Dermal Fillers
Everyone will notice . No one will know
What exactly are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are gel-like substances that are manufactured for injecting to decrease lines and wrinkles, lift and stimulate skin and improve facial contours. The exact ingredients of the Fillers depends on what the Doctor is trying to achieve. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most well-known fillers and are usually used to lift and fill tissues. Other molecules include Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CA-HA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). These are best known for their bio-stimulating effects. There is no immediate filling effect, rather they work on the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate fibroblasts to create more collagen, elastin and intrinsic HA.
“When injected, it acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume and elasticity due to aging and other causes. It is also hydrates the skin by bringing water to the surface which helps give it a refreshed and more youthful appearance.”
What is a HYBRID Filler? #The FutureIsHybrid
There is only 1 hybrid Filler currently available. This is a unique patented mix of HA and CA-HA, mixed in 1 syringe. This product is designed to be injected in the part of the face just in front of the ear and edge of the jawline…and in this position it provides a powerful lifting effect on the rest of the face. It is a first of its kind.
For those that are nervous of Threads or surgery, this will provide a great option to provide some lift and tightness.
This Filler has the benefits of:
HA – Lifting and CA-HA – Skin BioStimulation.
What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
In its purest essence, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring gel-like substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and add volume to our skin. Natural hyaluronic acid is broken down by the body every few days, so it is constantly replaced—as we age this replacement mechanism diminishes so the moisturising and plumping effects of hyaluronic acid decrease.
HA Fillers are made up of these HA molecules that are cross-linked together to make long chains of HA that are more resistant to being degraded – so that they last for 8-18 months, depending on the type of Filler. The thickness and exact consistency of various fillers are different, so that some are thinner, to be used in delicate areas like lips and under eyes. Other HA Fillers are thicker and used to replace lost volume like in cheeks and jawlines areas.
There is also a novel new type of HA Filler – the first of its kind, and is a revolutionary ‘beneath the skin’ HA moisturising treatment, made with the patented NAHYCO® technology. This results in a unique HA injectable gel, which has a prolonged stimulating activity on the dermal cells. When injected just beneath skin, it stimulates the skin cell receptors to counteract skin laxity and improve and restore firmness of the skin.
Another sub-class similar to this are also the HA Fillers designed to be “Skin Boosters”. These finer HA Fillers are injected quite superficially, just under the skin to boost and feed the dermal layers. They are injected with a technique called mesotherapy into areas where the skin needs help.
What is Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CA-HA)?
This molecule is also found naturally in your bone. When used as an ingredient in Dermal Fillers, small microspheres of CA-HA form a matrix in the deep dermis that allows fibroblasts to attach to it. Here they release new collagen and elastin fibres, as well as extracellular matrix, that causes skin to naturally thicken and become more robust. The CA-HA naturally degrades over time.
“When injected, it acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume and elasticity due to aging and other causes. It is also hydrates the skin by bringing water to the surface which helps give it a refreshed and more youthful appearance.”
Medical Fun-Fact: Hyaluronic acid is used for aesthetic treatments, and has ALSO been used by doctors for injection into arthritic joints to aid movement as well as eye surgery. It is administered through a needle or cannula (blunt-tipped tube) and bears the important distinction of being a substance that is very well tolerated by the human body.
Click on the FAQ below for more information
Yes, the aesthetic results can be immediate, unlike wrinkle reducing injections which takes a few days to start working. You’ll see the results as soon as the injections are completed. There is often then some swelling (this usually settles within 48 hours), and bruising is possible. And the result usually improves even more over the subsequent 2 weeks.
For BioStimulators and Hybrid Fillers, the effects of skin and collagen stimulation can take some time. On a microscopic level, new collagen can be seen as early as 1 week after injection. But a visible effect may take as long as 3-12 months. So patience is key!
This depends on a number of factors including age, the area you have had treated, the quantity of dermal filler injected, the quality of skin, your lifestyle and state of health. On average the effects can be expected to last 10-18 months.
Some of the BioStimulators have effects that are peaking at around 12 months, with effects on skin quality that can be seen for a long time afterwards.
The healthier and younger you are, often the more robust the results. Being a smoker will also have negative effects on outcomes. There is a natural variability in how long your Fillers will last. This is built into each individual. Some people naturally break it down faster. Your Doctor will help your understand and discover this for yourself.
Many patients like to book top-up injections as well as repeat injections to maintain the effects of treatment. Coming back to re-treat an area can happen around 12 months if the area was treated optimally at the first visit.
If the area was only partially treated, a top-up can happen relatively soon, even from 1 month onwards.
Ask Dr. Mel for advice about amounts of Filler for optimal results, aftercare and repeat treatments. It is very rare that full face concerns can be “fixed” with only 1 or 2 vials of Filler…
There are different strengths and thickness of HA Fillers to suit treating certain areas. Thinner, finer Fillers are best suited to defining lip borders, eliminating “smoker’s lines” and finer facial lines. Thicker Fillers help add volume to lips, treat nasolabial lines, and rejuvenate hands and the mouth area. The most volumising Fillers replace lost volume in cheeks and re-contour the cheekbones and chin, offering a smoother, more youthful appearance that lasts up to 18 months.
