Zen2skin Aesthetics Ltd
Now offering Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers
What are these and how can they help?
Dermal filler is a gel-like substance containing hyaluronic acid. This acid is also present in the skin and is responsible for retaining moisture and keeping the skin plump. By adding hyaluronic acid to the skin, dermal filler adds volume by attracting and holding on to moisture. This results in a lifting and smoothing effect. Dermal fillers also stimulate collagen production over several weeks thus strengthening the skin. The main brands of fillers are Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero and Teosyal. Most fillers contain lidocaine which helps reduce discomfort during injections. At zen2skin we only use high-quality fillers .
What are the benefits of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers provide a fast and effective method of creating a youthful and refreshed look. The procedure is minimally invasive with little downtime. The results are visible instantly and continue to improve due to filler absorbing water and causing collagen stimulation. Fillers can correct lines, add volume, enhance facial features and also help in lifting the face. They are great at improving the ageing skin and give it a youthful plumpness. Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible as they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase (Hyalase) which turns the filler into water. Hence most of the complications can be easily resolved in this way.
The main treatment areas for dermal fillers are:
After Treatment
Minor side effects are bruising, redness and swelling which usually resolves within 2 weeks. The filler can sometimes migrate away from the site of injection into the adjacent area resulting in a displeasing aesthetic look. It is easily corrected by dissolving the filler and repeating the initial procedure. If the filler comes up to the surface of the skin, it may present as a swelling that does not settle after 2 weeks. Occasionally it may give a blueish hue as the light hits it. This is called the Tyndall effect. It can be resolved by dissolving the filler that has surfaced.
Dermal filler can aggregate and lump which requires an injection of hyalase, an enzyme that breaks the filler and turns it into water. Rarely the filler may form a hard lump that does not respond to hyalase. Such a lump is called a granuloma which requires a steroid injection to break it. A much rarer problem with fillers is the formation of a biofilm. The filler can get infected and harbour bacteria. Luckily this problem is rare but it does require treatment. In such a case the filler will need to be dissolved and oral antibiotics may be needed for several weeks.
Complications
The most serious (but rare) complication of dermal filler arises if it is injected into an artery. The filler can block the artery and therefore the blood supply of the tissues. This is an emergency as without immediate treatment, the tissue will start to suffer. The filler needs to be dissolved immediately with Hyalase until the blood supply is re-established. Due to the temporary interruption of the blood supply, the tissue will become swollen and painful. It is often necessary to give a course of antibiotics and steroids to resolve the inflammation and possible infection.
If the filler is injected into an artery, it can rarely embolise. This means that it can travel through the arterial network and block the retinal artery leading to blindness. This complication is RARE. With millions of dermal filler injections carried out each year, there have only been under 100 cases of blindness. This makes the risk minimal.
So how can the complications be avoided or minimised? Firstly, go to a reputable clinic where the treatment is being carried out by an experienced medical professional. Do not go to a cut price clinic. The reason they are selling treatments cheap is because they have not spent much time or money on their own training and education. They are not using high quality products and they won’t be able to deal with complications if they occur.
At zen2skin we have invested in training to improve our sills and deal with any complications. We use a blunt cannula in high risk areas such as the tear trough. We always keep emergency supplies to use in case a problem occurs. We ensure proper sterilisation of the injection site to reduce infection risk. We use the best quality fillers that integrate well with the skin.
Dermal Fillers
What is the downtime with dermal fillers?
Dermal filler is a gel-like substance containing hyaluronic acid. This acid is also present in the skin and is responsible for retaining moisture and keeping the skin plump. By adding hyaluronic acid to the skin, dermal filler adds volume by attracting and holding on to moisture. This results in a lifting and smoothing effect. Dermal fillers also stimulate collagen production over several weeks thus strengthening the skin. The main brands of fillers are Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero and Teosyal. Most fillers contain lidocaine which helps reduce discomfort during injections. At zen2skin we only use high-quality fillers .
How long do dermal fillers last?
Results last 6-12 or sometimes up to 18 months. The longevity depends on how fast your body breaks it down.