Dermal fillers are another weapon in your anti-ageing arsenal. They are considered non-invasive and have become very popular for those wanting to maintain a youthful look.
Dermal fillers manage various signs of ageing, including reducing the visible appearance of lines and wrinkles, restoring lost firmness or creating a ‘fuller’ look for those who lack facial volume.
Opulent Asthetics will walk you through the history, process, benefits and risks of Dermal filler treatments, so you can make informed decisions about the treatment options that are available to you.
A brief history
Dermal fillers have evolved and improved to become safer and more effective over time but just like all medical and cosmetic procedures, their history reveals some of the challenges that were faced along the way.
At Opulent Asthetics, we respect that journey because it reveals how the medical and cosmetic sciences community is willing to learn and produce better outcomes for patients and clients.
Dermal fillers were first introduced in the 1890s when a German physician named Robert Gersuny used paraffin wax injections to correct facial defects. However, these treatments often resulted in severe complications, including infections and the formation of lumps, leading to the discontinuation of paraffin as a filler material.
The 20th century witnessed the arrival of silicone, a new product in town that led to the ‘silicone rush’ in California and popularised the term ‘plastic surgery’ for cosmetic procedures. Although very popular among the elite in society, silicone proved to be unreliable and risky, with many procedures going horribly wrong.
The 1980s saw a turning point in Dermal fillers as collagen was used as a natural alternative. As collagen is a natural protein found in the skin that helps maintain its structure and firmness, the FDA approved its use in filler treatments. However, because collagen was derived from animals, allergic reactions were relatively common, and the effects typically only lasted a few months. Also, it excluded the Indian community, who consider the cow as sacred.
1996 brought another major innovation with the development of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the skin, where it plays a crucial role in retaining moisture and adding volume.
The first commercially available HA filler was introduced in Sweden in 1996 and approved by the FDA in 2003 for use in the United States.
HA fillers quickly became the gold standard in Dermal filler treatments due to their effectiveness, safety, and longer-lasting results. They cause fewer allergic reactions because your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid. Over the years, several HA-based fillers have been developed, each offering varying consistencies for different cosmetic needs, so treatment options are always improving.
In the mid-2000s more filler treatments started to emerge that not only added volume but also stimulated collagen production, but rather than replace HA, they are used alongside or as an alternative, depending on your treatment goals and target areas. In other words, the treatments you see today have all proven the test of time.
Some of these treatments include…
Calcium Hydroxylapatite: A mineral-based filler that provides structure and stimulates collagen production.
Polylactic Acid: A biodegradable substance that gradually boosts collagen, with results lasting up to two years.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): A semi-permanent filler used for deep wrinkles and acne scars.
What can fillers treat?
Dermal fillers can be used to treat a wide variety of skin concerns. These include:
- Facial lines and wrinkles
- Areas lacking volume such as the cheeks, tear troughs (under eyes), temples and chin
- Sagging around the chin and jawline
- Deep ‘smile lines’ which run from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth
- ‘Smokers’ lines’ which are vertical lines on the top lip
- ‘Marionette lines’ that run from the corners of the mouth to either side of the chin
- The definition of the lip border
- Lip volume and unevenness
- The shape of the nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty or nose job)
- Acne scars
- Depressions or pockmarks in the skin due to injury or disease, for example, chickenpox marks
- Unevenness in the skin after surgery or skin grafting
The benefits of Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers have several benefits compared to other treatment options. These include…
Instant Results: Most fillers provide immediate enhancement.
- Non-Surgical: A minimally invasive alternative to procedures like facelifts.
- Versatility: They can smooth wrinkles, plump lips, contour cheeks, and even reshape the jawline or nose.
- Collagen Boost: Some fillers stimulate collagen production to improve skin quality over time.
- Customisable: Treatments are tailored to the individual’s aesthetic goals.
The risks of treatment
Like any kind of procedure, there are always risks. Some are common and to be expected as a natural part of the process, while others are rare and less welcome. The risks are…
- Bruising and swelling: a common effect to be expected, but very temporary.
- Lumps or irregularities: Poor injection technique can lead to uneven results.
- Infection: As with any injection, there is a slight risk of infection.
- Allergic reactions: Rare, but possible, especially with synthetic fillers.
- Migration of the filler: In some cases, the filler can move to unintended areas.
- Vascular complications: In rare cases, fillers can block blood vessels, leading to skin tissue damage or even blindness if injected near the eyes
Who is suitable for treatment?
As Dermal fillers can treat a wide variety of skin concerns, they can be used by anyone who wants to improve their image using natural techniques rather than intrusive surgeries.
Dermal fillers are often called a ‘lunchtime procedure’ because they can be completed within as little as 15 minutes or an hour if treating multiple facial sites. Either way, the effect is instantaneous, and there is virtually no downtime.
Who should avoid Dermal fillers?
Like all medical and cosmetic procedures, Dermal fillers are not for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have particular allergies, or active infections like acne or cold sores, or have particular medical conditions, Dermal fillers may not be suitable for you, at least for now.
Sadie, our lead therapist will explore your circumstances to ensure that the Dermal fillers are suitable before any treatment begins.
The treatment process
All treatment plans start with an initial consultation with our lead therapist, Sadie, who will assess your circumstances and guide you through the treatment options available to help you achieve your treatment goals safely and effectively.
Before treatment begins, your face will be cleansed to ensure it is free of any bacteria, and if necessary, a topical numbing agent will be applied (usually a cream) to ensure that the injections are not too discomforting.
The treatment sites will be carefully marked and rechecked for accuracy. You will also confirm that you are happy with the chosen sites, and then the injections will be applied.
Sadie may massage and sculpt the injection sites to ensure the fillers are evenly distributed, and to achieve positive blood flow to aid the healing process.
A cold compress may be applied to reduce any signs of swelling and bruising. It is important to avoid makeup and intense sun exposure, swimming pools, etc, until the swelling has gone down.
Final thoughts
Dermal fillers can be a great way to maintain a healthy, vibrant and youthful look, especially as we grapple with ageing. They are natural, non-invasive, instant, and the effects can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
There is no shame in ageing gracefully, but equally none in maintaining or enhancing your beauty. The key is to approach treatment responsibly and to remember that you are already beautiful and always will be.
Opulent Asthetics is here to guide you through your treatment journey and make sure you feel supported and confident about your choices and your look.
To find out more, give Sadie a call.
