What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are products injectable into the dermis to reverse the effects of ageing, including wrinkles, and loss of volume in the underlying tissues causing furrows and lines. They are also used to enhance natural features such as lips or cheeks for a more youthful, fuller appearance.  Fillers are injected under the epidermis at varying levels according to the type and result required. They can be used for lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes (with care), nose and forehead and also to enhance the lips by giving them greater volume and a fuller appearance and by defining the lip line. Some fillers are also used for facial contouring such as cheek enhancement. Dermal fillers are made from a variety of materials and the effect can last from temporary, lasting for about 6 months, medium term, for about 18 months or permanent.

Types of dermal fillers in hertfordshire

Hyaluronic acid fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers require no allergy testing prior to their use and work by plumping out lines and folds and hydrating the skin.

HA fillers are laboratory produced and are biodegradable. Some are derived from bacterial fermentation whilst others require an animal source, Restylane is probably the most popular and tested hyaluronic products, they are produced from bacteria in a laboratory and have a duration of 4-6 months.

Non-HA Fillers

Well known non-HA products include Radiesse

Poly-L-lactic acid

Sculptra is the only poly-L-lactic acid based product currently available in the UK. It is classed as a volumiser, rather than a filler and is injected into the deeper subcuticular areas to stimulate the formation of collagen over 4 to 8 weeks.

Autologous Fat

This is fat harvested from the patient’s stomach or thighs, processed and injected back into the treatment area. Administration generally involves 3 to 4 injections and evidence suggests that facial injection of autologous fat can stimulate the growth of fat and subcutaneous tissue in the area of administration. Treatment with autologous fat has a variable longevity but produces excellent results.

Calcium hydroxylapatite

The relatively new product, Radiesse, consists of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). This is a non-permanent filler designed to last approximately 2 years. Once injected the CaHA particles form a scaffold-like structure allowing the patient’s tissues to grow around and between. The gel carrier dissolves within a few months and the particles are metabolised over a longer period. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal constituent of bone so it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response.

Side effects of dermal fillers

The most common side effects associated with the use of all dermal fillers are injection-related, such as: bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These effects generally last, on average, 2 to 6 days. As with all procedures that involve injection through the skin there is a risk of infection. In a small number of cases there is an inflammatory response or other long-term problem. Please see the manufacturer’s literature of each product for further information.  It is imperative that fillers are injected at the right level (depth). If a product is injected at a too superficial level, some patients may report a greyish tinge.

Dr Harry Singh (Dentist) has been carrying out facial aesthetics since 2002 and undertakes botox in Hertfordshire and dermal fillers in Hertfordshire. He also trains other dentists in facial aesthetics.

If you’re looking for botox in Stevenage and botox in Hertfordshire, aesthetics can help you restore your confidence, improve your skin complexion and enhance your appearance by reducing your fine lines and wrinkles and replacing any loss volume.  Please call 07849 279588 to book your FREE initial consultation.