As we age, facial volume and the contours of the face change. Estrogen (a hormone), that decreases in women in particular, impacts the skin, muscles, bones and fat pads in the face. The support of the upper/mid face decreases, influencing the onset of sunken-in areas, a sagging jawline, double chin and fat loss in the lower part of the face.

The affects of aging is not just determined by our genetics. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, sun exposure, alcohol, inflammation, sugar, sleep and stress are some of the factors that can age us prematurely.

Dermal fillers are an effective option that can be used to restore the lost volume, improve mild to moderate facial wrinkles and help reverse the signs of aging.

We asked our cosmetic nurse Sofia to answer some of the most common questions surrounding Dermal Fillers: 

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a highly effective cosmetic injectable treatment to enhance, lift, and contour your face, helping you to achieve a naturally, refreshed and revitalised look. The majority of dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid based and generally last 6 to 18 months. They are not permanent.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring product in the body that attracts water in the skin, cushions the fibres in the joints and supports collagen and elastin in the body. When made as a dermal filler, it is linked with proteins to create a clear sterile gel that can be injected in the skin that provides instant results.

Dermal fillers differ in chemical make-up, longevity and degrees of softness. The wide variety of available fillers allow for correction in an expanding number of locations in the body. Traditionally, fillers have been used in the lips and nasolabial folds. Now they can also be used for adding volume in many other areas. For example, they can be used for cheek augmentation, to enhance shallow facial contours, to soften facial creases and wrinkles, to correct under-eye hollowness, to improve the appearance of recessed scars and to reverse aging of the hands.

Dermal Fillers are great for:

• Replacing Volume – bone, ligament, structural and fat loss changes, weight loss, muscle development, excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes.
• Creating Symmetry – everyone is asymmetrical, however some degrees of asymmetry are more prominent.
• Rejuvenating Skin – recent evidence indicates that dermal fillers reduce the severity of etched static wrinkles and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
• Enhancing Features – the natural contours and shape can be emphasised and redefined.

How do Dermal Fillers work?

Dermal fillers work to plump up and create scaffolding in the facial anatomy. They help retain the softness, fullness and structure
to the facial features.

Dermal fillers, repair the damage that has already resulted by creating additional plumping beneath the wrinkle or in the hollowed-out or thin area to fill it in, smooth it out, and help it return to its previous youthful appearance.

What does the treatment involve?

The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated. Many fillers are now formulated with a local anaesthetic that allows the procedure to be performed with greater patient comfort.

Mild redness and stinging may occurre during the procedure.

What are the side effects?

When a dermal filler is injected into the skin, the main side effect is bruising. There are some areas that will bruise easier than others. Our specialists will recommend a bruise cream for you to purchase after the treatment that will help your bruising vanish quickly.

The following side effects are typically immediate, but generally clear within 7 to 14 days:
• redness
• swelling
• pain
• bruising
• itching
• rash

What things should be avoided the week before your Dermal Fillers treatment?

• Medications that thin the blood: blood thinners (ASA, NSAIDS (eg advil, aleve), salmon oil, Vit E, gingko biloba, red wine, dark chocolate, grapefruit).
• Avoid drinking alcohol, especially red wine.
• Avoid eating fatty fish, fish oil supplements and omega 3 supplements.
• Avoid Vit E, St. John’s Wort, gingko biloba, garlic or ginseng supplements.
• For women, the week leading up to your menstrual cycle can slightly increase your risk of bruising and sensitivity to pain.
• Avoid vigorous workouts for 2 days before injection and 2 days after injections.
• Avoid air travel for 1 week after filler injections.

How should you prepare for your dermal filler treatment?

• Take Vitamin K a couple of days before treatment.
• Eat fresh pineapple a couple of days before treatment.
• Take arnica for 2-4 days leading up to your treatment and for 2 days after treatment.

A cosmetic consultation with a qualified cosmetic specialist can help determine if you are a suitable candidate for dermal fillers. At Amirova, our cosmetic specialists will diagnose which facial areas would respond well to treatment with dermal fillers and which product or products would best meet your needs. Make sure you have a good discussion with your cosmetic specialist about how to get the best results from your treatment, the possible risks associated with dermal fillers and how complications can be avoided. For more information regarding dermal fillers, click here.