Skin Fillers
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a soft injectable gel consisting of stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid. The gel is tissue-friendly and closely resembles the hyaluronic acid that exists naturally in the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent. Dermal filler treatments are widely used in medical aesthetics to add volume, plump up and reduce the appearance of line and folds.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the human body and is central to regulating cell growth and renewal. HA has impact on number of functions in the body, some of which are to bind water, lubricate the movable parts of the body such as muscles and joints and to maintain the elasticity of the skin.
How do dermal filler treatments work?
Due to the properties of hyaluronic acid, once injected an instant volumizing effect can be seen, giving volume to the skin and longer term binding with water increasing hydration. Unwanted folds and wrinkles can be “plumped up” to reduce their appearance, resulting in a smoother, more youthful looking skin.
What are the benefits of dermal filler treatments?
Dermal filler injections provide an effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, smooth the skin and give a more youthful appearance. The result of a single treatment can be seen instantly and can last for around 6 to 9 months. Dermal filler injections can give natural looking results that do not affect facial expression. As your face changes over time, dermal fillers allow you to control you looks subtly as you age.
Are dermal filler treatments safe?
Everybody recalls the tragic results shown by Leslie Ash in early 2000, who received lip filler injections. The product used in her case was an injection of liquid silicone. This has no relationship at all to dermal fillers used today in aesthetic procedures. There are a few issues and problems with hyaluronic acid fillers but these are in general very rare. These issues should be discussed with your aesthetic practitioner to ensure you know he or she is properly qualified and that you yourself won’t be added to a list of unsuccessful treatments and remain in safe hands.
Which areas can be treated?
Dermal filler treatments are used to smooth away facial lines and wrinkles, create fuller lips and shape facial contours, such as cheeks and chin, and revitalise the skin. The most common areas treated are: Nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and corner of the mouth) Marionette lines (from the corner of the mouth downwards) Lips (Enhance the shape, definition and volume of lips)
• Botox injections are noted primarily for the ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.
They're also used to treat conditions such as
• neck spasms (cervical dystonia),
• excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• an overactive bladder and
• lazy eye.
• Botox injections may also help prevent chronic migraines.
