Dermal Fillers

What is Dermal Filler?

Dermal fillers are one of the most widely used treatments for restoring smoothness and facial volume. The gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, filling in spaces and absorbing water to create a smoother, fuller appearance. While injecting neurotoxins, such as botulinum toxin, will help smooth out wrinkles caused by muscle movement, only a dermal injectable can immediately address the depressions and loss of volume associated with aging. This is why dermal fillers are most commonly used to fill nasolabial folds, marionette lines (from the edge of the mouth to the chin), the jawline, cheeks, lips and the under eye area. Which is where the supply of collagen and elastin loss is more noticeable as the skin declines.

The Procedure

Step 1. Your facial appearance will be examined in the areas of your face to be augmented. Strategic points on your face may then be marked as the appropriate injection sites for the filler. Photographs will then be taken of the areas to be treated.

Step 2. The injection sites will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent and any pain which may occur at the injection site may be ameliorated by use of a very cold instrument to chill the skin or anaesthetic ointment to numb the skin. While not painless, and feelings of pinching and stinging is common the injections are usually easily tolerated.

Step 3. Using a thin needle, we will inject small amounts of fillers under your skin,we may inject the fillers in several areas. The process of injecting, massaging, and evaluating the result is performed, and additional filler added as needed. Depending on the number of areas to be treated, the whole process may be as short as 15 minutes, or as long as an hour.

Step 4 – Once the results are deemed satisfactory, any markings will be cleansed off. Although the area may feel a bit tender for a day or two, it is usually not painful enough to require any medication.

What things should I consider before Dermal Filler treatment and how to prepare for Dermal Filler treatment?

Getting dermal filler injections is far from major surgery; however, it’s still important that you do everything you can to help minimise the risk of infection or any side effects and complications. Please read the following information and follow the pre dermal filler treatment instructions to ensure the success of dermal filler injections?

If able to, please stop any medication 3 days prior that can increase your risk of bleeding e.g. Aspirin, fish oil, ibuprofen.
Avoid taking anti-inflammatories (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) for 3 days prior to treatment (unless this has been prescribed by your doctor) as this increases the risk of bruising.
Alcohol, fish oils, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba and Vitamin E should also be avoided for 3 days prior to treatment to lessen the risk of bruising.
If you are prone to bruising, taking arnica orally for a few days prior to treatment may lessen the risk.
If you are unwell on the day of your appointment, contact the practitioner to reschedule.
Avoid sunbeds and tanning for 1 week before and after treatment.
Ensure your practitioner is informed if there are any changes in your medical history or medication taken before receiving any treatment.
If you suffer from cold sores and are choosing to have lip filler, please ensure you start taking anti-viral tablets 2 days prior to the procedure. Avoid using ‘active skincare’ products e.g. Retinol, AHA/BHAs, for 3 days pre procedure.
Avoid heavy exercise 24 hrs prior to your appointment.
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption 24 hrs prior.

Dermal Filler Aftercare

Recovery time varies for each patient and for each type of filler injected. You can resume most activities right away, but it is generally recommended that you avoid intense physical activity for the first 24-48 hours to minimise swelling and bruising. Although not common, visual disturbances may occur. When accompanied by pain or weakness on one side of your body, it is extremely important that you contact us or emergency services and receive care immediately.

Follow these dermal filler aftercare instructions for faster healing and to minimise side effects

Keep your skin clean
Do not rub or touch the areas that were injected
Report any unusual side effects to your practitioner as soon as possible

Use ice after your treatment - It is quite common for some swelling to occur after having dermal fillers. Some parts of the face may swell more than others, but you can manage this by using a cold compress on a regular basis.

Massage your skin if instructed to - In some cases, you will be advised to massage your skin after dermal fillers. In other instances, you will be instructed not to. You must follow your dermal filler aftercare instructions, as provided by your practitioner.

Manage bruising - If you are someone who is prone to bruising, it is advisable to sleep with your head propped up on an extra pillow or two. It is also a good idea to sleep on your back after you have had fillers. Using an ice pack or cold compress may also help to minimise bruising.

Avoid exercise and extreme heat - After you have had dermal fillers, you need to keep the area calm and cool, so avoid extreme temperatures such as saunas and steam rooms and stay out of the direct sunlight.

Avoid alcohol - Alcohol causes blood vessel dilation, and this can contribute to bruising. You should definitely avoid alcohol for a few days after your dermal filler injections.

Avoid international flights for the first seven days - Flying in a pressurised cabin is not recommended after having fillers, so if you are planning to travel, make sure you leave yourself with enough time to recover from your departure.

Be patient - Depending on the amount of filler you would like, it could take more than one session to achieve your desired result. If you would like to have dermal fillers ahead of an important event, it is a good idea to make the appointment at least two weeks before the date, so you have enough time for any swelling to subside.

Know the warning signs - Part of your aftercare responsibility is knowing the warning signs of when something goes wrong. It’s up to you to report any warning signs of an infection or allergic reaction to your practitioner as soon as possible. Because of this, clients are always fully informed of common and serious complications that might occur with a specific treatment; this information is also highlighted in the consent form that client’s sign. It is extremely unlikely that any serious complications would emerge but for precaution Antoinette is up to date and certified in resuscitation and basic life support

Because of the initial swelling that may occur, it is a good idea to have your filler treatment reviewed two weeks later so your practitioner will check any residual swelling and how well the filler has settled since your treatment to make sure you are happy with the results.

Although rare, there are risks with any procedure and all of the above side effects are considered to be normal. What is not normal, is the sudden onset of pain or pain that causes distress. Should you experience this sensation we advise you to contact the clinic immediately or seek medical assistance. We have a dedicated Whats app number 07310177746 that is manned 7 days a week. Please send a clear photo of your treated area or concern and a message explaining what symptoms you are experiencing and someone will contact you back as soon as possible.

If you experience pain that is very distressing after dermal filler treatment and it is during out of hours or making you feel extremely unwell you should visit your nearest walk in center for medical assistance.