Dermal Fillers Demystified – What Do They Really Do?

Ever gazed at your reflection, and wished you could roll back the years? Despite our hectic lives, the strain of everyday life can have a lasting impact – but what if I told you that there’s a way to press pause on ageing with dermal fillers? What do dermal fillers do, you ask? 

Imagine an artist adding volume to their canvas with careful strokes – that’s exactly how these treatments work! They restore lost volume in your face, making wrinkles less noticeable and enhancing facial contours.

You might be thinking this is too good to be true. But stick around – we’re going into detail about everything from types of fillers to aftercare tips for optimal results. You’ll learn not just the benefits but also potential risks involved. This isn’t merely a beauty trend; it’s an investment in yourself!

Enhance Your Facial Features with Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a wonder of modern aesthetics, and they’ve been transforming the way we approach facial rejuvenation. These nifty little injections offer a non-surgical route to enhancing your facial features, giving you that youthful glow without going under the knife.

How does this magic work? It’s all about volume restoration and contouring. When injected into targeted areas on your face, dermal fillers act like tiny pillows of youthfulness – plumping up sagging skin, smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, and restoring lost volume in places where age has taken its toll.

You might be thinking: “All these benefits from just one treatment?” Yes. That’s what makes Dr Sheila’s dermal filler treatments so popular amongst her Harley Street clientele. They get results fast!

The Science Behind Dermal Fillers

To really understand how these injections can transform your look, let’s dive into some science. The key ingredient in most dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). This substance naturally occurs in our bodies – it helps keep our skin hydrated and elastic but sadly decreases as we age.

Dermal fillers packed with HA mimic this natural component of our skin when injected back into those troublesome areas on the face which have lost their lustre over time. They literally ‘fill’ the space left by diminishing HA levels resulting in smoother contours instantly.

Finding Confidence With Enhanced Features

If there’s something holding you back from feeling confident or looking fresh-faced then remember: no part of aging should make you feel less than fabulous. And that’s where dermal fillers can help.

Maybe your lips need a bit of plumping, or perhaps the lines around your mouth are making you look more tired than you feel. Don’t fret. A simple lip filler treatment or targeted injections could be all it takes to reclaim your youthful vigour.

The Dr Sheila Difference

Thinking about dermal fillers? You’ll want a pro who really knows their game, like Dr. Sheila. She’s got years of experience and plenty of awards to her name.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers, loved by many for their immediate results, have more benefits than meet the eye. From restoring volume to smoothing wrinkles and lines, they’re a non-surgical solution that can give you that youthful boost.

Improved Facial Contours

Dermal fillers are great at adding definition to your face. They can sculpt and enhance features such as cheeks or jawline. Like moulding clay on an art project, it lets you subtly alter your look.

The magic lies in hyaluronic acid – a substance naturally present in our bodies but diminishes with age. When injected into the skin as dermal filler material, it binds water molecules together, giving firmness and shape back to areas which may have lost volume over time.

Volume Restoration

A common sign of ageing is losing facial fat leading to sagging skin. Dermal fillers step up here too. By injecting them into specific points on the face like cheekbones or under-eye area, we get plumper skin – like inflating deflated balloons.

Beyond aesthetics though: did you know some types of dermal fillers also stimulate collagen production? Collagen keeps our skin firm and elastic, but unfortunately, its production slows down as we age. By stimulating collagen growth, dermal fillers offer long-term benefits to your skin’s health.

Reduced Appearance of Wrinkles

Ever wondered why babies have such smooth skin? They’re full of hyaluronic acid. As it reduces over time, our skin loses hydration and elasticity leading to wrinkles. Dermal fillers can step in here too – smoothing out those pesky lines by replacing lost hyaluronic acid.

Types of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are like the artists’ tools in an aesthetician’s palette. They let us enhance, sculpt, and redefine your facial features with precision. But just as every artist needs a variety of brushes to create their masterpiece, we use different types of dermal fillers for unique results.

The most common type is hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. HA is naturally found in our skin which makes it a safe option. It adds volume and smoothens wrinkles by retaining water like a sponge.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: The Sponge Effect

Juvederm and Restylane are popular brands that offer hyaluronic acid-based products. Think of them as small sponges injected under your skin; they absorb water and expand to add volume where needed. These treatments can last from six months up to two years based on the specific product used.

