Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers: (Brand names include Restylane®, Hydrafill®, Hylaform®, Juvederm®, Radiesse™, Zyderm®, Zyplast®, Puragen®, Sculptra®, Bio-Alcamid®, Silskin®).
All of the above are trade names for dermal fillers. They are injected into the skin with the intention of plumping out fine lines or adding definition and volume to the lips.
What does the procedure involve?
Every time we laugh, smile or frown we crease our skin. After a time wrinkles or lines appear where the skin creases. In addition the skins elasticity reduces and some of its collagen and fat reserves diminish making the skin sag and become wrinkly. Fillers are injected into the areas where these lines and wrinkles have appeared plumping them out making them smoother and softer. Alternatively, fillers can be used to plump out thin lips.
Dermal fillers are administrated using a very fine needle, in some cases a local anaesthetic cream will be applied to the area first. When you go to see the doctor or person administrating the injection they should examine your face first to identify the main areas which need the work. Depending on the amount and thickness of the filler being injected and the size of the needle you may experience a small degree of pain in the form of stinging and burning.
Fillers can be made from a variety of substances. Collagen fillers are natural and can be made from human tissue, bovine or porcine. Other fillers are synthetic and are derived from hyaluronic acid, a substance which occurs naturally in skin and cartilage.
In some instances a fat transplant (lipotransfer) can be used as a filler. In this instance, fat is taken from one part of the body such as the bottom, hips, inner thighs or abdomen, it is cleaned and filtered, and then injected into the area where it is needed.
Some fillers are classed as permanent and can last several years. These fillers can include liquid silicone and a variety of hybrid fillers.
What are the benefits and what are the risks?
Benefits
The main benefits of dermal fillers is that it is quick to administrate and patients can go about their daily activities straight away, there is only a small amount of pain and results are more or less instant. Wrinkles and lines will appear smoother and softer and if administrated into the lips they will appear plumper.
Risks
Temporary fillers are generally considered to be safe as they are made from natural substances which do not generally cause reactions and they do biodegrade and disperse through the body over time. Some people may experience a low grade allergy which will cause some redness and swelling, though this affects only a small proportion of people and the effects of the reaction should go down after a couple of weeks. In some rare instances lumps may occur but these can be treated with another injection or will break down over time. Permanent fillers are deemed to be more risky as these contain artificial chemicals and are more likely to cause an allergic reaction. Long-term effects may occur with permanent fillers if the filler is rejected by the body. If the filler moves to another area and causes lumping for instance it may need to be cut out.
As a result of the possible risks that may occur with fillers it is important to seek a professional and well experienced administrator. You should check that the filler being used has passed EU regulatory criteria and it may also be advisable to check that the filler has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as they have stricter guidelines and criteria than Europe.
Is it the right procedure for me?
Dermal fillers are a good option for those people who want to eradicate the lines and wrinkles which have appeared on their face but do not want to undergo full surgery. They are also used by people who want fuller lips. The effects of temporary dermal fillers are not permanent because the substance biodegrades slowly over time, lasting between 6 and 12 months. As a result people who have temporary filler injections have to undergo regular treatments. The length of time it lasts depends on the filler used, the amount used and the individual person and how their body reacts to it. It is also worth noting that the results of a permanent filler cannot last forever as the skin will still age over time around the area that was originally treated.
How long does the procedure take?
The treatment is very quick and only takes between 30 minutes and an hour to administrate depending on the amount of work being done so it really can be a lunchtime fix-me-up and there is no need to take time off work.
What happens after the treatment?
Treatment is quick and no medical aftercare is required. As such you can go about your usual activities straightaway. Some people experience slight swelling and bruising at the site of the injection. You will however be advised to keep out of the sun for 24 hours and to avoid caffeine, alcohol and hot drinks for this time.
How much is it likely to cost?
Prices may vary between £150 and £750 depending on the type of filler used and the amount of work being carried out.
Responses to Dermal Fillers
Ask an Expert about Dermal Fillers
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Dianne Lorentz-Sabol on 12.07.2007 at 19:57 (Reply)
I just received 1 injection of sculptra.
