Dermal Fillers
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal Fillers are a cosmetic treatment used to enhance facial features. They are minimally invasive and produce results very quickly, with full effect at 2 weeks. They are a synthetic substance manufactured using hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance present in skin, connective tissue and in the extra-cellular matrix. Dermal Fillers come in a variety of forms to be used in particular areas of the face to achieve specific results such as restoring volume to areas that lost volume due to the aging process, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines ( often in combination with Botulinum Toxin) and augmenting facial shape such as the nose, lips, cheek, jaw line and chin.
How do Dermal Fillers work?
Dermal Fillers are injected under the skin, often by using a canula. They are hydrophilic and work by attracting water to the treated area, which helps to plump up the skin and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid is broken down naturally in the body by enzymes called hyaluronidase meaning that the treatment is non-permanent. Therefore, the effect lasts between 6 to 18 months depending on the area treated, the density of filler used, the gender and physicality of the individual.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
- Fast Results - Visible difference at the end of treatment which enhances over the next 2 weeks
- Naturally occurring product - Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body
- No scarring - A good alternative to a surgical procedure, such as a facelift or nose job
- Non-permanent - Biodegradable, due to the body producing hyaluronidase
- Reversible - It is possible to reverse the effects of Dermal Fillers if necessary. This must always be performed by a trained healthcare professional
- Good duration - Products are designed to be long-lasting and can last between 6 and 18 months
- Safe - Dermal Fillers have a good safety profile, with minimal drug interaction and minimal side effects
All procedures carry a risk and I will go into these in more detail in your consultation, whilst developing your personal treatment plan. Every effort is made to minimise the risk of developing a complication.
Botulinum Toxin injections
What is Botulinim Toxin?
Botulinum Toxin is a naturally occurring substance. It is, as its name suggests, a toxin and has been scientifically developed over several decades to be used in many medical procedures. Many companies now produce Botulinum Toxin but the most well know is Botox, made by Allergan. I prefer to use this and Bocouture, made by Merz-Aesthetics. Botulinum Toxin works by temporarily reducing the effect of muscles and lasts on average for three months. The effects can take several days to fully develop and I offer all my clients a review at two weeks to assess the results.
What is Botulinum Toxin used for?
The most common use for Botulinum Toxin is wrinkle reduction – this tends to give a youthful and refreshed appearance to the face by reducing the appearance of permanent lines and creases. This treatment can also be used for reducing excess sweating, tightening the skin on the neck, treating a gummy smile or a downturned smile, a dimpled chin and many other medical treatments.
Benefits of Botulinum Toxin
- Younger fresher looking appearance
- Lines and wrinkles are reduced
- Treatment is quick
All procedures carry a risk and I will go into these in more detail in your consultation, whilst developing your personal treatment plan. Every effort is made to minimise the risk of developing a complication.
A good injection technique following pre-defined anatomical landmarks helps to reduce the risks of post procedural problems.