Dermal Fillers

It is a synthetic product manufactured from a non-animal source containing hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance present in many parts of the human body but especially the skin. It is one of the main ingredients that give our face volume, forming its soft rounded contours. Dermal fillers have been on the market for several decades. It has been used on patients with minimal side effects.

The effects of dermal fillers has been extensively studied and has been successfully tried on millions of people worldwide and has been found to be a safe procedure in the hands of trained doctors.

The dermal fillers are injected into the areas of the face where there has been loss of volume. As the volume is replaced the face will regain fullness and give a more youthful look.

Because the dermal filler is not derived from an animal source the chance for allergy is non-existent. In the past, dermal fillers containing collagen have been used. As collagen is derived from an animal source an allergy test would have had to be performed. Because of the problems with allergy collagen products have fallen out of favour.

Not all dermal fillers contain only HA. There are many new products on the market which contain other injectable materials. This is done to enhance and improve the longevity of the fillers in the face. All these materials are safe and have been extensively tested. Your doctor should explain which kind of filler is to be used.

The effects of the injections become apparent immediately. As every person is different the effects can last from approximately 6-18 months depending on the type of dermal filler used. Repeat injections are required to maintain the effect. If the injections are not repeated the wrinkles do not get worse, they simply go back to the way they were before the treatment.

Although there are no documented problems in the above group, we do not have any scientific information on the effects on the development of the foetus and would therefore advise against treatment at this stage.

Pain, swelling and bruising at the site of injection. However, the needles used for injection are so fine that these side effects are minimal. Local anaesthetic cream can be applied to the area prior to injection if necessary. Headaches and flu like symptoms can be experienced in a few cases. There have been rare cases of infection and formation of abscess at the site of injection. Please make sure your therapist is qualified, experienced and the treatment is carried out in very clean and hygienic environment. Small lumps and bumps may be felt a few days after the treatment but these will disappear.

Both men and women with moderate to deep lines and furrows on the face who want to soften these lines and restore volume loss caused by the ageing process.

There is no definite contraindication but it is not advisable for pregnant and breast feeding women. People on certain medications like aspirin, steroids, blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medication need to be cautioned as they may experience more than normal bleeding and their healing process may be delayed because of their underlying condition. People who have unrealistic expectations may be disappointed with the results and will need to be informed prior to any treatment undertaken.