Poly-L-lactic Acid: A Stimulant for Your Skin

Then there’s Sculptra Aesthetic made from Poly-L-lactic acid – not exactly a filler but more like an invigorator. Rather than simply filling areas with substance, it stimulates your own body’s collagen production over time – now that’s natural beauty.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite: Mimicking Bone Minerals

Radiesse consists mainly of Calcium Hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in gel carrier – sounds scientific right? Well this compound closely resembles minerals found within our bones hence integrating seamlessly into tissue without causing allergic reactions or inflammation.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): The Long-lasting One

Bellafill contains tiny beads of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) that provide a support matrix for lasting results. PMMA fillers are considered semi-permanent because they stay in place longer than other types, up to five years or more.

What to Expect from a Dermal Filler Treatment

A dermal filler treatment is an effective way to rejuvenate your appearance. But, what should you expect when getting one? Let’s shed some light on this.

Preparation Stage

Prior to the treatment, your aesthetician will hold a consultation with you. This is where they’ll discuss your beauty goals and assess if dermal fillers are suitable for you. 

It’s also the perfect time for any questions or concerns that may be on your mind. If you’re currently using any medications, then you should let the team know as you might need to avoid certain medications before the procedure!

Treatment Process

The actual process of injecting dermal fillers typically takes around 30-45 minutes. During this time, Dr Sheila uses fine needles or cannulas to inject the filler into targeted areas of your face. The experience can feel slightly uncomfortable but not painful due to the use of local anaesthetic cream prior injection.

Risks and Side Effects

All procedures come with potential risks and side effects – dermal fillers are no exception. Some people might notice temporary redness or swelling at injection sites after their treatment session; however these symptoms usually subside within hours post-procedure.

For more detailed information about potential complications associated with these treatments, check out NHS guidance here.

Post-Treatment Care

Caring properly for yourself after receiving a dermal filler procedure could enhance the results’ longevity. You’re encouraged not to touch the treated area within six hours post-treatment. Also, staying out of direct sunlight and avoiding intense exercise for a couple of days after your session is advisable.

If you follow these steps carefully, it’s likely that you’ll enjoy the benefits of dermal fillers – such as improved facial contours and volume restoration – for up to 18 months.

Risks and Side Effects of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers can give you a more youthful look, but like all treatments, they carry some risks. Injection-site reactions such as bruising, redness, swelling or discomfort are the most common side effects of dermal fillers and usually resolve within two weeks.

These symptoms typically disappear within two weeks. Despite the common side effects, there is a risk of infection or allergic reactions which is why it’s important to choose an experienced aesthetician like Dr Sheila. This is why it’s vital to choose an experienced aesthetician like Dr Sheila.

Bruising and Swelling

Bruises may appear after your treatment due to needle insertion into your skin. Although temporary, these bruises might make you feel self-conscious for a while.

Swelling too is expected following the procedure. Applying cold compresses can help reduce this symptom which should subside in a few days.

Allergic Reactions

An uncommon yet possible risk with dermal fillers involves allergic reactions. Symptoms range from itchiness and rash to difficulty breathing if severe enough.

If any unusual symptoms occur post-treatment such as intense pain or visible lumps under the skin – don’t hesitate. Seek immediate medical attention.

Infection Risk

A slight possibility exists that an infection could develop after getting dermal fillers although proper hygiene practices during treatment greatly minimise this risk.

To protect yourself further against infections post-procedure: keep touching your face to a minimum; cleanse gently using mild products; avoid strenuous activities causing excessive sweat for 24-48 hours afterwards; stay out of hot tubs/saunas for up until two weeks following treatment – heat can exacerbate inflammation thus increasing infection risk.

Long-term Complications

Rarely, some patients may experience nodules or granulomas – hard lumps under the skin that might need surgical removal. Also, in rare cases, dermal fillers can block a blood vessel causing serious complications such as tissue death or blindness.

This is why choosing an experienced aesthetician like Dr Sheila who understands facial anatomy and uses safe injection techniques is of paramount importance for your safety and results. Never attempt to inject yourself or look for a cheaper alternative to professional, accredited and award-winning doctors like Dr Sheila – most of the horror stories you see are from at-home or medical clinics abroad!

Choosing the Right Aesthetician for Your Dermal Filler Treatment

Picking an aesthetician is as crucial as choosing your treatment. Why? Because you need someone who knows their stuff and can give you results that look natural, not overdone.

Your aesthetician should have extensive experience in administering dermal fillers. Enquire as to how long they have been performing such treatments and what kind of instruction they possess.

Harley Street, known for its world-class medical practitioners, houses many qualified aestheticians like Dr Sheila. But how do you choose the right one?

Look at Their Qualifications

You wouldn’t let just anyone mess with your face, would you? So make sure your chosen aesthetician has proper qualifications. Check if they are registered with a professional body such as The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) among others.

Evaluate Before-and-After Photos

A picture paints a thousand words – especially when it comes to aesthetics. Reviewing before-and-after photos can give a good indication of an aesthetician’s skill level.

Check Out Reviews

Taking time to read reviews from previous clients will provide insights into other people’s experiences. This will help paint a realistic expectation of potential outcomes from the treatments offered by the practitioner.

Consider Their Approach to Consultation

The consultation process plays a pivotal role in determining whether or not an aesthetician understands your needs and desires effectively. It should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch.

Comfort Level

You need to feel comfortable with your aesthetician. After all, they will be working on one of the most visible parts of your body – your face. Trusting your aesthetician and feeling relaxed in their care is essential for a successful dermal filler experience.

Remember: Your choice of aesthetician can make or break your experience with dermal fillers. Choose wisely.

Aftercare Tips for Optimal Results from Your Dermal Filler Treatment

Your skin deserves the best care after a dermal filler treatment. Proper aftercare can help you get optimal results, enhancing your refreshed look.

1. Keep Hydrated and Healthy

A key tip is to stay hydrated; drinking water helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and smoothness, supporting the fillers’ effects. A healthy diet rich in vitamins also aids in faster recovery and maintaining that youthful glow.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures such as saunas or direct sunlight post-treatment, which could cause swelling or discomfort.

3. Follow Skincare Routine Diligently

Cleansing gently without rigorous rubbing is recommended so as not to disturb the treated area. Also, moisturising regularly will keep your skin supple while helping it heal smoothly.  (source)

Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend.

You should always use sunscreen when stepping out because UV rays can degrade fillers over time leading to reduced longevity of their effects.

The ‘Two-Week’ Rule

This rule advises patients not to make any judgments about their new appearance until two weeks have passed since the procedure because this period allows for natural settling of fillers and reduction of any potential bruising or swelling.

4. Gentle Exercise

Gentle exercise can be resumed after a day, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 48 hours to prevent moving the filler or causing increased swelling.

5. Regular Follow-ups

Don’t neglect to maintain your consultations with Dr. Sheila for examinations. She’ll ensure that everything is as it should be and give you any more tips your unique skin might need for after-care!

FAQs in Relation to What Dermal Fillers Do

How long does a dermal filler last?

Dermal fillers can typically last for 6 to 18 months, depending on the type used and your body’s metabolism.

What does dermal filler do to your face?

Dermal fillers plump up the skin, smooth wrinkles, and restore lost volume, giving you a fresher look without undergoing surgery.

What is the purpose of dermal fillers?

The main purpose of dermal fillers is to rejuvenate facial features by replacing lost collagen and stimulating new growth for a youthful appearance.

Do fillers work better than Botox?

Botox freezes muscles to reduce lines, while fillers add volume. Both have their merits but are used for different cosmetic goals. It depends on what you’re after.

Conclusion

What a journey we’ve had, delving into the world of dermal fillers! We’ve seen exactly what do dermal fillers do, and it’s pretty remarkable.

The potential for enhanced facial features is astounding. The ability to restore volume and contour is truly transformative. Investing in yourself is not only about achieving beauty, but also taking care of your wellbeing.

Risks are there, no doubt about that. Yet with a skilled aesthetician on Harley Street, London – those risks can be minimised.

We’ve also touched upon aftercare tips to get optimal results from your treatment. A bit of self-care post-treatment goes a long way!

So take charge today – embrace change with confidence knowing what awaits you on the other side of your first dermal filler treatment!

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