What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers can be used to soften lines, folds, wrinkles, or to give volume or mild lift. At the Fitzgerald Private Clinic we use premium the FDA-approved Juvederm® range of dermal fillers. These are all temporary hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. HA is a natural substance found in most tissues in the body where it binds to water molecules giving volume, shape, hydration and elasticity. HA dermal fillers are broken down and absorbed by the body over time. They are also dissolvable.
The most common areas treated with dermal fillers are the mid-face (cheeks) and lips. Other areas include the nasolabial area (nose to mouth furrows), marionettes, temples, chin, tear trough, nose and jawline. We can restore volume that has been lost over time, or enhance other areas eg lips.
Treatment involves gently injecting the dermal filler under the skin with needle or microcannula. For most parts of the face no numbing is required before treating with dermal fillers. For lip enhancement we offer complete numbing with a dental block prior to treatment to ensure the treatment is as painless as possible.
Our aim at the Fitzgerald Private Clinic is to enhance your appearance rather than change it.
How long do they last?
Depending on the type of dermal filler used and the area treated, the effect can last anywhere from 6-24 months. Hyaluronic acid is broken down in the body at different rates by different people. Also, dermal filler in areas where there is a lot of movement, for example in the lips or around the mouth, will break down more quickly.
Who is not suitable for this treatment?
Your suitability for dermal filler treatment will be discussed at your consultation. Some of the situations where dermal fillers should be avoided include: pregnancy, breastfeeding, active inflammation (coldsores, skin infection, any infection in the body), certain dental treatments, some medical conditions that affect your immune system and some medications.
What are the risks and potential side effects?
Bruising and swelling may be present after a procedure, therefore it is best to plan dermal filler treatments at least 2 weeks before a major event or holiday. With careful treatment and aftercare potential risks are reduced, but as with any procedure, it is important to be aware of these. Complications such as infection or vascular occlusion (blockage to a blood vessel) are rare but can occur. It is important that your dermal filler treatment is performed by a fully qualified medical professional with advanced training to keep complication risk to a minimum.
Aftercare
It is recommended that you do not use makeup for 12 hours following treatment and that any extended exposure to the sun, UV rays, saunas and temperatures below 0’C be avoided for two weeks afterwards.