Considering dermal fillers? A guide to safe and stunning results

Dermal fillers are currently one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, due to their non-invasive technique and more naturalistic-looking results. They are used to fill out places in the skin where fat or muscle may have retreated, fill out wrinkles, and add youthful plumpness to improve the appearance of hollowness in the bone structure. An expert aesthetic specialist goes over what you need to know about dermal fillers in this guide.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like and injected into the different areas of the body that have lost collagen, a protein that provides structure to the skin and ensures elasticity. This helps to smooth out wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin. They are made of made mostly of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring in the body and binds to water, but they can also be made of polycaprolactone threads, polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, collagen, or fat fillers. They can be injected into:

• the forehead
• the lips and nasolabial area
• the temples
• the undereye area
• the nose
• the cheeks
• the chest and breasts
• the hands
• the legs
• the buttocks
• the earlobes
• the jawline

They are mostly sought-after for their anti-ageing results, but they can also be used to fix unevenness, fill out prior scarring, correct dark undereye areas, and can be used for non-surgical rhinoplasty.

Dermal fillers are different from neurotoxins (like Botox®). Neurotoxins paralyse and relax muscles to reduce the appearance of lines, but this also limits the usage of these muscles, whereas dermal fillers add volume to fix a loss of elasticity or texture. They can be used in conjunction if the patient wishes, and applied in different areas for maximum impact.

Dermal fillers are not permanent, but they can last a couple of years before needing touch-ups, or they can easily be dissolved if the patient wishes with a hyaluronidase/vitrase solution.

What does the dermal filler procedure involve?

The administration of dermal fillers takes around 30 to 60 minutes, and is done with ultrafine needles to minimise discomfort for the patient. There will be slight swelling after the procedure, and the true results will be visible the next day or so.

What are the risks of dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are safe and minimally invasive, but only in trained and certified hands. Fillers that are irresponsibly performed can cause unsatisfactory results like bruising and asymmetry, but also more serious complications like scarring, nerve damage, infection and allergic reactions, embolisms, and the death of skin cells. Some patients buy their fillers online or go to non-certified practitioners in order to save some money, but the consequences – and the cost of correcting those consequences – are not worth it.

That is why it is important to do the research to select the best practitioner near you, and be sure to ask them questions about the process and reasoning behind the application so you can assess their knowledge and be fully informed. There is currently no UK legislation that prevents non-medical professionals from injecting dermal fillers, so be thorough.

What happens after a dermal filler procedure?

After the procedure, follow the aftercare instructions from your practitioner so as not to interfere with the product as it settles in your body. It is generally recommended that exercise, smoking, and alcohol are avoided for the first 24 hours as they raise blood pressure which will increase the chances of bruising and swelling. Too much pressure on the area of the filler can cause them to shift if they are not settled, so it is best to avoid facials and massages for two weeks or so afterwards.

If you are considering getting dermal fillers, you can book with a specialist today on Top Doctors.