The Definitive Dermal Filler guide – Questions to ask before you have fillers
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are an injectable aesthetic treatment used to replace lost volume in various areas of the face. They can be used to enhance or alter the facial structure, enhance contours, create a more youthful appearance and generally rejuvenate your appearance. They are made up of various ingredients, usually including collagen and hyaluronic acid.
What are the different types of dermal fillers?
There are numerous different types of dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen, fat and hydroxyapatite. At the Hedox Clinic we only use hyaluronic acid fillers due to their safety and versatility. Some of the best-known brands of hyaluronic acid fillers are:
- Teosyal – Formulated with or without Lidocaine that also offers options for specifically deep lines and wrinkles.
- Restylane – Well-established filler that has products that specifically target certain areas.
- Juvederm – Another well-established filler that also has a range of products formulated for improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles in specific areas.
- Ellanse – An HA filler and Collagen stimulator to create instant results as well as encourage stimulation of the boy’s own natural collagen for longer lasting improvement of the skin.
Why would I consider dermal fillers?
People have dermal fillers for different reasons. Below are some of the reasons you may choose to have them:
- Plump up and redefine thin lips
- Enhance shallow contours
- Soften facial creases and wrinkles
- Restore lost volume in cheeks
- Improve the appearance of recessed scars – commonly associated with acne
- Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
- Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids
- Filling out deep lines around the nose and mouth
What areas can I have dermal fillers?
You can have dermal fillers in the following areas:
- Tear trough fillers
- Cheek fillers
- Lip fillers
- Smile line fillers
- Jawline fillers
- Chin fillers
What is the difference between dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections?
Dermal filler treatments involve injecting the hyaluronic acid gel below the skin to plump up and re-contour an area, smooth out wrinkles or scars and improve the skin’s appearance.
Dermal fillers shouldn’t be confused with Botulinum Toxin A injections, which are used to limit facial movements that contribute to the development of fine lines and then develop into wrinkles and also smooth out existing lines.
How do I choose a practitioner for dermal fillers?
You need to look for a practitioner with extensive experience of doing the procedure that you’re looking for. Most importantly, one that is fully qualified and ideally medically trained, to give yourself full confidence that you are in the safest of hands. Level 7 qualification in Injectables for Aesthetic Medicine is the highest qualification that can be achieved. It is important to do thorough research on the injector and their qualifications and have a consultation prior to your treatment.
Is it important that I go to an aesthetic doctor for dermal fillers?
Many different people now offer dermal fillers and other aesthetic treatments. Some of these may be cheaper or more convenient for you, but it’s important to remember that aesthetic doctors have a more comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, dermal fillers and how these treatments will impact your skin and your whole-body health. Fully trained doctors deliver the most experience and knowledge in delivering safe, effective treatment options that are less likely to cause unwanted side effects.
How long is a dermal filler appointment?
Typically, a dermal filler appointment varies from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the areas you are getting treated.
What happens during a dermal filler appointment?
A dermal filler appointment is very straightforward. Your consultant should have a consultation with you prior to your treatment (either before the treatment day or in some cases on the same day) to discuss your requirements and goals. Your injector may prepare the treatment area by applying a local anaesthetic cream to the skin. Some fillers also have local anaesthetic inside them to further improve comfort. Your practitioner will inject the filler below the skin and smooth/mould it into place. You will likely see an immediate improvement and the results will continue to develop over the next few weeks.
What should I do before a dermal filler appointment?
A week prior to your treatment, you should avoid taking anything that increases the chance of bleeding or bruising, these include aspirin, vitamin E and fish oil supplements. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first.
What should I do or not do after a dermal filler appointment?
You should avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours. Try not to touch the treated areas immediately after, as this can potentially lead to infection or interfere with the filler.
Are dermal fillers painful?
Your practitioner will likely apply a topical numbing cream to the target area, if required to help reduce discomfort. Lots of dermal fillers also contain lidocaine, which will also numb the area with each injection. Areas such as the lips can be more sensitive, but any discomfort is over very quickly and typically much less than other treatments such as hair-waxing.
Can I have other aesthetic treatments at the same time as dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers may be combined with anti-ageing injections and also with Profhilo treatment. Treatments can work brilliantly when used in conjunction with each other for a more unified approach to targeting problem areas.
Are there side effects after having dermal filler?
When carried out by an appropriately qualified practitioner, dermal filler treatments will have few, side effects. There may be a small amount of swelling, redness or bruising at the injection site, but this typically resolves very quickly. Swelling can be slightly more common with tear trough fillers. We recommend a follow-up appointment after a few weeks to review and make any required tweaks.
If you visit a practitioner who is not sufficiently qualified or experienced, it can lead to safety protocols not being followed, your desired results not being achieved or adverse side effects such as pain, swelling, and in the worst case, disfiguration.
How long does dermal filler treatment last?
When hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are used, results typically last for 9-18 months, depending on the type of HA filler and where it is injected in the face. Their exact longevity will also vary from person to person as it depends on how quickly each individual metabolises the filler. During your follow up appointment, your aesthetic practitioner should examine your skin and plan for maintenance treatments.
What’s the recovery time of fillers?
There is no downtime period as such following a dermal filler treatment, so you’ll be able to resume your day as usual. Any side effects that you do experience, should clear up within a few days of your treatment. However, if you have any significant events, we suggest having the treatment in plenty of time prior to these to ensure any swelling has dissipated. It is worth noting that some parts of the face such as the lips tend to be much more prone to temporary swelling and bruising, so it is worth bearing that in mind when planning your appointment.
Are dermal fillers safe?
HA dermal fillers have an excellent safety profile and millions of people around the world have had this treatment. There is a small chance of complications such as infection, allergy, excessive bruising and injection into the blood stream, which could result in tissue necrosis or cause visual loss. There are a number of important vessels in the face, including the facial artery which need to be avoided, so it is best to receive treatment from an experienced clinician with appropriate anatomical knowledge. Indeed, choosing a medically qualified practitioner for the procedure who has the correct qualifications and training, plus opting for one with lots of experience, will significantly reduce these risks.
Who is not a suitable for fillers?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should avoid having dermal fillers as a precaution, as there is no safety data for pregnancy. If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the filler, if you are suffering from severe skin conditions or have body dysmorphia it would also be best to avoid treatment.
If you would like to find out more about dermal fillers or would like to book a consultation with Dr Humble, call us now on 0208 185 7273 or email us at