PROCEDURES
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
What is Hyaluronic Acid Filler injection?
Soft tissue fillers, also called dermal fillers, facial fillers, or simply "fillers", are used to restore volume in the face, fill wrinkles or lines, lift and shape facial contours, and to create symmetry and harmony of the face. With ageing the facial contours change and the soft tissues lose volume and start to sag due to a loss of fat, age-related changes to the bone structure, thinning and loss of elasticity in the skin.
Cosmetic fillers are a non-surgical treatment that can be combined with botulinum toxin, chemical peels and other non-surgical modalities to optimise facial rejuvenation and in some cases offset ageing and the need for surgical interventions.
There is a huge variety of filler products available on the market; however, the most important distinction is between non-permanent fillers vs permanent fillers. Permanent fillers remain embedded in the tissues forever, whilst non-permanent fillers disappear spontaneously after some time. Dr do Vale has a preference for using non-permanent hyaluronic acid fillers because hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies and therefore is well tolerated and does not cause late complications such as visible lumps or late reactions. For the same reason, HA fillers are slowly and safely absorbed by the body, making them long-lasting but not permanent, meaning that treatments may need to be repeated to maintain long-term results.
Different types of dermal fillers exist, and each one has its own specific properties that make it suitable for certain purposes in specific areas of the face. Some fillers are intended to add volume, for example to the cheekbone or the chin. Others are specifically suitable for lip enhancement, and yet others are used to soften the appearance of fine lines.
Fast Facts:
Length of procedure: 10- 20minutes
Type of anaesthesia: HA fillers contain a pain-numbing lidocaine anaesthetic.
Length of stay: Day case.
What to expect post-op: Can return to work or social activities immediately after. Minor bruising / swelling/ redness may occur at injection sites.
Recovery time: Avoid rubbing or touching the treated area immediately after injection.
Results: Results are seen immediately after injection and last for 9 months to 18 months (depending on the product and area injected).
Who might benefit from Filler Injection?
Anyone who wishes to offset the signs of ageing or optimise their facial proportions with non-surgical techniques may be a candidate for filler treatments. Cosmetic fillers can be used to enhance and volumise the cheekbones, jawline, chin and temporal regions. Fillers are also used to enhance the shape and volume of the lips.
HA filler injectables are a non-surgical procedure which can be tailored to each patient’s needs and desired results. Individuals with darker skin pigment, may also safely and effectively use HA fillers to enhance their appearance without increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation, keloid, or hypertrophic scarring. Cosmetic filler results vary from patient to patient, so a one-on-one consultation with Dr Isabel do Vale can give you a better understanding of the type of results you can expect from cosmetic filler injections.
During your consultation, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have an allergy or history of a reaction to the constituents of HA filler products.
- You are taking immunosuppressive medications.
- You are taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medication that effects bleeding.
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
What does Filler Injection involve?
At your first visit for cosmetic fillers, Dr do Vale will usually perform a full skincare consultation. She will discuss and answer any questions you may have regarding filler injections, all options available to you, and the expected benefits and results so that together you can come to a personalised decision about non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Dr do Vale will assess your facial proportions and determine the areas that need volumization with hyaluronic acid filler injectables.
Most HA filler injectable products contain a pain-numbing lidocaine anaesthetic, which minimises patient discomfort. In most cases, dermal filler treatments are performed in 10- 20 minutes and require little or no downtime, although some bruising may occur no matter how experienced the injector is. A very fine needle or a blunt micro-cannula is used to penetrate the skin and inject the filler into the soft tissues of the face in areas that need volumization and contouring. In addition to adding structure, the filler also absorbs and holds water, giving a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Cosmetic results are instantaneous, and the younger appearance achieved in a single HA filler treatment usually lasts for 6 – 18 months (depending on the type of product injected and the area treated) after which time the body slowly absorbs the biocompatible filler. Every individual is different, and as such, the results of filler injections vary with some patients reporting results lasting up to 2 years. Factors that may influence the longevity of a filler treatment include individual differences in metabolism, stress and even weight loss.
Recovery after Filler Injection:
The tiny injection marks are usually not visible soon after the treatment. Patients are able to return to work or their regular schedule immediately after the procedure. If possible, avoid applying make-up for 24 hours.
Results are immediately visible and usually last for approximately 1 year. HA Filler treatments are a non-permanent injectable product, so the effect gradually diminishes with time. In order to maintain the aesthetic result, additional treatments, or top-up treatments, are recommended. Results may vary depending on the treatment area.
When the procedure is performed under a plastic surgeon’s care, optimal aesthetic results can be achieved. Patients report few side effects and those reported are mild and cause no disruption to their daily life. Side effects may include bruising, redness or swelling at the injection sites (most common), and in some cases, sensitivity can occur. These are usually mild to moderate, and they tend to resolve within a few days of the injection. In very rare instances, it is possible for patients to experience complications such as infection or a blocked blood vessel which can cause tissue loss or even blindness. For this reason, it is critical that the filler injections be performed by a doctor who is well versed in facial anatomy.
For more information on Fillers request a consultation with Dr do Vale below or call 0109003999.
