Dermal Fillers
What causes wrinkles and volume loss?
Wrinkles develop as the skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and loses volume. These effects are all due to the loss of collagen and elastin. To read more about ageing skin have a look at our blog.
Facial wrinkles are make up of two types: static lines and dynamic lines.
Static lines remain visible when we are not using the muscles that cause them. Dynamic lines are visible when we contract the muscle. Dermal fillers are an excellent way of treating fine static lines, smoothing the skin and restoring volume lost due to the ageing process.
Dermal fillers can be used to achieve a soft natural look. We use the world-renowned Juvéderm® VYCROSS™ range, and the TEOXANE® TEOSYAL RHA® collection, both of which are long lasting and integrate well with our natural hyaluronic acid. Have a look at our blog post for more info on how fillers work.
What should I expect?
Following your consultation, local anaesthetic cream is applied to numb the skin. Once this has taken effect, the filler is injected into the area.
The treatment takes about 20 minutes depending on the number of areas being injected. Results are instantaneous, however optimum results may take up to 2 weeks to fully develop.
Treatment usually last 12 - 15 months depending on the filler chosen. In some clients, dermal fillers can last longer than this.
What areas can be treated?
Lips
As we age our lips change shape. Our lips are reliant on the scaffolding beneath, our teeth and bones. As these retract and shrink, our lips change shape too. They lose volume, become thinner and the border between the edge of the lip and the surrounding skin becomes less defined. Lip restoration aims to improve these changes, to restore the balance.
Of course some people have always had smaller or less well defined lips. Lip augmentation aims to improve the shape in line with what makes beautiful lips.
Cheek enhancement
Between the ages of 30 to 60 we lose volume in our cheeks and our bone structure retracts. No wonder everything starts heading south. Over time our faces change shape, away from the natural feminine shape or natural masculine look. The aim of cheek augmentation is to give volume back to the areas that need it and restore that natural shape. By improving cheek volume we can also see improvements in the tear trough areas and jowls. Everyone’s shape is different and some people may wish to change the shape of their face to align more with how they feel they should look. This is why the consultation is essential.
Nasolabial Lines
This is the area between the nose and the outer lips. These lines are mainly formed by laughing and smiling. Over time, skin looses collagen and elastin meaning the lines become deeper and more noticeable. This can be accompanied by increased skin laxity and volume loss.
In addition to the results of ageing, skin damage and loss of fat volume in the cheek both add to the effects we see. These changes to the mid face are an unconscious indicator that the face is ageing. Dermal filler can be used to replace volume with deeper injections, and smooth out the surface lines with more superficial injections.
Marionette Lines
These are the lines that form from the corners of the mouth and can extend down to the chin. Over time skin looses collagen and elastin meaning the skin becomes more lax. Gravity can cause the lines to become longer and deeper.
In addition to the results of ageing, skin damage and loss of fat volume in the cheek both add to the effects we see. Like nasolabial lines, these changes are an unconscious indicator that the face is ageing. Dermal filler can be used to replace volume with deeper injections, and smooth out the surface lines with more superficial injections.
Peri-oral (smoker’s) Lines
Peri-oral wrinkles develop due to the loss of collagen, elastin and natural hyaluronic acid. Essentially the skin becomes thinner and loses it’s ability to bounce back. Underlying volume reduces and deep lines can form on the surface of the skin, crossing the lip border. These lines are more obvious in smokers who purse their lips repeatedly. Dermal filler can be used to restore the border of the lip and fill the smokers lines reducing their appearance.
Pricing
Lips 0.5ml £190
Lips 1ml £280
Cheeks from £350
Price for the first 1ml, subsequent mls £300
Nasolabial Folds 1ml from £280
Marionette Lines 1ml from £280
Smoker’s Lines from £250
Depending on consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects?
There are hundreds of fillers, however we only use hyaluronic acid filler. These have the best safety profile. Common side effects are bruising and swelling around the area. Sometimes the area is tender afterwards and this can last a few days, however you should not have severe pain. You may get some lumps following treatment, however you will be given advice about how to massage these out. Rarely other complications can occur where the blood supply to the skin has been compromised. This is usually evident before your treatment has finished and if needed hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed. We will fully discuss all the side effects and complications with you at the pre-treatment consultation. To learn more about side effects of fillers see our blog.
How should I prepare for my consultation?
Have a look at this blog post for some tips about what to think about when booking your first treatment. I’ve also done a write up on how to choose a practitioner with some helpful tips on what to look out for before embarking on a treatment.
What should I do after the treatment?
It is useful to know a few things beforehand. We advise that you do not wear makeup or a spray tan after the injection and for the remainder of the day, and you do not touch the area unnecessarily to avoid infection We also recommend you avoid doing activities that increase the body’s temperature for 48 hours after the treatment. These include vigorous exercise, saunas/stream rooms, hot baths, and avoid drinking alcohol. We also advise not having facial massages, or other facial therapies/treatments for 2 weeks after the procedure. We’ve even written a blog on this.
A full written aftercare summary will be given to you following your treatment and we’re always on hand to discuss any questions you might have.
What follow-up should I expect?
Your treatment plan is personal to you, to make sure we get this right we’ll usually see you back for a follow up appointment at about 2-3 weeks. At this point any swelling should have settled and we can assess the results of the treatment.
How long will the effects last for?
Usually 12-18 months, some people get longer.
