Dermal Fillers

There is a difference between the botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. The former relaxes the muscles whereas the fillers fill and plump up lines, wrinkles and grooves to make the skin look more youthful. Fillers usually consist of sterile hyaluronic acid gels made from non-animal sources. Hyaluronic acid is also naturally produced by our bodies and helps hydrate the skin, maintaining structure and volume. However as we age this production is reduced, causing loss of volume which creates folds, creases and fine lines on our faces. Injecting fillers into the skin acts to replace the hyaluronic acid that is lost with age. They are also used for lip enhancement and for shaping facial, hand and neck contours.

The injections, which only take a few minutes, are done with gel injections that contain local anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort. This serves to reduce or prevent any discomfort. The effect of the treatment is visible immediately. The treatment is not permanent, reversible and is long lasting. Depending on the area treated, skin type and the injection technique, the filler effect can last between six and 12 months (usually six months for lips). Follow-up treatments will help to maintain the plumped up look over time.