Dermal fillers are used to treat static lines and wrinkles.

They are made from hyaluronic acid which is a normal substance found in the skin. It attracts water resulting in improved hydration, volume and smoothing of wrinkles.

Restylane® and Juvederm® last approximately 6-9 months, but Voluma® and SubQ® can last over a year.

An injection of local anaesthetic may be administered prior to the filler. This may be in the form of a nerve block (like at the dentist) through the mouth, or an injection into the skin. Some people tolerate this procedure without local anaesthetic and only ice or topical cream is used.

Types of treatments

Fill lines and wrinkles
Enhance facial contours (e.g. cheek bones, mid face filling and face shaping)
Fill tear troughs (deep hollows under eys)
Define the lip border and add volume to lips
Hydrate hands and decolletage (chest)

Contraindications

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Previous allergy to a Dermal FIller
Active infection at site of injection
Auto imumune disorder

Side Effects (common)

• Bruising at injection site - can last 1 week
• Redness - lasts approximately 24 hours
• Swelling - most common expecially with lips
• Pain
• Minor lumps
• Itching

Complications (rare)

• Granuloma formation
• Abscess development
• Necrosis of skin - glabella region
• Acnes form eruption
• Reactivation of Herpes Virus - use prophylactic acyclovir

Post injection advice

• No exercise/facials/massage for 24 hours
• No peels for 2 weeks
• No IPL for 2 weeks
• Use ice packs
• Avoid anti-inflamatories, aspirin and vitamin E for one week