Fillers are not permanent and the longevity depends on the type of dermal filler, site of injection and lifestyle factors of the patient and on avenge they last 6 to 18 months.

For example thinner dermal fillers used for the lips can last 6 to 12 months where thicker consistency fillers used for cheeks can be expected to last considerably longer; 18 months to 2 years.

All the dermal fillers used are naturally derived hyaluronic acid. The filler is directly injected into skin with the purpose of plumping that area to the point where the wrinkle, depression or fold is softened. The results are immediate.

Don’t confuse dermal fillers with anti-wrinkle injections. Although both procedures involve injections, anti-wrinkle injections are most often injected around the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes (laughter lines) to stop muscle movement that results in wrinkles. It has nothing to do with the plumping smoothing effect dermal fillers have because they work in different manners. Many people can have both treatments over time and the combination can produce a remarkably younger-looking face. However improving the quality of your skin can reduce the amount of injected products needed giving a much more natural look. Your skin health is the focus of my practice.

There are risks associated with having dermal filler injections and this is why all risks will be discussed during consultation and I encourage my patients to carefully consider if this is a procedure for them. Rest assured that every effort is made to minimise any risks such as a clean clinical environment, slow and careful injection technique and ongoing training programs.

Aside from allergic reactions, fillers also have risks of lumping and migration although this happens infrequently. One key concern is the risk of blocking a blood vessel. This will be discussed with you at the consultation but you should be reassured that we carry out everything necessary to reverse the filler if this situation occurs. I am a member of the Aesthetics Complications Experts group (ACE) and so I am fully supported to manage any problem which occurs as a consequence of treatment.

You can choose the dermal filler treatment if you are looking to:

• Add volume and smooth out the deep creases that run from the nose to the mouth (called nasolabial folds)
• Soften the marionette lines from the mouth towards the chin
• Plump thin lips and smooth out vertical lines around the edges of the lips
• Augment cheeks to enhance their shape, often restoring youthful fullness
• Make indented scars from acne or chickenpox more even with surrounding skin.
• Improve the appearance of deep lines and give skin a more supple, youthful look, however for dermal filler treatments to be a success we must not forget the importance of skin health

During dermal filler treatment your skin may be numbed using a numbing cream for approximately 20 – 30 minutes. Once the cream is removed and your skin has been cleansed, the filler is carefully injected into the specific area(s) to be treated. You may feel a sensation as the filler is deposited but this is not normally painful. Our most popular dermal fillers have in-built anaesthetic called lidocaine which enhances comfort during treatment. The filling effect is immediately apparent and you will see a noticeable difference instantly. During the treatment you may be encouraged to give feedback so we can achieve your desired look.

If you are considering derma filers, a full medical history and assessment of your expectations will take place during our initial consultation. There are a number of medical conditions that can determine the treatment plan and you will be advised about the risks involved or if you are suitable for the treatment.

Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold). Additionally treatment is not recommended:

• If you have previously experienced allergic reactions to any dermal filler or local anaesthetic
• If you are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin
• If you are taking steroids or have autoimmune disease
• If you have any bleeding disorders
• If you suffer from a poorly controlled medical condition
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you are currently or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (Isotretinoin acne treatment) in the last 18 months

Things to consider:

• Injections on the face can trigger the cold sore virus. If you are a sufferer, you must advise your clinician in advance of treatment
• If you have recently had treatment with any other dermal filler you must advise your clinician in advance of treatment
• If you are planning to attend a special event when a bruise, should it occur, would be unacceptable to you. Some over the counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (make you more prone to bruising) as can alcohol, which should be avoided the day before and after treatment
• After treatment vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sun beds and saunas should be avoided for 48 hours, or as advised by your clinician
• Safety has not been established for those skins susceptible to keloid scarring

• Nose to mouth lines (the nasolabial folds)
• Marionette lines (either side of the mouth)
• Smokers lines (around the mouth)
• Between the eyebrows (the glabella lines)
• Lips border, lip body, cupid bow lip and philtrum column (enhance shape, volume and hydration)

There are advanced dermal filler treatments for other areas such as:

• Between the eyebrows (the glabella lines)
• Chin filler and jawline filler to shape, define and adjust the facial profile
• Nose filler to achieve a smoother, straight or lifted nose profile
• Under eye-hollows/tear trough which often become deeper with age and fat loss
• Cheek filler for subtle beautification or to help plump areas where fat loss has occurred

These advance treatments are available at DermaBeauty by our nurse prescriber Pauline.