Understanding Dermal Fillers: Turning Back Time with Confidence

As we age, our skin gradually loses its youthful vibrancy and elasticity, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and loss of volume. This natural ageing process – combined with external factors such as sun exposure and lifestyle choices – can make it increasingly difficult for people to take pride in their appearance. 

But there is a solution – a safe, affordable and effective way to combat early signs of ageing, with no need to go ‘under the knife’ in the conventional sense.

The field of cosmetic dermatology has evolved rapidly over recent years, bringing innovative solutions that restore youthful vitality without the need for invasive surgeries.

Dermal fillers, for example, have gained huge popularity for their effectiveness and minimally invasive nature. One of the most broadly administered non-surgical beauty treatments worldwide, dermal fillers can be surprisingly versatile.

In this guide, we’ll be taking a brief look at what dermal fillers are, how they work and hard to determine whether they’re right for you.

What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin’s surface to restore lost volume, smoothen wrinkles and enhance specific facial features. They work by replenishing natural substances like collagen and hyaluronic acid, which provide structure and hydration to the skin. 

The result is a rejuvenated appearance that is both natural-looking and long-lasting.

What Are the Most Common Types of Dermal Fillers?

There are several types of dermal fillers available, each designed to address specific concerns and areas of the face:

1. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These are the most popular type of fillers due to their versatility and natural-looking results. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts and retains moisture. It can be used to plump lips, smooth lines and wrinkles and restore volume to cheeks and temples.
2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers: This type of filler stimulates the body’s collagen production, providing a gradual improvement in volume and texture over time. They are often used for deeper wrinkles and volume loss.
3. Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers: These fillers stimulate collagen production and are particularly useful for addressing sagging skin and volume loss over a longer period.
4. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: PMMA is a semi-permanent filler that provides a more enduring solution for wrinkles and volume loss. It stimulates collagen production while providing immediate results.

During your initial consultation, your practitioner will help you determine which of the available filler types best suits your beauty goals.

Restoring Volume and Youthfulness: The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

The versatility, practicality and safety of dermal fillers have made them a hit among male and female audiences worldwide. When polled, though who periodically or routinely undergo dermal filler treatments cite the following as their biggest points of appeal:

Dermal fillers offer an array of benefits that make them an appealing option for individuals seeking facial rejuvenation:

• Smoothing Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Dermal fillers can effectively diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth and forehead. They work by plumping the skin from underneath, reducing the depth of these creases.
• Non-Surgical Lip Enhancement: For individuals looking to create the appearance of fuller lips, dermal fillers can provide a subtle and natural-looking enhancement. They can also address vertical lip lines and asymmetry.
• Minimally Invasive Nature: One of the most significant advantages of dermal fillers is that they are non-surgical. This means no incisions, stitches, or prolonged downtime. Most procedures can be completed in a short amount of time, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities with minimal disruption.

Customised Treatment Plans

Everybody’s face is unique and so are individual concerns and goals.  This is why it is important for dermal filler treatments (along with all other ascetic enhancements) to be customised to suit the exact requirements of the individual in question. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cosmetic treatment, calling for a tailored, bespoke approach with each procedure performed.

The consultation process is a crucial step in this journey, during which the practitioner assesses the patient’s facial structure, discusses their desired outcomes and recommends the most suitable filler types and injection techniques.

Again, consultations are also important to ensure the patient’s suitability or otherwise for dermal filler injections.

The Treatment Experience

While all dermal filler treatments are unique – tailored to the individual requirements of the patient – the treatment process itself is fairly similar in all instances. 

Here’s what you can expect if you decide to undergo facial filler treatment for the first time:

1. Consultation: The process begins with a thorough consultation where the practitioner assesses your facial features, discusses your goals and recommends a personalised treatment plan.
2. Preparation: If needed, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to enhance comfort during the procedure.
3. Injection: Using fine needles or cannulas, the practitioner injects the chosen filler into specific areas of the face. They may massage the treated area to ensure even distribution.
4. Assessment: Throughout the procedure, the practitioner evaluates the results to achieve the desired outcome. Additional filler may be added as necessary.
5. Aftercare: After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions on post-treatment care, including avoiding strenuous activities and excessive sun exposure.

Pain Management and Comfort During the Procedure

It’s natural to have concerns about pain during the procedure, but most patients report experiencing only mild discomfort throughout. Most dermal fillers administered today contain a local anaesthetic called lidocaine, which helps minimise discomfort. 

Additionally, practitioners can use ice or numbing creams to further enhance your comfort, which may be optional or provided as standard. 

Duration of the Treatment Session:

The length of a dermal filler treatment session depends on the areas being treated and the amount of filler required. Generally, sessions can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour – something your practitioner will advise on during your initial consultation. 

Recovery and Results

One of the biggest advantages of dermal filler treatments is the minimal downtime associated with the procedure. While some redness, swelling and bruising may occur, these effects usually subside within a few days. 

Applying a cold compress and following the practitioner’s post-treatment instructions can help speed up the healing process.

Longevity of Fillers

The results of dermal fillers are usually visible immediately after the procedure, though will continue to improve as the swelling subsides. Depending on the type of filler used (and a broad range of individual factors), the results can last anywhere from several months to over a year. 

There are also steps that can be taken to maximise the lifespan of the positive results of facial fillers, which include:

• Follow Post-Treatment Care: Following the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner is essential, which may include the use and exclusion of certain skincare products.
• Protect Your Skin: Sunscreen and proper skin care can help preserve the effects of your treatment by shielding your skin from harmful UV rays and environmental factors.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and avoiding smoking can positively impact the longevity of your results.

Combining Fillers with Other Treatments

For more extensive and comprehensive facial rejuvenation, dermal fillers can be combined synergistically with other treatments. While discussing your beauty goals with your practitioner, you will be given the opportunity to consider any combined treatment options available to you, including their potential benefits, risk factors and so on.

Examples of these include:

• Botox: Botox and fillers can often complement each other well. Botox can relax muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, while fillers restore lost volume.
• Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser treatments can improve skin texture, tone and issues with pigmentation, enhancing the overall results achieved with fillers.
• Chemical Peels: A chemical peel can promote skin renewal and improve skin texture, creating a smoother canvas for fillers to work on.

Addressing Concerns

When considering dermal filler treatments, it is crucial to take the time to raise any questions or concerns you may have with a qualified practitioner. 

At Cambridge Laser Clinic, we would be delighted to provide you with an obligation-free consultation at your convenience. During which, you will have the opportunity to discuss your unique beauty goals with our team, who will provide you with a detailed overview of the treatment options available to you. 

Our goal is to empower you with the information and insights you need to make a safe and confident decision, with no pressure and no obligation to go ahead at any time. 

For more information on facial fillers or to discuss any of the services we provide in more detail, contact a member of the team at Cambridge Laser Clinic today.