Dermal fillers are non-surgical injectable gels made of hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body. They are commonly used as an anti-ageing treatment to help replace lost volume, but they can likewise be administered to enhance or soften facial features.
Alongside collagen and fat pads, hyaluronic acid makes up the building blocks of healthy facial tissue. As we age, the volume of this substance and natural fat support declines naturally, and restoring its volume reduces the signs of ageing. Dermal fillers, when applied by an experienced professional, creates a natural result that is both long-lasting and personalised to suit the unique contours of your facial profile.
At London City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about providing detailed and bespoke advice regarding dermal filler treatments, ensuring our patients understand what to expect before undergoing any enhancements and to keep you looking natural.
How do dermal fillers work?
Hyaluronic acid has grown in popularity as a filler and topical skincare ingredient. It is responsible for support and hydration, but declines naturally with age. With a good level of hyaluronic acid in your skin, you will retain elasticity, structure and moisture, as well as minimising the formation of wrinkles and sagging tissue.
Dermal fillers work by injecting hyaluronic acid where it has declined, or boosting it to create a lifting effect.
This not only has an instant effect on your appearance, but also aids how you look during the natural ageing process.
What are dermal fillers used for?
Dermal fillers are a versatile facial aesthetic solution, and can be used to:
- Enhance the appearance of cheeks, temples, jawline, nose, and chin.
- Soften facial wrinkles, folds, or expression lines.
- Restore volume in the hands.
- Define or enhance lips, cheekbones and other desirable features.
- Rejuvenate hollow eyes.
- Improve the tone, texture and hydration levels in the skin.
- Create symmetry in your facial features.
Where can dermal fillers be injected?
Dermal fillers can enhance a number of areas on the face and body. If you have concerns about an area of skin that seems dehydrated or is forming lines prematurely, speak with a non-surgical aesthetics Doctor to discuss your options.
Typically, dermal fillers are used in:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Jawline
- Chin
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Around the mouth – lip barcode lines
- Decolletage
- Forehead / Frown
- Eyebrows
- Ears
- Hands
How are dermal fillers administered?
Medical professionals will either inject multiple controlled injections under the skin with a needle, or use one entry point to deliver fillers through a cannula (blunt dome shaped instrument).
Prior to the treatment, the area will be cleaned and you may have a topical anaesthetic applied.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Dermal fillers can last anywhere from 6-24 months, sometimes even longer. This fluctuates depending on the location of the filler, personal factors relating to your body’s metabolism, and the type of filler.
Dermal fillers are a temporary treatment, and you can book a repeat appointment to boost the results if the effect wears off or to maintain/build to your treatment goal.
Can dermal fillers be used alongside other treatments?
Dermal fillers can be used alongside other non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as Botox to enhance the results. However, it is important that you have a careful plan designed for your needs where the two treatments work in harmony with each other.
If you have recently received a treatment such as Botox and approach a different aesthetics practitioner for dermal filler injections, your new aesthetics doctor will need to be informed of the treatment so they can make the best decisions for your skin, with all the information of prior treatment.
You may find that your aesthetics doctor will suggest a treatment plan to create a natural look to match your goals. This will all be discussed in your consultation appointment.
Does hyaluronic acid cause any side effects?
Hyaluronic acid shouldn’t cause any significant adverse side effects if administered by a medical professional in a reputable clinic, because correct precautions should be taken prior to the procedure. Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in your body and is safe, but as with any product injected, there is always a risk with injections, more so if undertaken by an inexperienced individual. It is common to have mild swelling, redness and possibly even a bruise after treatment, due to the fact a needle enters the skin to administer the product. Take this into account when planning your appointment and timeline for social engagements.
In addition, you should look out for the following complications:
- The filler moving away from the treated area, causing an unwanted effect.
- Unusual appearance of skin or blood vessels around the treated area.
- Lumpy appearance under the skin that persists.
These can be a sign of an issue, so you should discuss this with your practitioner.
How much do dermal fillers cost?
The cost of dermal fillers varies depending on the number of syringes required, and whether you’re receiving a combined treatment or grade of filler.
Typically, treatment starts from £250-£400.
Are dermal fillers bad for you?
No, dermal fillers are not bad for you. Because they are made from hyaluronic acid, they are generally safe to administer, and will not be an issue if you are fit and healthy with no underlying significant medical issues.
Are dermal fillers dangerous?
When administered by a medical professional, dermal fillers are not dangerous. However, because they are not regulated in the UK, finding a trained medical professional is essential. Also consider products that have been regulated by the US FDA, and not go for the plethora of cheap fillers offered at a discounted price in back street clinics.
Before you book a consultation, make sure you have the following information about your chosen practitioner:
- Their experience and qualifications
- The product they intend to use for your treatment
- If they offer follow up should anything go wrong during or after your treatment
At London City Skin Clinic, your safety and wellbeing is our top priority, which is why every treatment begins with a consultation with our medical doctor to discuss your needs and review any medical condition before deciding on suitability for fillers.
We will also make sure that you are fully informed and comfortable with your chosen treatment before it goes ahead. We have over 15 years experience in delivering dermal filler treatments, so you should be confident in the products and results you will achieve.
For more information on what is included in your dermal filler treatment, take a look at our Skin Treatment Price List or Contact our Skin Clinic today.
020 3488 8469 | info@londoncityskinclinic.com