My face is thin and I’m hoping it will fill out volume in my face.
I’m hoping that I will only need one more treatment.
Too scared to undergo a traditional face lift.
46 year old female saggy skin.
I was scheduled to have A laser mini lift done by Dr. Abergel, but I think I will wait and see if this works.
What do you think???
Hi Dianne,
Thanks for getting in touch!
I have been intouch with Anne Harrison, who heads up non-surgical at MYA Cosmetic Surgey and this is what she has commented.
“Sculptra can achieve great results in restoring the skin to its former youthful appearance; it depends on the depth of your wrinkles or the loss of firmness in your skin. Sculptra encourages the build-up of connective tissue, this process can take up to 6 weeks, however you should see a significant visible improvement after your second treatment (approximately 4mths) and this volume effect can last up to 3yrs.
Laser treatments are usually used in conjunction with a surgical mini-lifts; the laser treatment will certainly improve the surface of your skin however it is unlikely to achieve results similar to that of a face-lift.
Has anyone suggested you try a strong facial peel?”
I hope this helps.
Please let me know how you get on.
Sophie
jan chattler on 29.07.2007 at 15:59 (Reply)
I got radiesse and my fac is hard, lumpy red and swollen. What should I do?
Hi,
My advice is to go back to the person who injected you. They should be able to advise on what to do next.
Hope they can clarify things for you.
Sophie
Rahilla on 07.08.2007 at 16:18 (Reply)
I would like to know if fillers can be injected under the eye area to get rid of the hollowness as the natural collagen in the skin is breaking down. I am 35 years old and looking very tired/unwell as a result of the hollows under the eyes.
Hi Rahilla,
Thanks for your question. It may be possible but you need a surgeon or a doctor to do it. The reason for this is that the skin around the eyes is like paper, making it very difficult to achieve a satisfactory result. Feel free to give us a call and we can take it from there.
Sophie
Dianne Lorentz-Sabol on 08.08.2007 at 01:45 (Reply)
What is the best filler to plumb up the cheeks?
Very few doctors fill in the cheek area.
Anyone know of a good one in Southern California?
Hi Dianne,
Sculptra is very good in that area. However it is not an immediate result and it takes 3-6 treatments but it stimulates your own collagen and the results are satisfactory. We are based in the UK so could not recommend anyone in Southern California.
Sophie
Dianne Lorentz-Sabol on 08.08.2007 at 01:49 (Reply)
This is a long shot. Has anyone had or know someone who has had a mini-facelift done by Dr. Abergel in Santa Monica Ca. It is quite expensive and I want to know if it works. An incision is made in front of the ear. Skin is pulled up, but none removed. Cheeks are made from restylane….but wondering how long this would last?
Thank you
Dianne
Hi Dianne,
Sorry, not heard of Dr Abergel.
At MYA we have experienced surgeons who have a range of techniques for different requirements.
Restylane is an injectable gel that can last from three to six months.
Sophie
Angelique on 25.08.2007 at 12:19 (Reply)
Hey!!!!
I wonder if you make Bio-Alcamid in the lips?????
Thank you!!!!
Greetings Angelique
Hi angelique,
At MYA we use high quality dermal fillers for lip enhancement.
Sophie
Naomi on 30.08.2007 at 17:22 (Reply)
I am would like to have fuller lips, but I am scared they might end up looking unnatural. How much would it cost to have this proceedure done?
Hi Naomi,
It depends on thickness of product and size of syringe.
You need a few days for the swelling to go down.
Approx cost is £300.
At MYA we offer free consultations so call us on 08000 14 10 14 to book in. That way you can get all your questions answered.
Sophie
rachel bedford on 30.09.2007 at 12:28 (Reply)
Hi there,
I am 36 with a thin gaunt face as I seem to have lost quite abit of fat from my face.
I have been to see a plastic surgeon who reccommended a mid face lift but suggested I wait a few years. As areult i would like to consider a filler
In your professional opinion, which would give me the most volume in relation to my hollow cheeks-Sculptra or BioAlcamid as these are the treatments that I am most interested in?
