Dermal Fillers page 2

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal Fillers are substances placed in or around the skin to augment a particular region, e.g. to soften the appearance of folds in the skin.

There a 2 broad groups of filler - biodegradable or permanent.

Biodegradable fillers may contain Collagen, Poly-L-Actic acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, and Hyaluronic Acid. Permanent non-biodegradable fillers Polyacrylamide and Polyalkylamide.

The biodegradable fillers used at SkinGenesis clinics have a limited life span ranging from 6 to 24 months and contain Hyaluronic Acid (Juvederm, Restylane and Hydrafill) and Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse).

Read our news article Are Facial Dermal Fillers Safe?

What is Restylane Dermal Filler?

Restylane is a NON PERMANENT dermal filler used to smooth out the wrinkles on the face and hands. Approximately lasts up to 6 months.

What is Restylane made of?

It is a clear gel which is a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid which basically keeps the skin frim, supple and healthy looking. It is from non-animal sources, which reduces risks of allergic reaction.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is

A long chain polymer that occurs naturally within the body
It can bind 1,000 times own weight of water
It aids in cell motility, wound healing and hydration
Hydra Fill, Restylane & Juvederm all use HA from a manufacturer of pure source HA
The different products have different uses and are all stabilised to give a longer life than pure HA

What is Radiesse Dermal Filler?

A new type of NON PERMANENT dermal filler used to smooth out the wrinkles on the face and hands. Approximately lasts 12 - 18 months.

What is Radiesse made of?

It is based on calcium hydroxyapatite, found in teeth and bones, and has FDA approval (US Food and Drug Administration).

How Safe are fillers?

More than 1,500,000 treatments have been carried out worldwide - adverse events are VERY RARE. Transient reactions of hypersensitivity have been reported in about one in every 2000 patients.

What can Dermal Fillers do for me?

The deep lines and folds that appear as we age can be smoothed by the skilled use of fillers. The ageing process cannot be stopped but the injection of HA can go a long way to protect the collagen structures in your skin from degrading too quickly.

At birth the concentration of HA in the Epidermis is approx 3%. At age 45 this has dropped to 0.007%, exposing the collagen structures to further degradation if action isnt taken.

When you embark on these treatments you are starting a recovery programme and need never allow your wrinkles/ folds get that deep again!

Are there any reasons why I might not be able to have Dermal Fillers?

There are a few contra-indications meaning we won't be able to treat you if you:

Are pregnant or breast feeding
Are currently taking anticoagulants or aspirin
Have a history of anaphylaxis or intolerance to previous dermal fillers
Have a skin infection or inflammatory disease (acne herpes)
Have permanent implants
Have had laser skin resurfacing or skin peels within last 6 weeks
Have been using Roaccutane within past 12 months

When Should I have the Injections?

Treatment should be carried out 2-3 weeks prior to any social event as common side effects can occur but will resolve within 2 - 4 days.

Please be aware that clients who have their lips done will need longer for swelling to go down and can take up to 2 weeks maximum. Any swelling, redness, tenderness, discomfort, bruising, itchiness will be temporary.

What are the risks?

Injectable fillers are considered safe but adverse reactions do occur
Adverse reactions not common.
Immediate reactions include transient erythema, oedema, and ecchymosis treat with ice, consider anti histamines.
Subacute reactions include infection,bluish discolouration,local necrosis and granuloma formation.