The ever so glamorous Bette Davis famously said ‘getting older is not for sissies’. Clearly this wasn’t a woman in need of much cosmetic assistance but none of us is immune to the effects of getting older.
The ageing process causes our skin to lose its firmness, fullness and elasticity. Our cells lose their regenerative power and the advancing years cause the face’s natural lines to become deeper and more pronounced.
Until somebody discovers the mythical fountain of youth for us all to luxuriate in, we have to make do with science and the advancements in facial rejuvenation that help us retain and regain our youthful looks.
What are dermal fillers?
There is no magic wand that can simply wave away the years – but the next best thing might just be dermal fillers.
Quick, safe and easily performed, these non-permanent injections will enhance specific areas of your face, restoring the volume and smoothing away your lines and wrinkles.
There is a variety of products on the market and most of them contain a natural ingredient called Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a protein which is naturally abundant in youthful faces but which diminishes as we get older, causing lines and wrinkles to develop. Because it is naturally occurring, it’s a very safe and stable product, with minimal risk of an allergic reaction.
Bette Davis would surely have approved.
What are dermal fillers used for?
The injections can be applied to many different areas of the face to lift out lines, creases and wrinkles.
If you’re concerned about smile lines, frown lines, or creases around the eyes or forehead area, dermal fillers can be used to smooth them out and rejuvenate your appearance.
If, like the rest of us, your cheeks have lost some of their fullness over time (another natural symptom of the ageing process) then dermal fillers can give your face a rounder, more youthful appearance when injected into the cheeks or the chin area.
Fillers can also be injected into the temple area to help ‘revolumise’ your face or to give thin lips a more sensual look – and feel!
The treatment will instantly and visibly lift out wrinkles, with soft and natural results happening before your eyes.
How is the treatment carried out?
The treatment is carried out using a tiny needle, with pinpoint accuracy and minimal discomfort. A mild topical anaesthetic may be used but you should only experience minimal discomfort. A gentle massage will help the treatment area settle quickly.
What is the recovery time?
As with any injections, you may experience a little redness or swelling around the treatment area, but these should not persist longer than a day or two and can be easily concealed with makeup. We do, however, advise people to allow a fortnight if, for example, they have a special occasion to attend and want to look their very best.
How long does the treatment last?
Aesthetic products dissolve over time and many people choose to have a regular top up treatment. The effects of the injections can last for as long as 18 months and, in some cases, as long as 24 months.
What if I’m unhappy with the results?
The vast majority of patients who undergo the treatment are extremely happy with the results. In the highly unlikely event that you are not, you can be reassured that dermal fillers are not permanent and are easy to reverse with a second injection that will dissolve the original filler.
To find out more, visit our Dermal Fillers page or book a free consultation with one of our specialists.
