As we grow older, our skin gradually loses the collagen that helps to shape and support it. Natural lines and wrinkles deepen. Sun exposure, smoking, air pollution and even stress can all age your appearance. The face can also begin to lose volume giving sunken cheeks and a dragged down appearance. Dermal fillers, made of hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite can help you to gently erase wrinkles and add volume to your skin in a subtle way.
What are hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite?
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar (polysaccharide) that is naturally occurring in body tissues, such as skin and cartilage. It is able to combine with water and swell causing a smoothing/filling effect. When we are born, we have huge stocks of hyaluronic acid in our bodies and thanks to that our skin is elastic and plump. As we age, its levels decrease meaning that our skin is less well supported and hydrated, allowing lines and wrinkles to develop. Injected hyaluronic acid is non-toxic and biocompatible and it does not interfere with natural body processes. As it is gradually reabsorbed, it stimulates the creation of collagen. Which means that even when its completely gone, the skin is considerably more hydrated and has more elasticity that before the treatment.
Calcium hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a type of mineral that is commonly found in human teeth and bones. It causes the increase of skin density and improves its structure without leading to considerable increase in its volume. Products used as dermafilters ( Acid. Hyaluronic acid, Hydroxyapatite( Radiesse) Policaprolactone (Ellanse)
What are indications for dermal fillers injections?
Dermal fillers are most often used for:
- modelling the contour of the face (e.g. augmenting cheeks)
- removing or softening frown lines between the eyebrows
- reducing the wrinkles that can appear at the corners of the lips
- enhancing the lips and improving their profile
- filling out depressions (hollows) under the eye area
- making indented scars from acne or chicken pox more even
- adding volume and smoothing out the deep creases that run from nose to the mouth (called nasolabial folds or laugh lines)
What are the contraindications to dermal fillers injections?
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
- autoimmune disorders
- active infection near the site of injection - a known allergy/hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid - keloid-prone skin
How is the procedure performed?
Prior to the treatment being carried out, a topical local anaesthetic cream may be applied to ensure the treatment is pain free. Then after cleansing the area to be treated, the doctor injects small amounts of dermal filler directly into the skin using an ultrafine needle. The treatment can take up to 30 minutes and its results can be observed instantly.
What are the post-treatment recommendations?
For two weeks after the treatment, the patient should avoid strong sun exposure as well as heat exposure (sauna).
How long does the desired effect last for?
The effect is instant and it lasts between 9-12 months.
What are the possible adverse effects?
You may experience some slight swelling or bruising to the area being injected but it typically doesn’t last longer than 72 hours. In case of allergic reactions observed, please contact the doctor immediately.