Dermal Fillers

Various kinds of safe, natural and man-made materials are used as dermal fillers; these have been specifically developed over the years for use in the skin. Two kinds of dermal fillers are usually suggested for the face: semi-permanent and non-permanent. The semi-permanent type (e.g. Radiesse and Sculptra) lasts up to 18 months. The non-permanent fillers, such as, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) derived Juvederm and Restylane, last for around 6-12 months, depending upon the site of application and the formulation of the material used. 

Alternative materials used in dermal fillers
Collagen fillers - Collagen fillers are produced by purifying collagen from animal sources. With collagen you must have an allergy test 28 days before treatment to ensure that you are not sensitive to the constituents of the filler. Collagen fillers don't generally last as long as HA fillers and their use has declined. Two examples are Zyderm and Zyplast.

Radiesse
This dermal filler contains particles of synthetic calcium suspended in a gel and its history includes use in surgery and dental surgery. It has the effect of a dermal filler but it also encourages collagen production in your skin to help increase its volume over time.

Sculptra
Sculptra is not a true dermal filler but a volumizer; it is used to reduce lines and wrinkles by stimulating the skin's own collagen production to thicken your skin and to replace the volume lost through ageing. It usually lasts for about 18 months.

How are fillers supplied?
Dermal fillers are supplied in a pre-filled sterile syringe for injection. They are manufactured in different thicknesses; some are more gel-like, and others are more liquid. The thicker ones are used to restore the deeper folds or wrinkles such as those between the nose and corner of the mouth. The thinner ones are used more superficially for fine lines such as crow's feet.

Is the treatment uncomfortable?
A local anesthetic cream is used to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. For treatments near the mouth, such as lip treatments, your practitioner will freeze the area with an injection which is similar to a dental anesthetic. After the treatment your practitioner will give you aftercare instructions to maximize its benefits.

Are there any adverse effects?
Many thousands of dermal filler treatments have been carried out in the UK and even more around the world, with few serious or lasting side effects. Most people can return to their normal daily life immediately after the treatment. However, your practitioner will explain the possible side effects during the initial consultation.

The most common side effects are related to the fact that you have had injections in the area being treated, they typically last only one to three days. These side effects can include slight bleeding and mild bruising, swelling may also occur around the area. If you have lip treatment swelling can last 3-5 days, otherwise it is transient.

Allergic reactions to dermal filler treatment are rare but can include: redness, itching, swelling, and hardness, or small bumps under the skin. These side effects may last for weeks or months and sometimes longer, fortunately they are very rare. If you have a history of cold sores, dermal filler treatment in that area might cause them to break out again. Our practitioner may prescribe a course of anti-viral tablets (e.g. acyclovir) immediately after the treatment and for a few days afterwards, to reduce the possibility of a recurrence.

How long do dermal fillers last?
The length of time that dermal fillers last depends on the type of filler used and the area injected. On average, you would expect the results of a Hyaluronic Acid dermal filler to last around 6-12 months. Thicker dermal fillers tend to last longer than those used for finer lines. Laresse lasts for a similar time to HA dermal fillers, but collagen generally lasts between 3-6 months. The effects of Radiesse and Sculptra last 18 months or more. As the dermal filler is gradually broken down and the level of volume you gained lessens, you can choose to have the area 'topped-up' to retain the effect. However, if you decide not to, the advantage of non-permanent dermal fillers is that the area will gradually return to how it was before the treatment.

Can anyone have dermal filler treatment?
Whilst most people can benefit from this treatment, there are certain medications and conditions that preclude its use. Our practitioner will ask a number of questions to ensure that dermal fillers are appropriate. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you would be advised to delay treatment until breast-feeding has finished, this is simply a precaution.