Non-surgical face treatments are becoming extremely popular and are in high demand. However, the world of facial injectables and dermal fillers can be extremely overwhelming if you’ve not had them before, due to the wide range of options.
Dermal fillers are one option and are becoming a popular choice for people looking to defy the inevitable signs of ageing, giving their faces a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
The Signs of Ageing
Around our mid twenties our body’s stop producing elastin and collagen. These two proteins work together to keep tissue firm and give our skin its elasticity. Without them both our body’s and faces begin to display the signs of ageing such as deep lines, wrinkles, sunken cheeks and hollow eyes. This is due to the fact that we don’t have enough collagen and elasten to keep the skin supple and the tissue strong.
Dermal fillers can be used to work in harmony with remaining collagen and elastin present within the body and help support them both to give our skin a more youthful appearance.
But what are dermal fillers and how do they work? This article aims to answer all your questions.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are injections which are usually a liquid or gel substance. They are used to plump out wrinkles and add volume to creases in the skin. They are commonly used on areas such the cheeks, mouth, jawline and around the eyes.
Dermal fillers are made from a range of materials and the results can either be temporary or permanent depending on the type of filler used.
The most common types of fillers are:
- Collagen – Collagen typically lasts for 3-4 months before needing topped up.
- Hyaluronic acid – lasts for about 6 months.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite – Generally lasts for about 18 months.
- Poly-L-lactic acid – PLLA injections are usually administered over several months and results often last for up to 2 years.
- Polymethylmethacrylate beads – PMMA has permanent lasting results.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers basically smooth deep set wrinkles by restoring lost volume to your face.
The liquid or gel from the injection works by taking up areas in the dermis where the skin has lost its volume over the years providing a new structure for this skin.
This results in the reduction of wrinkles, lines and creases.
What Can Dermal Fillers Do?
As we age our skin doesn’t produce the same amount of collagen and elastin it did when we were younger. Our skin begins to lose volume and starts to sag therefore wrinkles inevitably begin to form. Dermal fillers can help to combat the signs of ageing and are commonly used to:
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Contour the jawline
- Plump thin or wrinkled lips
- Fill in hollows underneath the eyes
- Enhance the cheeks
Are Dermal Fillers And Botox The Same?
This is a popular misconception. Most people hear “injection” and Botox is the first thing that comes to mind. However they are both two different things.
Dermal Fillers replace volume by plumping and smoothing the dermis which is the layer below the skin. Botox on the other hand is designed to freeze the muscle movement that forms wrinkles (read more about Botox).
What are The Side Effects Of Dermal Fillers?
You may experience a few temporary side effects after having fillers such as swelling, bruising and tenderness and it is completely normal.
These reactions are usually mild and tend to disappear a few days post treatment.
What Does Getting Dermal Fillers Involve?
Your practitioner will carry out a thorough consultation to determine what look it is that you are hoping to achieve.
Once you are both clear on this the dermal fillers will be injected in a series of small injections.
You may be offered some anaesthetic before these injections. Treatment times can vary and the treatment may be slightly uncomfortable but you should not be in any great deal of pain. Results are often immediate.
Afterwards the area may be a little red and tender. This usually subsides within 24 hours. During this time it is advisable to avoid alcohol, hot drinks and direct sunlight.
Are There Any Risks To Having Dermal Fillers?
If the procedure was carried out properly by a professional, the risks should be minimal and it generally depends on the type of filler used. Permanent fillers carry a higher risk and are best avoided.
Some risks include:
- Infection at the site of injection
- Rashes, swelling, bruising and itching
- The filler can sometimes move from the intended treatment area
- The filler can begin to form lumps beneath the skin – This rarely happens and if it does can usually be treated with medication although in some cases surgery may be needed.
- The Filler can block a blood vessel – Again this only happens in extremely rare cases. It can result in tissue death, permanent blindness and pulmonary embolism.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
Every clinic obviously has their own pricing structure. If you would like a quote from Pour Moi Cosmetic Clinic of Bournemouth and Poole, please visit our booking page.
Can Everybody Get Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers should be avoided in areas where there has been inflammation or skin disease. They haven’t yet been tested on pregnant or breast feeding women and therefore it is best avoided during these times.
Individuals who have medical conditions which lower the body’s immune system may be prone to infection by a procedure which injects the skin and should avoid having dermal fillers.
Your consultant should thoroughly discuss your medical history with you during your pre-treatment consultation.
How Often Should I Get Fillers?
Usually around the 6 month mark is the ideal time to have a top up.
Dermal Fillers are naturally broken down by the body so you will need a touch up once or twice a year if you wish to maintain your desired look.
If you decide not to continue getting dermal fillers don’t worry as the effects fade away over time and you shouldn’t have any long term risks. It should also be noted that dermal fillers cant stop the sign of ageing altogether and therefore over time you will need more filler to achieve the same results.
Book a Consultation
If you would like to discuss dermal fillers with the Pour Moi Cosmetic Clinic team, please click here for more information and then contact us.