Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are agents injected into the skin or under the skin with the aim of raising the skin's surface. They are used to reduce or remove wrinkles, scars, as well as to increase the volume of the lips and face, such as the cheeks. Following the treatment with dermal fillers the face has a natural look, and facial expressions remain unaffected.

Dermal fillers fall into two broad categories: temporary and permanent.

Permanent dermal fillers remain for years or permanently in the treated areas, and they are mostly silicon-based. They can often bring unwanted consequences, thus causing granulomas at the sites where fillers were injected. Permanent fillers can also be based on silicon, which is often derived from cows. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo skin allergy testing prior to treatment, which can complicate the procedure.The new generation dermal fillers are based on Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, and its fundamental function is to hold onto water. With time, as we get older, the level of the hyaluronic acid in our body decreases, thus decreasing the volume of certain parts of the face, and creating deep or shallow wrinkles.

Modern dermal fillers are non-animal Hyaluronic Acid fillers, biologically and laboratory-systhesised.

HOW DOES A DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

The dermal filler treatment is an outpatient procedure. After the consultation with the patient regarding his or her wishes, the filler to be applied is selected. Prior to the treatment and following the consultation with the patient, the local anaesthetic cream is applied or an anaesthetic injection administered into the area to be treated. When the anaesthetic begins to take an effect, the filler is injected using thin needles or cannulas which reduce the possibility of bruising. During the procedure, the physician is informing the patient on the quantity of the filler that is injected, and the patient can see what is being done at any moment. Depending on the area which is treated and the quantity of the filler injected, the procedure can take between 20 and 45 minutes. Following the administration of the filler, the treated area is lightly massaged, and ice is applied for a few minutes. Since the anaesthetic is applied prior to the treatment, the very procedure is painless. The results can be seen immediately following the procedure. After the treatment the patient can return to his or her daily activities.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

The effects of dermal fillers last various lengths of time, depending on the type of the filler and the area where it is administered. Usually, the results are visible for up to 4-12 months after the application of the filler.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE DERMAL FILLER SIDE-EFFECTS?

After the dermal filler treatment, temporary redness, swelling and bruising, or tenderness of the treated area may occur. The redness will disappear within a few hours following the procedure, and the swelling and bruising within a few days.
 

Dermal fillers – Before and After Examples:

Before and after lip augumentation with hyaluronic acid: