Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers are made up of a substance called hyaluronic acid. These are used in the face to replace the lost volume or to sculpt, enhance and lift skin in order to beautify you.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a gel like substance made of hyaluronic acid which are directly injected into the skin to give it back the volume that has been lost. They can be injected into different layers of the skin to give back a more youthful look by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and lifting out deep folds that have developed on the face.
Dermal fillers can be used to improve the nasolabial folds-the deep lines that run from the side of the nose to the mouth and the oral commissions and marionette lines around the mouth that give it a down turned unhappy look. In advanced hands they can also be used to also help enhance areas of the face such as the lips, contour the cheeks and sculpt the chin and jawline.
Results can be seen almost immediately and can last anywhere from 6-24 months depending upon which product is used and the area that is treated.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your skin and cartilage. As we age, our collagen and fat levels drop and so does our face! Replenishing the skin by injecting a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler helps rebuild that lost volume and also draws more water and moisture into the skin creating more hydration to the tissues.
These are temporary dermal fillers that naturally break down in the body but can be reversed if needed by the use of an enzyme called Hyaluronidase.
There are different brands of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Juvederm, Belotero, Restylane and Perlane are examples, which are made in different thicknesses, hardnesses and viscosities to allow a variety of different applications.
The use of a particular brand or type of Hyaluronic acid dermal filler will be discussed with you at your consultation.
They are versatile enough to also contour the face, restoring lost facial volume in the cheeks, temples and mid face as well as used for lip enhancement or just used to give the skin a well needed boost.
Are there other types of Dermal fillers?
Dr Anita Dhunna only uses safe temporary dermal fillers that are FDA approved.
There are other temporarily fillers made from Calcium Hydroxyapatite such as Radiesse. This type of filler also replenishes and rebuilds the lost volume in your face and helps build collagen into the area over a period of time which has been lost.
Another type of filler is one made from poly-l-lactic acid called Sculptra- another collagen stimulator used by physicians to rebuild deep folds and restore lost volume.
These are all forms of non permanent fillers which means the body gradually dissolves the fillers whilst building up your natural collagen stores which have been lost. Permanent fillers must NEVER be used!
What does the treatment involve?
A fine needle or cannula is used to inject the dermal filler under the skin to rebuild the volume and give your skin a smoother appearance and feel. The new ranges of dermal filler all have anaesthetic built into them so it minimises any discomfort you might feel, but a topical anaesthetic cream can also be applied before treatment for that extra comfort.
The procedure would normally take 15-30 minutes, Each treatment is bespoke and tailor made for each patient so it would also depends on how many areas are treated.
Is it safe, are there any risks involved?
The dermal filers used are all FDA approved and considered safe. There are some common side effects seen such as redness, swelling and bruising-which would be temporary. Other side effects are rare and will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Dr Anita has 3 practices – The Penn Clinic – Hatfield, Hertfordshire; easily accessible from areas such as Stevenage, St Albans, Watford, Edgeware, Goffs Oak, Cheshunt, Welwyn Garden City, Borehamwood and North London, located near the A1, M11 and A10 close to the M25.
Lily House – South Woodford, Essex; accessed easily from areas such as Epping, Chigwell, Loughton, Walthamstow, Wanstead East, Ilford, Romford, Chingford, Brentwood and East London, close to the A12, A127 and the A406, accessible via the M11.
Harley Street, Central London Nearest tube stations are Bond Street (on the Central and Jubilee Lines) and Oxford Circus (which is served by the Victoria, Bakerloo and Central Lines). These are all approximately a 10 minute walk away.
