So what are
Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers have been around (would you believe it!) since the 1890s when a German surgeon called Franz Neuber used patients' own fat to fill facial defects.
The world of aesthetics has moved on a little since then and now you will find products primarily consisting of hyaluronic acid - a gel like substance that naturally occurs within the body.
Why Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance throughout the body. It is found extensively in the skin and the body is in a constant state of replenishment; both making new and breaking down old. This makes it a perfect medium to inject under the skin. The only problem is finding a way to keep the body from breaking it down so quickly.
Scientists found that if some extra links were made between the chain like molecules of hyaluronic acid that not only would it take the body longer to break it down, but that it is also possible to change the consistency of the gel it forms. And so Hyaluronic acid based fillers were formed with multiple different "thickness" options. This made it a versatile filler capable of treating anything from soft areas like the lips to firmer areas such as the jaw.
How can they help?
With skilled product selection and placement; hyaluronic acid fillers can help bring harmony to the appearance of our faces in youth and as we age.
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They can add or restore volume to achieve subtle changes that can last up to 2 years.​
Are they safe?
Yes, in qualified hands they are very safe.
Hyaluronic acid based fillers contain very few ingredients - the hyaluronic acid (which your body naturally produces), a stabilising agent and local anaesthetic. There are very few reported cases of reactions to these products and those that have been reported were most likely a reaction to the local anaesthetic that is present.
As with all medical treatments, there are risks associated with them, but these will all be discussed with you at your consultation.
Do they hurt?
Depending on the treatment being received there will be varying degrees of discomfort.
All products have local anaesthetic as part of the filler and this will help ease the discomfort during the procedure and afterwards.
There can be some degree of pain in the days following treatment, but this should settle.
