Dermal Filler Treatments

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar chain molecule found in all skin and soft tissues throughout the body, identical across species.

Dermal fillers are manufactured, usually through fermentation and cross linking with proteins to produce a clear, sterile gel for injection into the skin.

In the UK, there are over 160 brands on the market due in some part to weak regulation.  Not all hyaluronic acids are the same, each brand has a range of ‘tissue tailored’ products designed for specific results. One size does not fit all. At Horrington Clinic we use only tried and tested brands. If you have a particular brand you prefer, please discuss with us.

Leading and well-established brands include Juvederm®, Restylane®, Belotero®, Aliaxin® (this list is not exhaustive).

Scheduling

Because bruising and swelling can occur and may take time to settle, it is not advisable to have treatment just before an important event. Although the majority of patients suffer only minor side effects related to the injections, it is best to allow sufficient time for any possible side effects to resolve. A minimum of 2-4 weeks is recommended. Emma will advise. Do not schedule treatment when you have other procedures planned, without first discussing with Emma. This includes, but is not limited to massage, facials, dental appointments and surgery.

It is best not to schedule treatment just before a holiday abroad. Discuss with Emma.

How to prepare for treatment?

Do read all the information provided to you and highlight anything you need to ask about. Check the clinic terms and conditions before attending.

Make-up

All make up will need to be removed prior to treatment, so please come ‘fresh faced’ if possible.

Check medicines and supplements

Aspirin, Ibuprofen and a range of dietary supplements including St. John’s Wort, fish oils, Gingko Biloba, Vitamins C and E may all contribute to bruising and are best avoided 24 hours before treatment.

Alcohol

Don’t drink alcohol the night before, it will increase your risk of bruising.

Healthy skin and feeling well?

Check with Emma before attending if any of the following apply:

• Cold sore, brewing, active or recent and not quite healed
• Acne break-out
• Feeling unwell, including colds, coughs, sore throats etc.
• New diagnosis or medicines
• New injury for which you are taking pain medicines
• Appointments with the dentist; recent, or planned within 10 days of the treatment
• Travel plans within 10 days of the treatment.

Bring your reading glasses with you.

Jewelry

Leave jewelry at home, especially large earrings, or facial piercings, bring a purse to keep them safely if you have to remove.

 

Hyaluronic Acid dermal fillers are a clear sterile gel in a syringe for injection into the skin providing instant correction. Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds water in the skin, providing volume and hydration, but also ‘cushioning’ and supporting collagen and elastin fibres and providing a medium, or carrier, for chemical messages between the cells.

Dermal fillers are safe, but not risk free. Emma will discuss all the risks and benefits with you at the consultation and again prior to treatment.

Emma will take a detailed medical history to ensure you have no conditions that might increase risk of unwanted side effects, consultation is also important to discuss your expectations and whether this treatment is able to meet them.

Treatment need not be painful.

Most leading brands also contain a local anaesthetic, and we can/will apply topical anaesthetic cream, or ice, prior to treatment to numb the skin.

Longevity does vary between products, and between individuals, but most will last between 6 months and 18 months.  Life-style factors can effect longevity.  If you choose not to maintain the results with further treatment, your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.

Most people can continue with normal activities with immediate improvement in their appearance. Some will have some redness, pin prick marks, possibly swelling- particularly in the lips. Possibly bruising. Any swelling and bruising may be more apparent the next day.

For 6 hours

To avoid infection:

• Do not reapply make-up
• Do not wear tight head-gear such as bike or cycle helmets, or riding hats.  These will not be clean and may increase risk of infection.
• Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face
• Avoid using your mobile phone against the treated area
• Don’t let pets lick your face
• Sleep on clean pillow cases

Until any redness, swelling or bruising has settled

To minimize discomfort and help it settle, avoid extremes of heat or cold or vigorous exercise, until any swelling, bruising or tenderness has settled.

Swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours, and then should settle within the first few days. Cold packs can be helpful in reducing swelling. Be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin or for too long. This can cause a ‘freeze burn’. Because of swelling, the product may feel harder or lumpy and you may notice some asymmetry. The final result may be judged at 2 weeks.

Bruising may take a few days to appear, arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising.  It is advisable to avoid aspirin and alcohol for 12-48 hours after treatment. Tenderness should settle as swelling goes down. If you have bruising which concerns you, do contact the clinic for further advice.

Athletes should be aware some ingredients in the product may show a positive in ‘anti-dope tests’

Please contact your clinician urgently if the skin appears pale, dusky, or mottled, these are symptoms which may indicate the filler is obstructing a blood vessel. These symptoms occur within hours rather than days.

Contact the clinic without delay if redness, tenderness, itching or swelling worsens after 3 days, rather than settling.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.