Injectable Dermal Fillers

At the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic we use injectable fillers to erase wrinkles, scars and unwanted lines and to enhance lip shape.

We predominantly use two  injectable dermal fillers which are both hyaluronic acids

• Restylane
• Juvederm

We do not recommend the use of "permanent" fillers due to the high risk of side-effects and long term complications.

 

before                                                         after

How long does the correction last?
Most people require repeat injections after 9-12 months.  Over time the interval between touch-ups becomes longer and the amount  required to maintain the effect usually decreases.

Do the injections hurt?
Depending on where the wrinkles or lines are to be filled will dictate how painful the procedure is. If the treatment involves the lips or fine lines on the top lip a full dental block will be used using local anaesthetic( just like when you have a filling done at the dentist and your lips are numb for awhile afterwards) Occasionally we will numb the area with ice or may use a local anaesthetic cream (such as EMLA). Most people report that the injections are relatively painless.

How will I look immediatey after treatment?
There may be temporary puffiness of the treated areas. Occasionally there is temporary blushing, slight bruising or tenderness around the treated areas. These are all normal occurrences and should clear up within a few days.

Are dermal fillers suitable for everyone?
No, hyaluronic acid injections should not be given into areas where the skin is already infected or inflamed. Previous coldsores at the site of injection may be re-activated (we would usually give you a prescription for anti-viral tablets to prevent this).

If you are taking substances that reduce blood clotting (eg aspirin or ibuprofen or even fish oil tablets) you may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection sites.

Dermal filler injections are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

What is the cost of a dermal filler treatment?
The cost of dermal filler injections varies depends on the amount of product needed to attain the desired result.
Keep an eye on our monthly specials as we often offer a discount on dermal fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occuring polysaccharide substance which is found in many body tissues including bones, joints, eyes and skin. Hyaluronic acid holds water, hydrating and giving volume to the skin. It has lubricating and elastic properties, giving skin its supple and resilient quality.

In the human body, natural hyaluronic acid provides volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers has been modified slightly to last longer than the body's hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid fillers are hydrophilic or "water loving." The hydrophilic nature of these hyaluronic acid molecules and their three dimensional structure allows them to bind many times their own weight in water. As hyaluronic acid begins to degrade, each molecule binds to more water which helps to maintain its volume for about six months.

The hyaluronic acid used in our dermal fillers is produced in the laboratory by a process known as biofermentation. This hyaluronic acid is of non animal origin and is chemically identical to that found in human skin. There is therefore minimal risk of allergic reactions or side-effects.

Our experience with hyaluronic acid fillers is that they typically last around 9 months, but in some cases upto 12 months.In a recent scientific study it was found that there was still some degree of improvement visible upto 18 months after treatment with Restylane.

Unwanted effects are usually restricted to the injection site and may include temporary bruising and swelling. They can not be injected into areas of skin where there is existing inflammation or infection. If you are prone to cold-sores you may need to take oral anti-viral medication to protect yourself from a flare-up after injection around the lip area. Prior to treatment avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications, St John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements.

Links:

• www.esthelis.com/
• www.restylane.com/