Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular, non-surgical cosmetic treatment that can significantly rejuvenate your appearance and help you achieve a more youthful look. They work by injecting a gel-like substance into the skin, which helps to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and improve facial contours. As we age, our skin loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and hollow areas. Dermal fillers can counteract these effects by providing targeted support and restoring volume to the areas that need it most.

One of the primary advantages of dermal fillers is their versatility. They can be used to treat various ageing signs, including nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and crow's feet, as well as enhancing the lips, cheeks, and chin for a more balanced, youthful appearance. Furthermore, dermal fillers are minimally invasive and involve minimal downtime, making them an attractive option for busy individuals who want to achieve effective, long-lasting results with minimal disruption to their daily routines.

To optimise the benefits of dermal fillers, it's essential to choose a skilled and experienced practitioner who can assess your unique needs and develop a customised treatment plan tailored to your goals. By choosing a qualified professional, you can ensure the best possible outcome and enjoy a more refreshed, youthful appearance that enhances your natural beauty.

There are several types of dermal fillers available, each designed to address specific concerns and provide tailored results. Some of the most commonly used dermal fillers include:

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers*: These are the most popular type of dermal filler and are made from a naturally occurring substance in the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, can be used to treat a wide range of concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss in the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes. They are biodegradable, meaning they break down over time and are eventually absorbed by the body. 

*At Nova Aesthetic Clinic, we use only Hyaluronic Acid based Dermal Fillers

• Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers: Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, such as Radiesse, are composed of a synthetic substance similar to the one found in our bones and teeth. These fillers are more robust and longer-lasting than hyaluronic acid fillers, making them ideal for treating deeper wrinkles and folds and for adding volume to the cheeks and chin.
• Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers: Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid filler that stimulates collagen production, providing gradual, long-lasting results. It is particularly effective for treating hollow areas, such as sunken cheeks, and for improving overall facial volume.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: PMMA fillers, such as Bellafill, are composed of tiny microspheres suspended in a collagen gel. They provide semi-permanent to permanent results and are often used for treating deep wrinkles, scars, and volume loss in the cheeks.

Your choice of dermal filler will depend on your specific concerns, goals, and the recommendations of your practitioner. A skilled professional will assess your individual needs and develop a customised treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible results.

While dermal fillers are generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential risks and side effects associated with their use. Some common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. These are typically temporary and resolve within a few days to a week following the treatment. More severe side effects, although rare, can include infection, allergic reactions, or the formation of small nodules or lumps beneath the skin.

In some cases, complications can arise if the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, causing tissue damage or even vision loss. However, such instances are extremely rare and can be minimised by choosing an experienced, qualified practitioner who is well-versed in facial anatomy and proper injection techniques.

To further minimise risks and side effects, it's essential to follow your practitioner's pre- and post-treatment instructions. This may include avoiding certain medications, such as blood thinners, and abstaining from alcohol and smoking for a specified period before and after the treatment. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the best possible outcome and minimise potential complications.

The longevity of hyaluronic acid dermal filler results varies depending on the treatment area and individual factors such as your age, skin quality, and lifestyle habits. In general, the average longevity for hyaluronic acid fillers is as follows:

• Nasolabial folds: 6-12 months
• Marionette lines: 6-12 months
• Lips: 6-12 months
• Cheeks: 12-24 months
• Under the eyes: 9-12 months

To maintain your desired results, it's essential to follow your practitioner's post-treatment care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments as recommended. In many cases, maintenance treatments may be required every few months to a year to ensure continued satisfaction with your appearance. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including proper sun protection, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, can help prolong the effects of your dermal filler treatment.

Dermal fillers, Bot*x, and laser therapies are all effective anti-aging treatments that can help rejuvenate your appearance and combat the signs of ageing. However, they work in different ways and are suited for addressing different concerns.

Bot*x, a neuromodulator, works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, making it ideal for treating dynamic wrinkles like forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are designed to restore volume and smooth out static wrinkles and folds, making them a better choice for concerns like nasolabial folds and volume loss in the cheeks and lips.

Laser therapies, such as Fraxel and IPL, target the skin's surface and deeper layers to stimulate collagen production, improve texture, and reduce pigmentation issues. They are generally most effective for treating sun damage, uneven skin tone, and superficial wrinkles.

Each of these treatments can be used alone or in combination to address a wide range of ageing concerns. Your practitioner can help you determine which treatment or combination of treatments is best suited to your specific needs and goals.

Downtime after a dermal filler treatment is generally minimal, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Most patients can return to their daily activities immediately following the procedure. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Common side effects such as redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site are typically temporary and resolve within a few days to a week. To minimise these side effects and reduce the risk of complications, it's recommended to avoid strenuous activities, excessive sun exposure, and heat for at least 24-48 hours after the treatment. Additionally, you should abstain from alcohol and smoking, as these can exacerbate bruising and swelling.

By following your practitioner's post-treatment instructions and taking proper care of your skin, you can expect a quick and straightforward recovery with minimal downtime.

The dermal filler treatment process typically begins with an initial consultation, during which your practitioner will discuss your concerns, assess your facial features, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. They will also provide you with detailed pre-treatment instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications, alcohol, and smoking for a specified period before the treatment.

On the day of the procedure, your practitioner will clean the treatment area and apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during the injections. They will then carefully inject the hyaluronic acid filler into the targeted areas using a fine needle or cannula. The entire process usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the treatment.

After the injections, you may experience some redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection sites, which should subside within a few days to a week. To ensure the best possible outcome and minimise side effects, follow your practitioner's post-treatment instructions, and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments.