.

One of the main benefits that people receive is a boost in self-confidence after using dermal fillers. They love the way they feel. Our goal is to help you achieve your aesthetic goals and to love your appearance.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar chain molecule found in all skin and soft tissues throughout the body, identical across species.

It attracts and binds water in the skin, providing volume and hydration, but also ‘cushioning’ and supporting collagen and elastin fibres and providing a medium, or carrier, for chemical messages between the cells.

Dermal fillers are manufactured, usually through fermentation and cross-linking with proteins to produce a clear, sterile gel for injection into the skin.

In the UK, there are over 160 brands on the market due in some part to weak regulation.

Not all hyaluronic acids are the same and legitimate brands are NOT available for general sale on the internet and should only be administered by trained clinicians.

Each brand has a range of ‘tissue-tailored’ products designed for specific results. One size does not fit all.

Leading and well-established brands include, but are not limited to:

• JuvedermTM

• Stylage (Vivacy)

• RestylaneTM

• BeloteroTM

• TeosyalTM

• EmervelTM

As the effects of aging become apparent in the form of facial lines and wrinkles, you may have considered non-surgical treatment options like dermal fillers.

These injectables are designed to eliminate or reduce the appearances of fine lines, folds and wrinkles. With age, your skin loses collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid by producing these substances as slower rates.

Many dermal fillers feature natural ingredients to replenish the skin’s supply and restore a youthful look.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found throughout your body, and it provides the skin elasticity, volume and hydration. As you age your body produces less hyaluronic acid, you may notice wrinkles, folds and a tired appearance.

At our clinic we offer dermal fillers with a stabilized form of hyaluronic acid, which is biocompatible with your skin. Dr. JD injects small quantities of the filler into the wrinkle to smooth it out and reduce its appearance. Dermal fillers also help improve definition and hydrate your skin.

Different formulas are available to treat varying degrees of wrinkles. Dr. JD's patients have received successful results for the treatment of crow’s feet, eyebrow lines, nasolabial folds, frown lines and lip enhancement with dermal fillers.

Some fillers include anesthetics to improve your comfort throughout the injection procedure. hyaluronic acid dermal fillers offer long-lasting, natural results for younger looking skin. Patients often choose these treatment options to increase elasticity and improve the look of fullness.

We recommend follow-up sessions every 6 to 12 months to maintain your desired results.

Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. As people get older, their skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic, and less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin.

• UV sun rays

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• Dehydration

• Repetitive facial expressions

• Inherited genes

• Slower cell regeneration

• Changes in hormones levels

• Sleeping position

• Poor nutrition

You may be offered a local anesthetic cream or injection. The practitioner injects the filler in a series of small injections and may massage the area.

The treatment time can vary from 30 minutes to an hour. It may be uncomfortable but should not be very painful.

Skin fillers add volume to facial areas like your laugh lines and lips while neuromodulators block the action of your nerves and muscles.

With Botox, an expert technician will target the muscles in your face that cause wrinkles to prevent the age creases from forming. If you choose a skin filler treatment, then a specialist will inject the filling substance into your skin to soften some of the wrinkles that you already have.

Botox lasts from three to six months. Facial fillers can last from a few months to a few years.

Advancements in the cosmetic industry have resulted in age fighting treatment options like Botox and facial fillers. Both procedures can help smooth your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Depending on which filler you have and where, treatments will normally last between 4-13 months and results can be seen instantly.

Average Longevity of Facial Fillers

Basic hyaluronic acid fillers typically last up to about 6 months, sometimes longer, depending on your body's mechanisms. Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero are all in this category.

All treatments carry a degree of risk. All risks and complications will be discussed with you at consultation and prior to any treatment being agreed.

Dermal fillers should be administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training.

Side effects include, but are not limited to:

-Redness

-Swelling

-Bruising

-Itching

-Tenderness

The above is temporary and usually resolves within the first few days, swelling is often marked the next morning but settles within hours, and bruising can take a week to 10 days to resolve and can sometimes persist for longer.

There are a number of medical conditions and or medicines that may affect the decision to treat or the treatment plan. A full medical history and assessment of your expectations is necessary in advance of any decision to treat.

With any injectable treatment:

Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold).

If you have previously experienced allergic reactions to any dermal filler or local anesthetic.

If you are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin. If you are taking steroids or have an autoimmune disease.

If you have any bleeding disorders.

If you suffer from a poorly controlled medical condition.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are currently or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (Isotretinoin acne treatment) in the last 18 months.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caution

Injections on the face can trigger the cold sore virus. If you are a sufferer, you must advise your clinician in advance of treatment.

If you have recently had treatment with any other dermal filler.

If you are planning to attend a special event, a bruise, should it occur, would be unacceptable to you?

Some over-the-counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (making you more prone to bruising), as can alcohol, which should be avoided the day before and after treatment.

Vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sun beds, and sauna should be avoided for 48 hours, or as advised by your clinician, after treatment.

Safety has not been established for those skins susceptible to keloid scarring.

Immediately after treatment, there may be slight redness, swelling, tenderness and an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. The inconvenience is temporary and generally disappears in a few days. If it continues or if other reactions occur, please call us.

The initial swelling after lip treatment may last longer. Some patients experience swelling for about a week and the lips can look somewhat uneven during this time.

This means that the results directly after the treatment should not be seen as the final result.

Avoid touching the treatment area 6 hours after the treatment. After that the area can be gently washed with soap and water and light make-up can be applied.

Until the initial swelling and redness have resolved, sunbathing, sunbeds and intense heat (such as saunas and Turkish baths) should be avoided for 1 week after treatment. If you do go out in the sun, wear sunscreen at all times.

You should also avoid exposing your skin to extreme cold for 1 week after treatment.

Do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. solarium and sunbathing) or extreme cold.

If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores.

If you are using aspirin or any similar medication, be aware that these may increase the bruising and bleeding at the injection site.