Why Choose Dermal Fillers?

For a variety of reasons, maybe weight loss or age, a person may find that their face is beginning to look drawn and gaunt. Young skin looks plump and taut thanks to collagen, but as we age, the collagen in our skin slowly decreases. Fortunately, there are lots of non-surgical methods that can be used so that a patient can regain their former youthful looks.

The obvious answer to filling lines and wrinkles is to have Botox. Whilst this is a fantastic method for smoothing lines and wrinkles, not everybody is comfortable with the idea of having Botox injected into their face as an over-zealous practitioner could wipe out a patient’s ability to move their face.

The best non-surgical alternative to Botox is dermal fillers. This is a very useful method of smoothing lines and wrinkles and does not paralyse a person’s face into an expressionless mask. Dermal fillers can also fill out a person’s face to replace fat and plump out areas that have come to look somewhat gaunt e.g. cheeks. A patient can have fillers as a means to fill acne scars or change the shape of their chin or the tip of their nose.

If you are wondering why dermal fillers have become so popular, I can explain why: The effects of dermal fillers are immediate - so you do not have to wait for weeks until the swelling has gone down to see how the procedure has turned out. However, patients may experience very slight bleeding where the needle enters the skin. This is completely normal and is no cause for concern. There may be slight swelling or redness in the treated area although this will go down very quickly.

Typically injected into the lower two halves of the face (Botox is better for use on the forehead), the effects of dermal fillers are softer than other treatments and are often preferred to invasive, painful and expensive surgery which carries the inherent risks of infection and use of general anaesthetics. Compared to a surgical facelift, there is no contest between this and dermal fillers on the subject of cost. It is also very apt to mention that with dermal fillers there is no extensive aftercare and time off work required.

Most of today’s dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid – this is a compound naturally found in the skin and is critical to the structural integrity of the dermal collagen matrix. What consumers will find is that there are several types of filler such as Radiesse which is more suitable for filling acne scars and treating lines around the nose and mouth. Typically lasting 16-24 months, patients looking for a dermal filler more suitable for filling out cheeks may consider Belotero. It pays to do your research!

Treatment
Patients may be given a local anaesthetic or a topical anaesthetic cream to numb the treated area to avoid discomfort. The treatment typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. There is no cutting of the skin and few risks although this should always be discussed at length with the professional involved in the procedure.

When looking for someone to provide dermal fillers, be aware that doctors, nurses and dermatologists can administer the treatment. When looking for a professional to provide dermal fillers check they are qualified to do so. All of the doctors affiliated with Cosmetic Clinics will be more than happy to reassure you by showing their credentials.