As we age, our skin loses its elasticity. There is loss of some of the structural supports such a collagen, elastic fibres and hyaluronic acid, with resulting drooping, wrinkle formation and thinning of the skin. Dermal fillers are a non-surgical treatment used to help correct deep wrinkles, skin depressions or localized scars.

Fillers are injected in the dermal layer (just underneath the skin) to fill out areas of the skin, and can help improve the appearance of crow?s feet wrinkles, laugh lines (nasolabial folds) or small creases around the lips. In addition, they have been used to increase the volume of lips and also to elevate minor depressions of the skin.

There are different types of fillers available, such as Collagen Injections (Zyderm, Zyplast), Polymers (Gortex), Gel Implants (Bio-Alcamid, Hyaluronic Acid), to name but a few. Each of these has their advantages and disadvantages, and there are multiple ways to regain volume and contour of your face and lips.

In general, most fillers are injected with fine hypodermic syringe needles, requiring local anaesthetic only or no local anaesthetic, depending on the area of treatment required and the patient?s level of tolerance. The area injected will swell and redden but these should resolve within a few days, giving a short down-time only.

You should avoid rubbing or massaging the area of injection and keep the injected area clean and dry for the first 24 hours. You should also avoiding direct contact with pets, sunbeds or sun exposure for the same period of time. Alcohol can predispose to tissue swelling and should be avoided, while the intake of aspirin or similar analgesic medications should be discontinued during your treatment period.

For Collagen injections, an allergy test is necessary and this can be applied three to four weeks before commencing injection treatment. Any swelling, redness or discomfort during this period may mean a possible allergic reaction to collagen which means that alternate treatments may be required.

Most of the injectable substances used have a finite life-span, and may be reabsorbed by tissues. They last from between 6 - 9 months on average, depending on the rate of tissue breakdown.

We will provide you with an individualized treatment plan based on your overall rejuvenation programme, utilizing the advantages of each treatment type to best fit with your requirements.

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There is now a wide choice of filler agents available - talk to your surgeon about the best one for you. Accuracy and correct technique are important aspects of injection. Most substances we use are semi-permanent. Fillers are best regarded as adjuncts, rather than as substitutes, for surgery, as some conditions can only be corrected surgically.

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