Many Thanks, Rachel
HI Rachel,
I cannot comment on BioAlcamid as I am not familiar with this. Sculptra® is suitable for sunken cheeks and can last for up to three years. It is claimed that the product can help cause new collagen growth rather than just mechanically filling depressions. The product itself is not permanent but the effects can be long lasting.
Sculptra® is used more as a sculpting agent rather than just wrinkle filler and larger areas can be treated with a longer lasting result.
Hope this helps!
Sophie
Satu on 03.10.2007 at 15:57 (Reply)
HI,
I have facial hollowing running from the inside corner of the eyes towards the middle of my ears.. I think it’s to do with natural collagen breaking down with age between the two muscle groups. I’ve noticed that some people seem to get this and others not. Is there any kind of dermal fillers that could plum up the hollowing? It wouldn’t be needed right near the eye, but rather about 2cm below the conrner of the eye and the lenght of about 4cm.. Any useful tips?
I’d rather not consider surgery just yet as i’m 41.
Best wishes.
Hi Satu,
Yes, we offer Sculptra which is a filler that helps with the natural production of your collagen. You would need to come in for a consultation. These are free with MYA. Call 08000 14 10 14 to book in.
Sophie
Jackie Stevens on 06.11.2007 at 13:25 (Reply)
Hi, I have a very thin face, which has got worse as i’ve got older, as a result i avoid going out as people do look at me as though i have offended their eyes (this does happen and is NOT paranoia) and this is obviously ruining my life. I have read some of your messages about Sculptra, but i need to know the cost as i am recently bankrupt due to my marriage breakdown. My father would be willing to guarantor me for a loan if you do this. Or, alternatively if the cost is not into the thousands, i could pay gradually until my treatment. PLEASE help!!
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
You would need to come in for a consultation so we can talk through the options. I cant be much help without seeing you.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
laura on 08.11.2007 at 15:04 (Reply)
hellooooo!
i am looking to have the dermal fillers in my lips to make them more full, with it only being approx £300, is the finance option still available for this treatment?
ta!
Hi Laura,
I can’t answer any finance questions. You are best off calling 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
claire on 13.11.2007 at 00:23 (Reply)
Please advise approx cost for permanent lip filler?
Hi Claire,
We only do the temporary dermal filler which lasts for 4-6 months.
The cost is approx. £300.
Sophie
sara schmidt on 19.11.2007 at 01:45 (Reply)
i had dermal filling about a year ago and i have some bumps in line that goes from my nose down side of my mouth , you mention that there is another injection that can break down this lumps where can i go for it. thanks
Hi Sara,
The bumps should go with time or further treatment should make them disappear.
Sophie
shirley on 03.12.2007 at 22:00 (Reply)
Hi
I am 43 yo female with sensitive skin and acne/rosacea, enlarged open pores and oily A-zone. What procedures are recommended for reducing the sebum production and shrinkink the pore size? I also want to get rid of the tiny red veins on my face at the same time if possible. Thanks.
Hi Shirley,
A course of Microdermabrasion, a skin exfoliation treatment may help but we would advise that you see a dermatologist.
Sophie
Mr Coulsen on 13.12.2007 at 23:57 (Reply)
I am 29, have an unusual issue with metabolism. I am of thin build due to no fat at all. The thing is that I eat a lot. Anyway, I lift weights to try and gain some weight, but my face remains thin (boney).
Would this treatment give me confidence by filling in areas of my face where one would normally have a little bit of fat? If so what would be the cost?
Thanks
M Coulsen
Hi,
Yes Dermal Fillers might help this. It starts from £210.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
susie on 14.12.2007 at 03:31 (Reply)
my lips are getting thinner what filler would restore some of the fullness particularly to the lip lines so they would be more
prominent than they are at present. also what is the best filler
for the corners of the mouth. my marietta lines are turned down and makes me look sad. otherwise i am doing well for 50 please reply
just to my email only thank you
Hi Susie,
Nearly all Dermal Fillers would help with this.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie