Dermal fillers – the how, why and what

Over time our skin inevitably ages, and every single one of us will experience the effects of it to a certain extent. But, for some of us those changes will come too soon or will simply be unwelcome, and that perhaps explains the rise in popularity of dermal fillers. But just what are these fillers, how do they work and why do we need them? Here’s a quick overview to help you decide if fillers are right for you.

Why do we need fillers?

As we age our skin loses some of its elasticity, volume and firmness which can result in loose skin, wrinkles and a more sunken appearance. These changes are an unfortunate fact of life with genetics, general ageing and external factors all taking their toll, with the structure of the skin and the oils within it all being affected, but not all of us want to put up with such changes. Many of us long to get back some of that youthful fullness which is why many choose to invest in fillers, and they can be used to great effect.

What are they and how do they work?

Fillers can essentially be thought of as “liquid facelifts” – they have the ability to restore volume, smooth creases and re-build the proportions of the face, all whilst being minimally invasive with little or no downtime. They produce instant and visible results with the injected liquid quite literally filling the desired areas, plumping up lines and wrinkles and restoring lost volume in other areas of the face (such as the cheeks and lips), and the skill of the right surgeon will ensure it stays looking natural too. Most fillers are derived from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance usually present in the skin which becomes depleted with age, meaning there’s little chance of an allergic reaction.

Type of filler to consider

Fillers can be used to target a number of different areas of the face and there are several brands to choose from, with some of the most popular being Juvaderm, Restylane and Perlane. These are all hyaluronic acid-based and are particularly suitable for wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead, and are commonly used for lip enhancement too with results usually lasting between 6 and 12 months. Radiesse is another option, this time using Calcium Hydroxylapatite as its base, with results typically lasting up to two years as it promotes the production of the individual’s own collagen as well as having its own volumising effects. It’s often used for facial wrinkles and can also be ideal for cheek enhancement, being firmer and more permanent than HA-based fillers.

Get the treatment you need

If you’re considering investing in these fillers you’re of course going to want exceptional results, and a lot of that comes down to the clinic you use. Well, why not get in touch? As a leading provider of plastic surgery in London we can offer a range of fillers that can deliver effective, lasting results for a lot of our clients, so make sure to see what we can do and you could soon notice the difference.