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The ageing process is a dynamic continuing gradual process. No single treatment option is able to address all the various factors of ageing and provide a complete solution to each individual’s needs. Thus in general most patients will be advised to have a series of treatments specifically tailored to the patient’s needs and expectations. Please double click onto the treatments below to find out more. |
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Dermal Fillers |
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Dermal fillers are used to remove wrinkles and deep lines, softening contours and creating a smoother appearance. The most commonly used fillers are hyaluronic based dermal fillers. The solution is injected into the skin to add volume and create a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are an ideal solution for patients wanting to soften deep lines running from either side of the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds), reduce the lip lines running vertically up from the top lip, enhance thin lips, create a more defined lip border, and to lift the corners of the mouth. Cosmetic dermal fillers can also be used to remove deep frown lines, crow's feet, and under-eye hollows due to loss of volume.
There are about 50 different types of cosmetic dermal fillers on the market and they consist of 2 main categories. The permanent fillers are collagen based and I do NOT use them. Most of the horror stories you see in the media involve this type of filler. This is because they are much thicker in consistency and therefore very unforgiving, especially when injected into something soft which needs to move like the lips. In addition, as you age your face changes, but the collagen filler doesn't, so there's a risk of your face looking lumpy and unnatural. The second category is the hyaluronic acid dermal fillers which are temporary and can last anything from 4-9 months. The skin is like sponge, the collagen being the actual sponge and hyaluronic acid being the water in the sponge which makes it bouncy and well hydrated. As we age the ‘water’ goes, leaving the collagen, which also gradually degenerates (please see Sculptra treatment for collagen stimulation). Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers mimic the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in our skin, plumping it out and removing wrinkles and deep lines.
Of the hyaluronic acid fillers, there are 2 sub types - gel based ones such as Juvederm and Hydrafill, and Restylane. The gel based fillers are all quite alike, but different types must NOT be mixed within a short space of time. In other words, you must wait until the effects of your filler have worn off before you consider having a different type of filler injected in the same place. However, it is safe to have different types of filler injected into separate parts of the face/ body at the same time, for example the lips and the nasolabial folds.
The gel based dermal fillers are exactly what they sound like. They are the consistency of a gel. This means that they give a very natural looking finish and easily mould into the contours of your face and lips. You don't feel the presence of the fillers at all. They're especially good for lips, particularly if you've never had fillers before. They tend to last 4-6 months, depending on where they're used.
Restylane consists of microscopic particles suspended within the gel, so it's slightly more expensive to manufacture. This means that it's more solid, so gives more 'scaffolding' and lift. It therefore works well for deep nasolabial folds or frown marks not removed by botox. However, if used long term on the lips it can cause a greyish line along the lip line. This is caused by the particles being left there and being reflected by the light shining onto the lip. Also, because it's more solid, you might feel the presence of the filler where it's been injected. It doesn't hurt and patients do become used to it. Some patients prefer the longer lasting, slightly more 'oomph' of Restylane, others don't like feeling the presence of a filler, especially when they kiss, and so prefer a slightly short lasting but more natural feeling gel based filler.
Because the fillers involve injections, I use a cream to numb the skin first, so you don't feel the injection at all, although a few patients do feel a strange sensation when the filler is being inserted. For the lips, I always numb them using the same injections dentists use, as I feel this is the kindest way to perfect lips!
With all dermal fillers, side effects include bruising, mild swelling, and tenderness immediately after the treatment. This can last anything from 24hrs to 5 days after treatment, depending on the patient's age, skin condition, and tendency to bruise. Alcohol and aspirin also increases your chances of bruising so you must inform The Beauty Doctor during your consultation if you have any questions regarding these. With any injection, there is also a small risk of infection, but good post treatment hygiene means this risk is minimal. Filler also carry a risk of small lumps forming under the skin which can be felt but not seen. These usually go after massaging the area, although as yet I have never had a patient with this problem.
It is not advisable to use make up immediately after cosmetic dermal filler treatment as this increases infection risk, but make up can be used to cover up any bruising the next day. |
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