DERMAL FILLERS

Facial lines such as crow’s feet, glabellar lines and lines at the corners of the mouth start to appear in the thirties, then increase and become really visible in the forties. The deeper, nasiolabial folds (lines running from corner of mouth to outer edge of nostril), start to appear more in the late forties and become more prominent in the fifties, as do vertical lines leading to the upper lip (known as smokers lines). Unfortunately for sun worshipers all this happens much earlier.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are one of the cornerstones of modern facial rejuvenation techniques. By far one of the most popular non-surgical treatments among patients who want to combat the signs of ageing, they are injected under the skin to help to restore the firmness and smoothness that is associated with youth.

When can dermal fillers be used?

Dermal fillers come in a variety of viscosities to treat different indications. Thinner fillers can be used to eradicate the nasiolabial lines and glabellar lines and are injected more superficially than thicker fillers. Thicker fillers can be used to add volume to hollow cheeks and fill out deep acne or other scars and are injected deeper into the dermal layer of the skin. Fillers can also be used to enhance lips.

What are dermal fillers made from?

Dermal fillers are made from various kinds of natural and man-made or synthetic materials. Non-permanent fillers such as hyaluronic acid have emerged as the leading choice among both practitioners and patients.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring, found in all living organisms and is therefore highly biocompatible. It plays an important role for both mechanical and transport purposes in the body, giving volume to the skin, shape to the eyes and elasticity to the joints. The use of hyaluronic acid has been well documented in areas such as eye surgery and orthopaedics and is the filler substance of choice because of its high safety record.

How long will dermal fillers last?

The compatibility of these products with the dermis means that no pre-treatment skin test is required. They can last between 6 to 8 months, but duration differs from person to person and from one area of the face to the other. The only side effect of these fillers is a low grade allergy that amounts to redness/papules lasting for three to four weeks, which can usually be covered up with light make up. Some patients can get swelling for up to a week, but immediate application of ice usually reduces this affect.

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