Dermal Fillers

As we get older, one of the most visible effects of the ageing process is the loss of elasticity to the skin, resulting in an increase in wrinkles and loss of fullness to the face.  This is because as we age, the body produces less collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, and this decline causes the skin to become droopy and less resilient to damage.  Topical anti-ageing skin products affect only the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), but in order to achieve noticeable results, treatments must penetrate through the epidermis and target the cells of the dermis (inner layer of skin).  

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are one of the most widely used treatments for restoring smoothness and facial volume, resulting in a more youthful appearance to the skin.   Dermal fillers are not permanent and treamtents will need to be continued in order to maintain the benefits.  Depending on the type of dermal filler used, results can last from 6 – 24 months. 

What areas do Dermal Fillers Treat?

Dermal fillers can be used for a wide range of areas of the face and body.  These include:

Cheeks

Ageing often results in loss of subcutaneous fat in the cheeks, resulting in less volume and elasticity to the face.  Hollow cheek bones and the presence of excess skin results in sunken cheeks, causing an appearance of gaunt and tired looking skin.  By injecting Dermal fillers into this area of the face, a natural looking plumpness and volume can be achieved, along with a subtle lift.  

Lips and Vermillion Border

This is probably one of the most popular areas of the face for the use of Dermal fillers.  It can be injected either into the main body of the lip to create fullness, or in the border of the lips to increase definition.  This is an ideal treatment for those with thin lips, although it can also help with downward smiles. 

Tear Troughs

The skin under the eye can develop a paper thin appearance due to the loss of volume, resulting in tired looking eyes.  This is caused by a lack of tissue elasticity or a reduction in bone density.  Dermal fillers are placed either in the tear trough, or slightly lower in the cheek area, although some opt to have fillers in both areas in order to achieve a brighter, more rejuvenated appearance. 

Smoker’s Lines

Vertical lines which appear when you pout are most commonly caused by regular lip movements, such as smoking.  This is very common in smokers due to the repeated action of pressing the lips together.  Small amounts of Dermal fillers can be injected into this area of the face to achieve a smoother appearance. 

Corners of the Mouth

The corners of the mouth can often sag, leaving a look of unhappiness in the face.  When Dermal fillers are injected below the corners of the mouth, with a small amount directly into the corners of the lips, a more youthful ‘happy’ appearance is achieved. 

Marionette Lines

The marionette lines run from the corners of the lips downwards to the chin and jaw, creating a puppet-like effect.  This is due to our facial bones becoming smaller as we age, resulting in lines appearing.  Dermal injectables are ideal for filling these lines, making them less prominent.

Laughter Lines

Laughter lines, or naso-labial folds are the skin folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth.  Dermal fillers can fill out these folds, creating a younger looking appearance. 

Nose

Dermal fillers can help smooth out any lumps and bumps in your nose, resulting in less costly surgical procedures.  Injectables are added to the nose to smooth out slight bumps in the bridge of the nose, or they can rectify a crooked line, particularly in profile view.  

Hands

Hands often show the tell-tale signs of ageing due to thinning of the skin, resulting in loss of volume. Dermal fillers can be injected into the skin on the back of the hands, giving a fuller and less veiny appearance. 

Are there any Side-Effects to Dermal fillers?

Patients can experience some side-effects with Dermal fillers, but they are usually mild and only temporary. 

The most common side-effects include:

• Bruising
• Mild swelling or redness
• Itching
• Skin sensitivity and tenderness around the treated area

Less common side-effects reported include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Discoloration or change in pigmentation
• Lumps and bumps
• Asymmetry or an ‘over-filled’ look which should correct itself within a few hours
• Acne or rash on treated areas
• Temporary numbness

Rare but more serious risks include:

• Scarring
• Blurred vision
• Allergic reaction

As we are based in Kent, we are ideally placed to see patients living in Maidstone, Dover, Canterbury or Folkestone and all nearby areas.

You can’t usually use your private medical insurance for cosmetic surgery but you can pay directly for your Dermal Fillers treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are able to use your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.