If you are considering a dermal filler treatment, you are in good company…., more than 5 million people received a treatment last year in the UK. The ever growing popularity of injectable treatment is driven by multiple factors, such as celebrity culture, the procedures becoming more accessible, affordable and mainstream – they are no longer only available to the wealthy few. 

The truth is that injectable fillers make an affordable, non-invasive, low risk option to help restore lost volume or enhance features with none of the risks of surgery and minimal interruption to your routine.

Keep reading to learn more about what dermal fillers are, how they work and how to choose the most suitable procedure/product for you.  This guide will allow you to feel more confident and better informed to help you achieve your aesthetic aims.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable materials which are used to restore lost volume, improve the appearance of wrinkles, correct imperfections such as asymmetry and enhance existing features.  Unlike anti-wrinkle treatment which are used to relax muscle to create a smoother appearance – fillers provide volume and contour.

Some common areas treated with filler are:-

  • Lips
  • Cheeks
  • Jawline/Chin
  • Peri-oral area
  • Under eyes
  • Smile lines (Marionette lines)

There are a few different types of dermal fillers available, each has its own unique properties and usage. The most common three in the UK …..

Calcium hydroxyl apatite (CaHA – Radiesse, Merz)
A semi-permanent filler which are a combination of bio-stimulatory and biodegradable properties which last between 1-3 years.

Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra – Galderma)
Also considered semi-permanent, although annual top-up is recommended to maintain optimum appearance. The benefits of these fillers are not always apparent until up to 4-6 months post treatment, and multiple treatments are required to achieve desired result.

Another consideration with both these fillers is that they are not reversible in the same way as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (including Teoxane –RHA Teosyl)
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are the most commonly used, and considered a temporary filler (although, longevity of results is increasing all the time with scientific advancement in the manufacturing processes). HA is product which is made naturally in the skin (and other areas) which draws in moisture to hydrate and plump the skin’s appearance.

The relevant properties of Hyaluronic Acid fillers must be considered by practitioners to ensure correct selection of product areas follows –

  • Cross linking – required to stop the body’s own HA from breaking-down the filler. The optimum amount of cross linking determines longevity and viscosity without causing rejection.
  • HA Concentration- an estimate of the measurement of crosslinked HA minus non-crosslinked, relevant to product swell. The higher the concentration of the product the more water is imbibed
  • Gel Hardness ‘G’ – a measure of cross-linking and the total HA concentration – determines firmness and lift.
  • Particle Size – the smaller the particles the smoother the results.
  • Cohesivity & Viscosity – a measure of the fillers capability to stay where injected or to spread and moulded.

Why chose dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers provide a quick, convenient solution for individuals wishing to address issues with their facial appearance.  Here are a few of the most common reasons people chose to have treatment.

Anti Ageing– The ageing face is a complex accumulation of changes resulting in an overall change in skin quality, contours and features often leading to permanently tired, sad or sometimes, angry expressions. Filler can help to reverse these changes by reinstating lost volume resulting in a more youth look.

Facial Contouring– Suitable for all ages. Dermal filler can help to contour and define existing features, fer example strengthen the jaw, hide a nose bump or balance the profile.

Convenient – quick and convenient with minimal risk and no downtime. Most treatments are fully reversible which provides peace of mind.  Also, a great way to see and trial how a surgical procedure may look before going ahead.

Natural Results – When in the hands of a skilled practitioner dermal filler should never be visible. The effect should be subtle, natural and never overdone or noticeable to a stranger.

What to Expect During the Procedure

  1. Consultation – all aesthetics journeys should start here. Patient selection and consultation are pivotal to outcomes. The provision of detailed counselling regarding not only the proposed or requested treatment, but discussion of alternative options and honestly about what can be achieved. Your practitioner needs to ensure you have a good understanding of cost, possible side effects, complications and aftercare and provide a cooling-off period .
  • The Procedure – On the day of your procedure, having been fully counselled during your consultation your practitioner will thoroughly cleanse the area with an anti-microbial solution and apply numbing cream.  This will help minimise any discomfort during the procedure. The treatment may feel slightly uncomfortable, but the experience is usually very well tolerated with the anaesthetic cream on the skin, in addition the fillers themselves contain local anaesthetic.  

The filler is injected into the skin either with a needle or a canula (a long blunt tube) the method of product placement will depend on the area being treated and the product being used. At LHP Aesthetics & Skincare we allow approximately one hour for dermal filler treatment to ensure there is plenty of time – typically the procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated.