BioStimulating Fillers are a whole different class of “Fillers”. They don’t really fill as such (except for the new Hybrid Filler), but rather have a gradual effect that comes with time. The new Hybrid Filler has both immediate as well as long term benefits.
We advise you to avoid using aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) a couple of days before any anti-wrinkle treatments (unless they are taken for chronic medical conditions). Avoiding these medications will reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the point of injection.
Avoiding alcohol and omega oils before is also of benefit in minimising the risk of bruising.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Please don’t come for Fillers if you have been ill, recently vaccinated or have been to the dentist – usually all of these for the last 2-4 weeks prior.
Ask Dr. Mel if you have any concerns or are unsure. If you have any chronic medical complaints you are worried may be a problem with Aesthetic Injections, please check with the Clinic as you are booking your consult and treatment.
The dermal fillers and wrinkle reducing injections work in different ways.
Dermal Fillers mimic the hydrating and lifting effect of your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid (HA), which keeps the skin hydrated and elastic. It fills in and smoothes away facial lines and acne scars, other skin contour deficiencies, and lost volume. The most appropriate lines to treat with dermal fillers are those that are described as static—this means the deep facial lines you can see when your face is still. Static lines are due to lack of elasticity of the skin caused by sun damage, smoking, and unfortunately genetics.
Wrinkle reducing injections works in a targeted way to relax the tiny muscles that cause frown lines, therefore is best used to smooth out dynamic wrinkles (those caused by underlying muscle movements).
These injections are NOT the same, and it takes the expertise of the Doctor to know what treatments are best to treat your individual concerns.
Dermal Fillers come in syringes, and a certain amount of the products are needed to create the effect you require. It is important to have a full consult with the Doctor beforehand as different patients require different amounts of Filler, as do different areas being treated. The best option is to make an appointment for a consultation to discuss what would work best for you. No 2 patients are the same!
I am sure you need a guide…. a single basic starting treatment will never be lower than R4000 (cost as per January 2023), and will go up from there.
Often, treatments are done in sessions that are a few weeks or months apart to allow you to plan and budget accordingly.
The smooth consistency of the dermal fillers allows Dr. Mel to administer it easily and smoothly. Dr Mel will apply a local anaesthetic cream beforehand to make the experience more comfortable, and inject anaesthetic if necessary. Some of the dermal fillers also contain a local anaesthetic to make the injections even more comfortable. Discuss any concerns you have with the Dr . Mel beforehand who will explain the various options thoroughly.
The injection process takes a mere 15-30 minutes, you’ll also need to allow time to discuss what you are hoping to achieve with Dr.Mel before treatment.
Absolutely not! You can have an appointment then get right back to your normal routine.
Following injection, you may experience slight redness, swelling or bruising at the injected area. Please be assured that these side effects should not last and, after waiting a short while can be easily covered up with your usual makeup. Some areas are more prone to bruising and Dr.Mel will discuss this with you beforehand.
All skin injection procedures carry a small risk of infection which is minimised by using good sterile technique.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance; it’s actually a type of sugar. So the product itself is very safe to add to the skin. It has been used for a number of medical applications for many years including joint problems, eye conditions as well as skin lifting.
As with any treatment, there are a few minor risks. The HA is injected using a fine needle, and there is a risk of slight bruising, redness, bleeding or temporary discolouration at the area that has been treated. To discuss any concerns you may have about anti-ageing treatment with dermal fillers it’s best to discuss your options with Dr. Mel.
There is no upper or lower age limit for anti-ageing treatment with the dermal fillers (except for children), but those patients with very thin skin will need different treatment than those with thicker skin. Dermal fillers are a colourless gel injected into the skin. Dr. Mel will be able to advise on whether you are well-suited for treatment, and which product is best for which indication.
Dermal Fillers for Hands
Hands lose volume over time, similar to what happens in our faces. The volume loss occurs between the tendons, leaving the hands looking skeletal and thin. Aged hands also often look dehydrated with the overlying skin being very crepey.
Dermal Filler is placed under the skin with a cannula, in the web spaces where volume has been mossed. The hands regain a softened look, and the skin appears plump and hydrated. Results of hand filler should last approximately 1 year, and look their best 2-3 weeks after the procedure itself.
Slide on image left to right to see before & after photo
Results may vary. Unretouched photos taken before treatment and 1 month after treatment with 1.2 mL of JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC in the lips
Results may vary. Unretouched photos taken before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment. A total of 3.0 mL of JUVÉDERM® XC was injected into the parentheses, marionette, corner, and vertical lip lines.
Results may vary. Unretouched photos taken before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment. A total of 2.3 mL of JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC was injected in the parentheses, corner and marionette lines