What are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

These substances both come from non animal sources, and are long lasting gels, similar to hyaluronic acid found naturally in our bodies and have superceded the previous use of collagen fillers. Hyaluronic acid binds water and the fillers are used to boost and lift the treated areas. Safe to use, these treatments boost and replenish the body's natural supply of hyaluronic acid. Fillers can be used to fill out the lips or plump up the skin. It is created by a biosynthesis procedure, and is biocompatible.There are different strengths of all the fillers used for treating different types of lines. Here at Phoenix Medical Cosmetics we tend to use Juvederm® or Restylane® although other treatments are available on request.

What are fillers used for?

Fillers can be used to treat:

• Facial lines
• Wrinkles
• Lips that have thinned with age
• Deep folds
• Shaping of cheeks
• Chin correction
• Correction of smile lines
• Correction of lines of the forehead and around eyes
• Filling of nasal furrows
• Filling of cheeks

How long does the treatment last?

You can expect the effects to last up to 9 months depending on the affected area, the skin type, the quantity of injection, as well the injection technique used. Increased metabolism, such as with regular exercise can also reduce the time the effects will last for.

Who can have Fillers?

Any health professional trained to give fillers will be able to decide if you can have cosmetic treatment with it. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you get keloid scars, if you suffer from scarring problems, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon, if you are on any medications to thin your blood such as aspirin or warfarin and any other medical conditions.

After the injection

Initial swelling and redness is common, but this will resolve. Follow-up should be arranged for one week.
Results can be seen immediately, and as the hyaluronic acid begins to bind water, results will further improve over the following 7-14 days.

How often can Hyaluronic Acid Fillers be given?

Although the effects can last up to nine months, these fillers can be given every three months.Top-ups can be given at two weeks if you are have not acheived a satisfactory result.

Possible side-effects of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Common side effects (usually mild to moderate reactions that are reversible and occur in the first week of treatment)

• injection reactions
• redness, swelling, irritation, rash, itching, numbness, pain, discomfort, stinging, bruising, bleeding

Rare side effects

• infection
• abscess
• skin swelling
• pigmentation changes

Cautions/contra-indications

Do not have fillers if you:

• have an infection where the filler will be injected
• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• if you are breastfeeding
• have a strong tendency to discolour when scarring or to form keloid.

There are also a number of medicines that may interact with Hyaluronic Acid Filler treatments. It is important to tell us if you are taking any medication.

What to expect during the consultation

The full consultation for hyaluronic acid fillers, including treatment and medical history will usually take about 45-60 minutes for your first treatment. After this, it will take from 20-35 minutes.

After taking initial details and investigating the results you would like you acheive, the decision on which areas to treat will be made.

Anaesthetic cream will be applied to the areas to be treated. This takes 15-20 minutes to work during which time, more details will be taken and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the treatment. This can be done discretely before the treatment.

The commonest areas treated are nasolabial folds, deep frown lines, cheeks, lips and around the mouth but other areas on the face where lines appear can be bulked out as well. Fillers are extremely flexible and can be used almost anywhere you feel lines need to be smoothed.

A tiny needle 0.41mm in diameter (that is less than half a millimetre) is inserted into the previously anaethetised areas chosen to inject the filler. Most people do not find this uncomfortable. Approximately 3 injections will be needed per side to treat the nasoabial folds as shown above. The filler is administered just under the skin to the area treated. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. The clinician should ensure they massage the filler into the area to give a good result. Results can be seen immediately.

A follow-up will be organised in 7-14 days to ensure you are getting the best results.