  • Results – One of the nice things about dermal filler treatment is that the effects are noticeable immediately, however the immediate effect can be exaggerated by swelling and inflammation. The true results will be visible in 2-3 weeks after which time the product will have fully settled and integrated into the tissue and any swelling/bruising will have resolved.

Aftercare & Recovery

Due to the anaesthetic in the gel, you may feel a numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure, and have some moderate swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over the treated area.  Any bruising is usually visible straight away and can become more pronounced the next day before beginning to fade over the next 7-10 days. A small minority of bruises can last for 4-6 weeks.

Please note it not advisable to fly within 2 weeks of receiving dermal fillers.

  • Avoid exposure to UV light for 48 hours and heat sources, such as saunas, steam, sun beds, prolonged hot showers, and strenuous exercise as this can increase any discomfort and the risk of infection.
  • Keep the area cool with a cold compress – DO NOT place ice on the skin as this can cause injury.
  • Avoid any unnecessary pressure on the treated area/s – this is more important in the 24-48 hours following the treatment.
  • Avoid facial massages or skin resurfacing for 4 weeks
  • Reduce the risk of infection by not touching the area for 6-8 hours or apply make-up for 24 hours

How long do dermal fillers last?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers can last up to 8-18 months – calcium filler up to 2 years. Here at LHP Aesthetics & Skincare we only use Teoxane RHA (HA) Dermal Fillers. Engineered in Geneva to exactly replicate natural human HA which gives them unparalleled strength and durability and the ability to integrate into human tissue.

The longevity of individual results depends on multiple factors such as…

The area treated – highly mobile areas such as lips can breakdown sooner than the more static parts of the face like the cheeks.

Lifestyle – factors such as UV exposure, smoking, alcohol, hydration levels and metabolic rate can all influence the life span of your results.

Product – the quality, amount and density of the product used.

All treatments will require periodic top-up to maintain the desired results.

Risks, complications and considerations

Due to the anaesthetic in the gel, you may feel a numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure, and have some moderate swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over the treated area. Sometimes this feeling or a dull ache can last for 48-72 hours.

Mild non-painful swelling can last for up to 2 weeks – although this is not common.  Any bruising is usually visible straight away and can become more pronounced the next day before beginning to fade over the next 7-10 days. A small minority of bruises can last for 4-6 weeks.

Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to the filler, but these are usually mild and temporary.

Lumps or Bumps: In some cases, fillers can create small lumps under the skin. These are usually temporary and can be massaged or dissolved by your practitioner.

Infection: As with any injection, there’s a small risk of infection. Ensure the procedure is done in a sterile environment and you must ensure you follow aftercare instructions closely.

Asymmetry: While rare, it’s possible for the filler to shift or be uneven. This is why it’s crucial to choose an experienced, licensed injector.

Is Dermal Filler a good treatment choice for you?

Dermal fillers are good for adults looking to:-  replace lost volume, add contour, improve definition, support skin, create a more youthful appearance, balance their profile, create the illusion of slimming the face or added volume, and fill creases.

Whether you want to enhance your natural features or address specific concerns, dermal fillers can help you achieve your desired look.

However, these treatments are not appropriate for everybody. Individuals affected by the following conditions are not suitable to receive dermal fillers

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Skin infection in the area of injections
  • Active systemic infection or acute illness
  • Cold sore/Herpes in or near the treatment area

It is important you do not have filler treatment if you are due to fly within 2 weeks

It is essential that before you commit to a treatment you consult with a registered medical practitioner to guide you through the process.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments which are utilised to replenish lost volume and smooth deep lines. They are also used to restore contours, revive cheek fullness, soften jowls, or sculpt sharp angles to achieve a more defined appearance.

As we age, the issue isn’t just the appearance of lines; there’s also a decline in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, leading to thinning skin, loss of volume, and reduced skin elasticity. This results in noticeable changes in facial contours and volume, including alterations in facial bones, ligaments and underlying structures. Dermal fillers are highly effective in addressing these facial changes.

If you are considering a treatment reach out for a consultation with a skilled practitioner, who will provide personalised recommendations to address your specific needs or concerns.

Laura Henshaw-Pullan (NMC 16D1705E)
BSc (hons), MSc, PGDip Injectable Therapies, Ind Nurse Prescriber 
Owner and Clinician LHP Aesthetics & Skincare Ltd, Yelverton, Devon