What are dermal fillers?
Dermal filler consists of one of our skin’s naturally occurring sugars, hyaluronic acid (HA).
Natural ageing processes cause the skin to lose its elasticity and volume, leading to lines, hollows and sagging skin. This can leave us looking tired and sunken.
Dermal filler restores volume by stimulating collagen production, and by drawing water to the area where it’s injected. It can erase wrinkles, hydrate the skin’s deeper layers and restore lost volume to hollowed or sunken areas caused by ageing.
Fillers can also be used to augment features, such as emphasising cheekbones, projecting and defining the chin, or even contouring the shape of your nose.
The procedure itself is quick, minimally invasive, and the results can be seen immediately.
There is little-to-no downtime, which means you can return to your usual activities the same day as having your dermal filler injections.
How long do dermal fillers last?
The results from your filler can last from anywhere between 6-24 months. Longevity will depend on the area treated, the type of filler used, and the individual patient.
Different consistencies of filler are used depending on the area of your face, and of course, all results will vary slightly patient to patient.
Our dermal fillers are ethically sourced from reputable pharmaceutical companies.
Where are dermal fillers injected?
Dermal fillers can be placed in many facial planes.
The most common is the subcutaneous layer, which is immediately under the dermis (second layer of the skin). This is a fatty layer of tissue which allows filler to naturally integrate to create smooth contours as well as restore youthful contours.
Filler for areas such as the jawline, cheeks and temples is often placed directly onto the bone. For these treatment areas, a thick filler is used to mimic bone and provide added structure and support.
How long to see results from dermal fillers?
Results from injectable dermal fillers are immediate.
Optimal results usually take 2 weeks to be seen, as mild swelling resolves and filler settles into place.
How to prepare for dermal fillers?
Preparing for your dermal filler appointment is simple.
Come with a face free of skincare products or makeup.
Avoid taking blood thinning medications for 1 week prior to treatment (unless prescribed by your GP/specialist).
Which is the longest lasting dermal filler?
The longer lasting soft tissue fillers are thicker, more cross-linked and have a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid per ml. These fillers are thicker and usually used in areas where we want to mimic bone (jaw/nose/chin etc).
Contour Clinics stocks all brands of dermal fillers that have been scientifically proven to be the longest lasting hyaluronic acid fillers on the market.
What are dermal fillers made from?
Modern smooth injectable gels are made from hyaluronic acid; a naturally occurring substance. This substance is already found naturally in your skin.
The hyaluronic acid is synthesised into a gel form, so that it can be expertly placed to create your desired aesthetic.
How long for dermal fillers to settle?
Dermal fillers usually take 1-2 weeks to settle into place. Over this period, any mild swelling that has occurred will also settle.
How long do dermal fillers take to work?
Dermal fillers take effect immediately, but look their best at the 2 week point, once fillers have settled into place and any mild swelling has resolved.
Do dermal fillers show up on X-rays?
No. If required, smooth injectable gels can be visualised under ultrasound.
Contour Clinics uses ultrasound to identify filler when deemed necessary for certain cases.
How much dermal filler do I need?
This varies depending on the area treated.
The following may be used as a general guide only:
These are on average and not applicable to all patients.
A thorough personalised assessment is recommended to determine the correct quantity for your unique features and your aesthetic goals.
Can you mix dermal filler types?
Although we do not physically mix dermal fillers pre-treatment, it is perfectly fine to place different fillers in the same area at the same time, or at different times.
For example, if you have had dermal filler A in your lips, it is perfectly fine to have dermal filler B into the lips at a separate time.
There is no cross reactivity of injectable fillers.
