Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular option for those wanting to achieve a more plump, fresh face. You might be suffering from wrinkles, discolouration or dark spots due to sun exposure, bad diet, smoking or illness or you might just want to reverse the effects of the natural ageing of your face. Whatever the reason, dermal fillers will help restore a more youthful and smooth appearance. A dermal filler is an injection of gel, which is usually made up of hyaluronic acid. This gel is injected into the skin, filling the area, adding volume and smoothing any fine lines and wrinkles.

How Does the Dermal Filler Treatment Work?

Dermal filler treatments are usually carried out using a local anaesthetic cream or injection. Some clinics also use treatments that are pre-mixed with a local anaesthetic to further alleviate any pain. This treatment is a day treatment that will typically only take between five to 30 minutes. There is little to no downtime, so you can resume normal activities as soon as you leave the clinic. So, you know what to expect during your procedure. Here is a typical step-by-step guide to a dermal filler treatment:

1. You practitioner will usually rub the injection site with a local anaesthetic cream to numb the area. Some practitioners might inject the area with the anaesthetic instead.

2. The filler will be injected into the areas being treated. Your practitioner may also massage the areas after injection.

3. Once the filler is injected you may be offered an ice pack to reduce swelling and relieve any discomfort.

Are There Different Types of Dermal Fillers?

There are a number of different types of dermal fillers:

• The most common type is the hyaluronic acid filler mentioned above. This is a substance that naturally occurs in the body. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, and it will hydrate the skin as well as even it out. This type of filler is also not permanent, which is believed to achieve a more natural result than the permanent filler treatments available.

• Collagen fillers are the oldest type of filler, but they have been largely replaced due to their short-term effects - a typical treatment of collagen only lasts around three months.

• Calcium Hydroxylapatite is another filler treatment available, and it's also a substance that is naturally found in our bodies. It is a thicker gel than hyaluronic acid and will often last longer.

• Poly-L-lactic Acid is a synthetic substance that is safe to use in the body. It is often used for more deep-set wrinkles as it's an especially thick material and it can last up to two years.

• Polymethylmethacrylate beads are a permanent type of filler, but it is believed to be a riskier substance and is not used as often.

What Should I Expect From a Dermal Filler Treatment?

Most patients choose to undergo the dermal filler treatment because they are extremely unhappy with their appearance. You might have lost confidence after seeing the signs of ageing on your skin, and you might feel that restoring some youth and filling out any fine lines and wrinkles will give you a new lease of life and bring back some of that confidence. Whatever the reason, dermal fillers will reverse the signs of ageing, giving you a more youthful and fresh appearance.

As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, dermal filler treatments do require an initial consultation with your practitioner before you can go ahead with the procedure. Your practitioner should take the time to discuss your concerns and which areas of your face you are unhappy with. They will then offer information and advice on how best to achieve the results you are aiming for.Although dermal fillers are a hugely popular and non-invasive procedure, you should still make sure you are aware of any risks and potential side effects before you start treatment. You should feel comfortable and confident after your consultation that your practitioner is aware of what you want to achieve and your expectations.

Dermal filler treatment is relatively quick and pain-free. You will likely be offered a local anaesthetic cream or injection, and you should only feel a slight scratch when the filler injection is administered. There might be a slight stinging sensation as the filler is injected. Your practitioner may massage the area once they have injected it, and this might be slightly uncomfortable but on the whole, this is a fairly pain-free procedure.

You might experience slight swelling and bruising after your dermal filler treatment, and you may also experience soreness or dull aching in the days after the procedure. This is more likely if you have had a filler that was deeply placed, but your practitioner should explain this all to you during your consultation.If you experience any swelling it should fade within 48 hours. Any bruising should disappear after a couple of weeks.

How Do I Get Started?

Prior to the surgery, you will need to have an initial consultation with your surgeon. We at Qunomedical will liaise with the clinic on your behalf. At this point, you will be required to provide us with pictures of your face, whether you have a specific problem area, a list of medications you regularly take and whether you have any allergies. This information is sent to the surgeon who will then proceed to prepare a suggested treatment plan for you and your health manager will then forward you the plan. If you have any more questions or queries, feel free to reach out to them anytime.

If you choose to go ahead with the treatment, the surgeon will then elucidate the steps of the procedure and make a decision on what kind of fillers to use based on your needs. He/She will also give you extensive advice on preparations prior to and post the surgery.