DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal fillers are HYALURONIC ACID. They do exactly what it says on the tin. They fill. We use them to plump and make things bigger and fuller, as well as to fill deep lines and creases. As we get older, lines form and we have volume loss in our faces. 

The Lesley Ash lip is something you might have heard about. Lesley Ash did not have hyaluronic acid injected into her lips; it was SILICONE.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance within our bodies. Therefore, this is something you can't have an allergic reaction to. Naturally, hyaluronic acid attracts water, so when it mixes with water, it turns into a gel-like substance, which we then use for a filling and hydrating effect.

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As we age, our hyaluronic acid and volume naturally deplete, resulting in sagging, drooping, and skin aging. Unfortunately, many factors contribute to aging, including smoking, drinking, food, and exposure to the sun.

Causes of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin folds

We are born with our shape and some folds in our skin, which become more noticeable and deeper with age. Other lines appear as we age and from other causes, such as:

• Sun exposure damages the skin, causing wrinkles and changes in skin texture.

• Loss of collagen due to age

• Loss of fat gives the skin that sagging appearance.

• Facial expressions such as frowning

• Smoking

• Drinking

• Bad diet

• Health conditions and medication

• Weight change

Smokers' Lines and Upper Lip Rejuvenation

Smoker's lines are the fine horizontal lines above the lip area.

Causes of Smokers' Lines

• Smoking

• Puckering

• Talking

• Age

It is a proven fact that women have more smoker’s lines than men, and it is probably due to the fact that women talk and gossip much more than men :)

• Reduction in our skin’s elasticity and loss of volume

• Loss of teeth will cause more puckering and drooping of the upper lip area.

• Loss of definition in the philtrum and vermillion border.

Injecting filler around the mouth helps with:

• Minimising the fine lines around the mouth

• Redefinition of the lip border

• A younger appearance

• Smoother skin texture

• Plumpness

Common Side Effects of Filler in Smokers' Lines

• Bruising is very common in this area.

• Redness

• Swelling

• Mild lumpiness from droplets of filler

• Asymmetry

• Not enough treatment

• Too much filler

• An outbreak of herpes simplex

• Infect

• Granulomas

• Vascular occlusion

Nasolabial folds:

By injecting in the nasolabial fold area, we would hope to achieve:

• Widening of the mouth area

• Elevating the cheek

• Removing shadows

• Creating a more youthful look

Common Side Effects of Injecting the Nasolabial Folds

• Bruising

• Asymmetry

• Swelling

• Redness

Lips:

Everyone wants the perfect pout nowadays, and dermal fillers for the lips are a hugely popular treatment.

Q&As

Which areas can have filler?

• Cheeks

• Lips

• Tear trough (under eyes)

• Nose

• Jawline

• Marionette lines

• Nasolabial folds

• Deep wrinkles

• Chin

What are the complications and possible side effects?

Some side effects of dermal fillers are completely normal.

Redness

Very common and usually calms down over the next 12 hours.

Swelling

Again, this is a very normal side effect that will go away over the next few days. Using ice packs will help reduce swelling.

Bruising

Bruising occurs when blood vessels are pierced and is also very common. Some people bruise more easily, and bruises will heal over the next week or sometimes just 24 hours.

Herpes Simplex

If you suffer from cold sores, it isn’t uncommon for dermal fillers in the lips to trigger a cold sore. You should treat them as normal and, if their problem persists, visit your GP.

Allergic Reaction

Although uncommon, it's possible. Antihistamines or prescriptive steroids may be required.

Asymmetry

This can be easily treated with a little more filler on one side especially if the lips have swollen on one side more during the treatment. 

Nodules and lumps 

Most common in the lip area and can be massaged away. The little lump can also have a lance used on it or the filler can be dissolved using Hyaluronidase.

Infection 

This is caused by dirt and/or bad hygiene. It is important to follow the aftercare that will be given to you to help avoid this. If an infection occurs then you would need to come in and have the filler dissolved using hyaluronidase and go to your GP for a possible course of steroids or antibiotics.

LATER COMPLICATIONS

Filler Migration

This is usually caused by an overfill of an area and can sometimes be resolved by forceful massage. If this doesn’t work, you can have the filler dissolved.

Before a cosmetic procedure, do not drink alcohol or take aspirin for 24 hours prior to the appointment, as this will thin the blood and make the skin more susceptible to bruising. It may also be more painful after a night of drinking.