Dermal Fillers
Edinburgh Waterfront Hospital
Dermal fillers, primarily based on a synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) gel, are a key non-surgical treatment in cosmetic enhancement. HA, a naturally occurring substance in the body, plays a crucial role in skin hydration and volume. Our extensive experience in dermal filler treatments ensures tailored and safe applications suitable for various aesthetic improvements.
Overview
- PROCEDURE: Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid-Based)
- KEY INGREDIENTS: Hyaluronic Acid
- TREATMENT AREAS: Cheeks, Lips, Temple, Jawline, Marionette Lines, Nasolabial Folds
- IDEAL FOR: Restoring lost volume, creating facial definition, softening deep lines
- PRODUCTS USED: Various brands, including Restylane and Juvederm
- SUITABILITY: Broad patient range, not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with certain medical conditions
- PROCEDURE TIME: Typically 10-40 minutes
What the procedure involves
- Consultation: An initial discussion to determine the most appropriate treatment and review medical history.
- Types of Fillers: Use of HA fillers due to their natural occurrence in the body and role in hydration.
- Application Areas: Commonly injected into the cheeks, lips, temple, and jawline for volume and definition and to soften lines and wrinkles.
- Procedure Process: Cleansing the skin, followed by strategic filler injections, often containing a local anaesthetic for comfort.
- Immediate Visibility: The fillers’ effects are visible immediately, with post-procedure swelling subsiding in a few days.
Benefits and expected outcomes
- Volume Restoration and Definition: Enhances cheeks, lips, and other facial areas.
- Wrinkle Reduction: Softens marionette lines and mouth lines.
- Versatile Use: Can improve the shape of the nose and chin.
- Longevity: Effects last between 9-24 months, depending on the treatment area and product used.
Before and after dermal fillers
Ideal candidates
- Broad Suitability: Safe for a wide range of patients, excluding those pregnant, breastfeeding, or with certain medical conditions.
- Medical Review: A thorough consultation to ensure suitability and discuss potential effects.
Risks and Considerations
Excellent Safety Profile
- Widespread Use: Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are globally recognized for their safety, used in millions of treatments annually.
- Professional Administration: Their safety is maximized when administered by medically trained professionals who are knowledgeable about facial anatomy and can effectively manage any complications.
Common Side Effects
- Immediate Reactions: Post-treatment, patients may experience redness, swelling, bruising, and pain at injection sites.
- Typical Resolution: These effects are generally mild and should resolve within a week.
Serious Side Effects and Complications
- Rarity: Though serious side effects are rare, they can occur.
- In-Depth Consultation: All potential risks and serious complications will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation and outlined in a provided informational leaflet.
- Informed Decision: Understanding these potential risks is crucial for patients to make an informed decision about the treatment.
Emphasis on Safety and Informed Consent
- At Waterfront Private Hospital, we prioritize patient safety and informed consent. Our specialists ensure that patients are fully aware of both the benefits and the potential risks associated with dermal filler treatments.
Aftercare and recovery
Following treatment, you should avoid touching your face and wash your hands regularly to reduce the risk of infection. You should also avoid rubbing or massaging your face as this could affect the results of your treatment.
You should also avoid applying make-up for at least 12 hours and avoid vigorous exercise and exposure to temperature extremes until the swelling has resolved.
Within two weeks of receiving treatment, you should avoid other facial procedures, including facials, chemical peels, massage and laser treatments. You should also avoid routine dental treatment during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
What Are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are dermal fillers containing a synthetic form of HA, a naturally occurring substance in our bodies known for its hydration properties. These fillers restore volume, define facial contours, and reduce wrinkles.
Where Can HA Fillers Be Applied?
HA fillers are versatile and commonly used to enhance cheeks, lips, temples, and jawlines. They are also effective in softening deep lines like marionette lines and nasolabial folds and can make minor improvements in nose and chin shapes.
Who Is Suitable for HA Filler Treatments?
A wide range of patients can benefit from HA fillers, excluding pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with active infections, bleeding disorders, or certain autoimmune conditions. A consultation is essential to evaluate suitability and safety.
Are HA Fillers Safe?
HA fillers have an excellent safety profile and are used globally in millions of treatments. Administered by trained medical professionals, they are safe, with risks and potential complications thoroughly discussed during consultations.
How Long Do the Effects of HA Fillers Last?
The longevity of HA fillers varies, typically lasting between 9-24 months, depending on the treated area and the specific product used.
Is the Treatment Immediate and Painful?
The effects of HA fillers are immediate, with any swelling from the procedure subsiding over a few days. The treatment might be slightly uncomfortable, but most fillers contain a local anaesthetic to reduce discomfort.
What Should I Expect in Terms of Aftercare?
Post-treatment care includes avoiding touching the face, regular hand washing, not applying makeup for at least 12 hours, and avoiding vigorous exercise and extreme temperatures until swelling resolves. Other facial treatments should be avoided for two weeks post-treatment.
Can HA Fillers Be Removed?
HA fillers can be dissolved if necessary, although this is rarely required.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
Following treatment, common effects include redness, swelling, bruising, and pain at injection sites, which typically settle within a week.
How Do HA Fillers Differ from Other Cosmetic Treatments?
Unlike other treatments focusing on more extensive facial restructuring or targeting deeper wrinkles, HA fillers primarily address volume loss and fine lines, offering a more natural rejuvenation.
How Do HA Fillers Compare to Botox and Other Neurotoxins?
HA fillers focus on restoring volume and smoothing out static lines caused by the loss of collagen and elasticity. In contrast, Botox and similar neurotoxins target dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movements.
Can HA Fillers Be Combined with Other Cosmetic Procedures?
HA fillers can be effectively combined with other treatments, such as Botox, for a comprehensive anti-ageing effect or alongside laser therapies and chemical peels for overall skin rejuvenation.
What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Treatment?
Patients are advised to avoid certain medications like blood thinners and supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, and ginseng, which may increase bruising, for a few days before the treatment.
How Do Lifestyle and Age Affect the Results of HA Fillers?
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun exposure can impact the longevity of filler results. Similarly, as the skin ages, the duration of effectiveness may vary, requiring more frequent touch-ups in older individuals.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Post-Treatment?
Generally, there are no strict dietary restrictions post-treatment. However, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can support overall skin health and enhance the effects of the treatment.
Is There an Ideal Age to Start Using HA Fillers?
There’s no specific ‘right age’ to start using HA fillers. They can be used when signs of ageing become noticeable or when an individual desires aesthetic enhancements, typically from the late 20s to early 30s.
