AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Dermal fillers - injectables, are used to fill the creases and shadows visible in our skin that develop due to intrinsic and extrinsic ageing. So if you have lines that do not disappear when you relax your face, dermal fillers can be considered to lighten those definitive lines.

Dermal Fillers

Lines and wrinkles?

We equate lines on our faces with ageing. Some put them down to an expressive character. But why do they form?
Lines and wrinkles are caused by many factors, most important ones being that our skins' cell renewal slows down causing older skin cells to stay on the surface for longer, our skin becomes dehydrated, and the structure (or scaffolding) starts to break down.

The result is a sagging effect, a less plump looking effect; lines and wrinkles becoming more visible and pronounced.

As women, we are betrayed by oestrogen at around the age of 40, speeding up this process in comparison to our male counterparts.

Dermal fillers can be used to put the smile back into your smile.
Fillers can be used to:

  • fill sunken scars, e.g. acne scars;
  • fill out smoker's lines on the lips
  • enhance cheekbones, chin for more definition and fullness;
  • soften the nasolabial lines (smile lines);
  • soften marionette lines;
  • raise the brows and enhance the appearance of the eyes;
  • plump up lips for a fuller, softer look (lip fillers)
  • correct asymmetry and lip deformities;
  • fill hollows under the eyes (aka tear troughs) that contribute to the appearance of dark circles;
  • correct asymmetry of the dips in and around the nose bridge
  • Did you know that dermal fillers can instantly rejuvenate your hands?

The main difference between the injectables on the market would be the viscosity. The degree of viscosity used by the experienced practitioner is dependent on the area to be injected. I.e. cheeks – high viscosity, lips – low viscosity.

Some dermal fillers available are:
Juvéderm
Made of hyaluronic acid gel, it is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that contributes to volume and hydration. It is designed to temporarily correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. The product line has a variety of viscosities available; treating from gentle lip enhancements to liquid facelifts.
Restylane
A non-animal, biodegradable gel composed of hyaluronic acid. It's a soft tissue filler that adds volume to the skin through tiny injections, smoothening facial folds and wrinkles in areas around the mouth and eyes.

Teosyal

An effective and long-lasting filler, consisting of several monophasic hyaluronic acid-based products of non-animal origin, which are highly biocompatible, offering immediate and long-lasting results. It is visco-elastic to maintain the skin's elasticity and form a dense, interlocking mesh.

Dermal fillers can last from 8 months to 2 years, depending on the product used.
Immediate complications of fillers include bruising, bleeding and swelling, which usually dissipate within minutes or hours. Rare cases of allergic reactions have been documented.

FAQ: Dermal fillers

1How much do fillers cost?
This is a question that can only be answered once a consultation has been completed by the doctor. The total is influenced by the area to be treated, the amount of product to be used as well as the type of dermal filler to be used. What can be said for budget guidance is that you can look at R4 000 per 1 milliliter. Lips can be enhanced by as little as 0.5-1 ml of filler, while checks may need up to 1 ml per side. The volme needed to address your individual needs can only be assessed in office.
2How long do the effects last?
This will depend on which product is used. On average, you can look at ±8 months - 2 years.
3Is it safe?
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid (the substance in all modern day filler) is a natural occurring substance in your skin. The product is broken down by our bodies, and this is why the effects are not permanent. If you tend to be allergy-prone, please make sure that this is stated on your consultation card and discussed prior to treatment. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are produced by human genes inserted into a bacterium for reproduction (Juvéderm). It is a synthetically derived polysaccharide macromolecule. This gives it an extremely low incidence of allergic reactions; hence, there is no need for pre-treatment skin testing. The fillers have a very low incidence of side-effects and thus are considered to be extremely safe. The biggest risk when receiving filler injections is that filler inadvertently gets into an arterial blood vessels and blocks the blood supply to the skin or ( in rear cases) to the eyes. It is therefore important to receive treatment from a well-trained experienced injector like Dr Huskisson.
4How do fillers work?
The malleable gel is placed and moulded into a specific area where it sets within 4 days. Fillers literally fill areas that have lost substance due to ageing and the effects of gravity.
5Where are fillers injected?
This will differ from person to person based on personal choice and need. The general areas would include the lips, cheeks and below the eyes. Sunken-looking cheeks are raised and symmetrically balanced, tired-looking eyes and tear troughs are revitalised also improving dark circles in the process, thinning lips are coaxed into a subtle fuller look – putting on lipstick will feel like before! Modern day practice has moved away from primary targeting the lines, but rather restoring the volume loss that cause the lines - rebuilding the check bone structure will automatically lift the sagging skin of the check, jowls and naso-labial folds.
6What are fillers used for?
Dermal fillers are placed in strategic areas under the skin to raise areas that have lost their tone and fullness, e.g. the cheeks or lips. Dermal fillers can also be used to soften expression lines and to reduce shadows caused by ageing.
7What must I avoid immediately after the treatment?
Avoid extreme temperature differences, e.g. having a hot cup of coffee followed by a glass of ice-cold water. That's it!
8How long does a treatment take?
Have at least 45min available. You may choose to have topical anaesthetic (45min activation) only, or you may choose to have local anaesthetic (10min activation with 2 – 4 hours of activity). The process of placing the dermal fillers is specific and cannot be rushed by the doctor.
9Am I ready for dermal fillers?
Are your lips becoming thinner looking? Is your nasolabial line becoming permanently visible? Are the corners of your mouth starting to drop downwards? Are your cheeks starting to look less fleshy? If yes, you are ready.
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