Dermal Fillers: The Good, The Bad And The…Ugly.

In this blog, we discuss dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid, the good, the bad and the need to knows.

There are 4 main components of the face. These are:

• Skin
• Fat
• Muscle
• Bone

As we all grow older, we experience a loss in volume on these 4 structures. These contribute to many of the signs of ageing that we experience.

In this regard, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are a useful tool to have, which can help you to age well.

Let’s explore all you need to know and consider about hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.

Ageing: The Root Cause

Over time, there may be bone loss around the face which can cause the jawline to retract, the nose may descent and high cheekbones can be reduced and made flatter. Muscles in the face can decrease in elasticity and volume. The deflation of fat in the face also adds to the visible signs of ageing that we show on our face.

As the skin stretches, through our normal daily routine, it also loses its elasticity. If you add this to the loss of the scaffolding which the fat, the bones and the muscles provide, this also leads to sagging skin, wrinkles and all the other mean things that are synonymous with ageing.

Safely performed hyaluronic acid dermal filler treatments, by an experienced practitioner (see surgeon, doctor, dentist, nurse), can help you to replenish the volume loss, and restore your formerly youthful appearance. At Omniya Clinic, only medically trained, qualified and insured practitioners perform dermal filler treatments. See here for the team of surgeons, doctors and dentists that provide dermal filler treatments.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a soft gel-like product/substance which the practitioner injects under the skin. Fillers can address the most common concerns, like lifting cheekbones, softening the dark circles under the eyes with a tear trough treatment, smoothing nasolabial lip lines (that is, the lines that you find running from the side of the nose to the corner of your mouth), rejuvenate the skin on the face and hands, plump those lips with lip fillers and improve the smile.

What Is In A Dermal Filler?

There are a variety of different types of dermal filler – some which are synthetic and some which are naturally occurring in the body.

One of the foremost compounds used in fillers is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance which can be found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid plays a massive role in making sure the skin is hydrated and volumised.

Depending on the chemical make up of the hyaluronic acid filler, can last from 6 months and upwards, before it is absorbed by your body.

It is important to know that one of the benefits of hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers, apart from the natural appearance they give when they’re injected, is that they can be dissolved in the event of an adverse event or if you’re not as happy with the results as you hoped you would be.

Most hyaluronic acid fillers also have lidocaine, which is a numbing agent and helps to reduce the minimal pain experienced during the treatment.

What Other Fillers Are There, Aside From Hyaluronic Acid Based?

The other dermal fillers include those that are make from calcium hydroxylapatite, polymethyl methacrylate, autologous fat and poly-L-lactic acid.

• Calcium Hydroxylapatite: This is a mineral like compound which is naturally found in human bones
• Polymethyl Methacrylate: This is a semi permanent filler. Whilst more durable that others, this product has more potential complications, such as lumps and bumps which are visible under the skin, and require a more difficult resolving process
• Autologous Fat: Fat that is transplanted from other parts of your body
• Poly-L-Lactic Acid: This is a synthetic filler that assists with collagen stimulation and production.

Each of the products mentioned have their own pros and cons. They also have a unique longevity, density and texture. That means that particular products may be more suitable for different treatment types, on different parts of the face, of for different desired results.

It is important to make sure the right filler is chosen, which is why you ought to only have your treatment with a trained and medically qualified practitioner. They need to have a thorough understanding and knowledge of the facial anatomy, and they also need to be familiar with the variety of dermal filler products and types, with the requisite training required for each of these different types. It is not a one shoe fits all system.

Your medical practitioner needs to thoroughly assess the area, the concerns that you have presented (i.e. why you are seeing him), what you hope to achieve from the treatment, they can then review and advise on the best and most suitable product for the best cosmetic outcome.

The Very Ugly Filler Black Market

Hyaluronic acid Dermal fillers are not cheap products. That means, unfortunately, the cost of the treatment (including the practitioners time and other such things they have to pay for, like rent), becomes a relatively expensive treatment.

Ask yourself – if someone is charging £350 for lip fillers, and someone is charging £150 for the allegedly same treatment – what’s the catch? Why are these treatments are so different in their price? Could it be the experience of the practitioner (maybe they’re not even medically qualified), could it be that they’re in an expensive part of town and need to pay extortionate rent prices (we can tell you from experience that our prices are not based on our location, but on the quality of products, the quality of the practitioner we offer you, and the service and care we provide), could it be that they’re using inferior products, or worse, black market products?

Please, do not try to do the treatment on yourself. Simple, it’s dangerous.

What other issues are there with black market products? They can contain a variety of non-sterile substances, like hair gel. When these are injected, it can cause infections, allergic reactions and can kill skin cells. Also, injecting requires a technique. It’s an art. Improper techniques can cause swelling, lumps and in more serious situations can cause the death of skin cells – you need to be aware how to deal with complications. Complications almost certainly will arise, particularly if you’re doing it without any medical training. Be safe, always.

Furthermore, the FDA has issued a warning which urges the public to never buy dermal fillers on the internet as they may be fake, or contaminated or harmful.

Should I Still Consider A Treatment?

Find a trusted clinic, with respected medical practitioners. Have a consultation and assess how the practitioner treats you. You need to have a relationship of trust with your practitioner.

Dermal fillers are safe, effective, and beautiful when performed by trained medical professionals such as our expert team at Omniya Clinic London.

With the proper preparation and communication, you and your practitioner can achieve natural, safe and beautiful results.