Injectable Dermal Filler Treatments Fact Sheet

Injectable Dermal Filler Treatments

For visible, long lasting results with no downtime or need for anaesthetic, Dermal Fillers are the natural alternative to cosmetic surgery.

One of the main changes that occurs to our face with ageing is volume loss. Our skin becomes thinner and the effects of gravity can become apparent. Restoring the soft tissues of the face by non-surgical, minimally invasive injectable fillers is one of the corner-stones of facial rejuvenation techniques.

It is effective in smoothing out deep furrows and wrinkles, especially between the brows, and around the nose and lips. It can also restore volume to cheek bones and prominences, as well as lips or any facial contour deficiencies. Dermal fillers are invaluable tools for both rejuvenating and enhancing your facial features without surgery.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers can be temporary or permanent. Depending on the type and brand, a filler may be composed of synthetic or natural gels formed by a variety of polymers, or collagen extracts from humans or animals.

Hyaluronic acid (known as HA) naturally occurs in the skin, and assists in skin hydration by attracting and holding water. It also combines with collagen & elastin to help provide skin structure and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid stabilizes intercellular structures and produces the viscoelastic network for collagen and elastin fibers to bind together. As seen with sun-damage and aging, these connections fail, thus resulting in disorganised clumps of collagen and elastin.

These benefits make hyaluronic acid an excellent dermal filling agent and it has emerged as the leader of dermal filling agents for soft tissue augmentation, owing to its superior cosmetic results.

What can I expect after my treatment?

Expected after-effects of dermal filler injections include:

• Mild bruising around injection sites: this usually settles after 2-3 days, and can be concealed with a thin smear of foundation makeup
• Swelling of injected areas: swelling is usually mild, and is usually not noticeable after 48-72 hours
• Numbness to injected areas or parts of the face: Usually the filler product has some local anaesthetic within its gel, which may result in numbness of injected areas. Sensation usually returns after 2-3 hours.
• Pain: this is not common, but can be addressed with simple paracetamol.
• Skin redness: this is usually due to injection, vigorous massage and slight reaction of the skin which can take a few hours to 2-3 days to settle.

Sun-protection is essential for 2 weeks after treatment. Avoidance of strenuous exercise and excessive alcohol for 24 hours is also recommended.

What are the possible complications?

Complications of dermal filler injections are not common, most of which may be amenable to treatment or will resolve when the effects of the gel dissipates.

• Allergic reaction
• Lumpiness and irregularity in contour
• Undesirable change in contour
• Foreign body granuloma
• Infection
• Persistent or prolonged bruising

Last Word

Dermal filler is a very popular form of facial rejuvenation. Its application is versatile and adjustable to the unique needs and requirements of each individual. As noted above, there are risks as with all cosmetic techniques, but the popularity of dermal fillers means that this technique is well established and very successful in most cases.