DERMAL FILLERS

Cosmetic fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in our skin. Our body breaks this down over time, so the filler is broken down naturally as well. When injected into the skin, it plumps and hydrates, and also helps to replace lost volume and structure which occurs through the ageing process. Some dermal fillers also contain local anaesthetic.

Not when it’s done by us! In  more painful areas, we would use dental blocks with anaesthetic to make the dermal filler procedure more comfortable. In some areas, there is little to no discomfort.

This procedure does carry risk, especially if it’s not carried out safely. The biggest risk with filler is potentially injecting into a vessel. Because it is a gel, if  left in a vessel it can cause it to be blocked, or allow the filler to move around the blood vessels causing blockages elsewhere. If this occurs, the filler needs to be dissolved instantly…and we have the dissolving agent with us at all times. To minimise this risk, we inject our filler using a cannula. This is a blunt syringe, inserted through a small entry point into the skin. This is a much safer way of injecting any filler, as opposed to using a needle, and minimises the risk of serious complications.

The main side effects are bruising and swelling. The amount varies from one person to the next, but generally these subside within the first few days.

This depends on where we are using it. Jawline and cheek filler can last as long as a year, whereas filler in the nose to mouth lines or lips is more than 6-9 months.

The minimum amount of filler we would use in the face is 1ml, or 1 syringe. Usually, you would need more than this, and sometimes we would use 2ml in the first sitting. This can always be increased once you have allowed the filler to settle.