What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are minimally invasive cosmetic treatments designed to restore volume, enhance facial contours, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. These non-surgical solutions offer natural-looking rejuvenation, targeting areas of lost volume without the need for more invasive procedures.
Commonly used fillers include hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), each with its unique properties and benefits.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers work by replenishing lost volume beneath the skin and stimulating collagen production. Injected into targeted areas, they provide a plumping effect that smooths out wrinkles and restores youthful contours. Depending on the type of filler used, they can also be employed for lip augmentation, scar filling, and overall skin improvement.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Naturally occurring in the body, HA fillers are popular due to their safety, versatility, and natural-looking results. They are particularly appreciated for their reversibility — they can be dissolved if needed.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Comprising microscopic spheres suspended in a gel, CaHA fillers stimulate collagen production while providing immediate volume. They offer longer-lasting results than HA fillers but are not dissolvable.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA): Known as bio-stimulating injections, PLLA fillers gradually stimulate collagen production, making them ideal for deeper wrinkles and significant volume loss. Results appear over time and typically require multiple sessions.
Polycaprolactone (PCL): These biodegradable fillers restore volume and rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen production. PCL fillers are long-lasting, gradually breaking down over time while promoting natural collagen growth.
Why Do People Choose Dermal Fillers?
- Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Fillers effectively minimise the appearance of wrinkles by restoring volume and plumping the skin.
- Restoring Facial Volume: With age, the face loses volume, leading to a hollow or sunken appearance. Fillers replenish this lost volume.
- Enhancing Facial Contours: Fillers can be strategically used to sculpt and define features like the jawline and chin.
- Lip Augmentation: Fillers can add volume and shape to the lips.
- Non-Surgical Option: Fillers offer a non-surgical alternative to procedures like facelifts, with fewer risks and quicker recovery.
- Reversibility: HA fillers, in particular, can be partially or fully reversed if the results are unsatisfactory.
Treatment Areas
Dermal fillers can be injected into various areas of the face:
- Lips: Enhance size, shape, and definition
- Cheeks: Restore lost fullness and provide a lifted appearance
- Nasolabial Folds: Smooth and reduce the depth of these lines
- Marionette Lines: Soften lines and restore youthful contours
- Tear Troughs/Under-Eye Hollows: Address hollows and dark circles
- Temples: Restore volume and balance
- Jawline and Chin: Enhance contour and definition
- Hands: Rejuvenate the appearance by adding volume
The Consultation Process
Your first consultation with Dr Lindsay covers:
- Discussion of Concerns and Goals: Exploring how dermal fillers can help achieve your aesthetic goals
- Medical History: Reviewing your medical history to ensure treatment is safe and suitable
- Facial Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your facial structure and concerns
- Treatment Plan: Explaining the types of fillers available, their benefits, risks, and expected outcomes
- Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions: Detailed instructions to ensure the best possible outcomes
How Long Do Results Last?
Longevity depends on several factors including the type of filler, the area treated, individual metabolism, and lifestyle:
- HA fillers (Restylane, Juvederm) — 6 to 18 months
- CaHA or PLLA — up to two years or more
- Areas with more movement (lips, around the mouth) — may not last as long as static areas
