Dermal Filler

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal filler injections are a type of non-surgical cosmetic procedure that plump up wrinkles, smooth lines and restore volume in your face. The filler is normally injected just under your skin.

Dermal fillers enhance facial features to give a more youthful appearance. This elective treatment usually takes less than half an hour, and recovery time is minimal. Results are seen immediately and usually last for up to one year, depending on the type of filler and the filler site.

Why are dermal fillers used?

As we age, your body starts to lose collagen. Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissue. Decreased amounts of collagen cause laxity and loss of volume (loose skin). As a result, the skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.

Most patients choose to get dermal fillers to:

  • Add volume to sagging skin.
  • Make facial features more symmetrical.
  • Plump up lips and cheeks.
  • Smooth facial wrinkles and creases.

An alternative option to having fillers is facial fat grafting. The added benefits of this procedure are that your own tissue is utilised, which contains stem cells that rejuvenate skin as well as adding volume. Fat grafting is a more invasive procedure, as the fat needs to be harvested from a donor area. However, the results are permanent and do not need to be repeated once the desired volume is achieved.

Dermal fillers are very common. Every year in the United States, more than 3 million people choose to have dermal fillers. There are a variety of different fillers available. I prefer Juvéderm®(Allergan), which is made from hyaluronic acid gel and contains local anaesthetic, to ensure there is minimal discomfort when it is injected. Hyaluronic acid is a natural carbohydrate found in the tissues of all vertebrate animals. Because of this, no skin testing for allergies is required. To further enhance safety, the hyaluronic acid used is derived from a non-animal source by using genetically engineered bacteria to produce it. They contain no human or animal DNA.

The advantage of hyaluronic acid is that it can last up to twice as long as collagen; patients can expect it to last for at least 6 months. There are a variety of preparations available with different particle sizes and viscosities, each suited to a particular anatomical area.

If you are a new patient, you will have a consultation with me in clinic to discuss the area(s) you wish addressed. Together with the options and costs.

I will examine you and ensure there is nothing contained within your medical history that could affect the filler injection.

If you choose to proceed, then it can be performed either the same day or later, whichever is convenient for you.

Two appealing features of fillers are their affordability and minimal recovery time. The procedure itself is quick, taking only a few minutes, and does not require any bandages, dressings, or ointments afterward. You can return to your normal activities immediately.

The process begins with cleaning the area with an antiseptic wipe. Then, the selected filler is injected into the targeted wrinkles, folds, or lips using a very fine needle. The filler is gradually deposited into the tissues, with periodic checks to ensure you are satisfied with the volume achieved. The cosmetic enhancement is immediate.

I use a thin needle to inject small amounts of filler under your skin. You might feel a pinch or sting, but most people don not experience significant pain as the filler contains a local anaesthetic that quickly numbs the area.

After the injections, you might experience bruising, swelling, or discomfort. These side effects are typically mild and subside within a few days. Although you will notice results immediately, it will take several days for the swelling to diminish and reveal the outcome.

The risks and complications with filler are rare and minor compared with many other cosmetic treatments. However, the following side effects can sometimes occur:

  • Allergy: There is a small risk of allergic reaction to the filler or swelling of the treated area.
  • Lumpiness: The filler is deposited in small pockets along the wrinkle/crease. It is possible that you may feel or see lumpiness. This can be massaged to soften.
  • Other symptoms: Bleeding, tenderness and some degree of temporary pain may also occur.

All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to discuss these with me.

Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours following the procedure. It is very important not to rub or massage the treated areas for the first day or 2 afterwards to avoid displacing the filler. The possibility of swelling or bruising can be minimized by the application of cold packs to the area for the first 24 hours.

The benefit of hyaluronic acid fillers is that if you are not completely happy and wish for it to be removed, I can simply dissolve the filler with a small injection.

You are likely to require a ‘top up’ as soon as you notice the filler reabsorbing. This is likely to be approximately between 6 and 9 months after your initial treatment.

The cost depends on the amount of filler injected and starts at CY$650 for 1ml of filler.