Dermal Filler FAQ’s

What causes the skin to age?

The appearance of ageing facial skin, as evidenced by visible static wrinkles and folds, and thinning lips is caused by the depletion of the supporting tissue underneath the skin. Collagen is the most abundant of the supporting tissue along with hyaluronic acid, which affects the appearance of the skin by providing volume. Environmental factors, such as too much sun, exposure to pollutants and passive smoke also contribute to ageing skin.

How long does a Dermal Filler treatment take?

Treatment with skin fillers is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that produces instant results. It takes our highly trained practitioners as little as 30 minutes to one hour to administer dermal filler injections, depending on the number of areas to be treated. You can return to work immediately following treatment. Results typically last between 6 to 9 months, as the injected filler is gradually absorbed into the body’s tissues. You can repeat the treatment as often as necessary to maintain your younger looking skin.

What are static line wrinkles?

Wrinkles and folds that appear as a result of ageing skin are static, appearing when the face is at rest and becoming deeper with facial expression. Unlike dynamic wrinkles, which appear when the face is animated by underlying muscle contractions, static lines gradually form as the collagen and hyaluronic acid underneath the skin become depleted.

How do Dermal fillers add volume to lips?

Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, add volume to lips and rejuvenate thinning lips for a more youthful appearance. They improve border definition in both the upper and lower lips and create a stronger Cupid’s Bow in the v-shaped area of the upper lip. Learn more about lip enhancement.

Are there any side effects?

Mild reactions, such as minor swelling, bruising or itchiness around the injection site may occur. Lip enhancement or contouring may result in lip swelling caused by handling and manipulation of the lips during the procedure. This is temporary and may last for a few hours or a few days following the lip injections.

What are Juvederm and Restylane?

Juvederm & Restylane are the two major brands of hyaluronic acid fillers we use to treat facial wrinkles. They add volume to the skin by replacing lost hyaluronic acid, smoothing out lines and deep folds, such as Nasolabial folds. They are also ideal for adding volume to the cheeks (cheek augmentation) and enhancing lip volume. Restylane Vital is the perfect choice for skin rejuvenation in the face, décolletage, and backs of hands.

Juvederm & Restylane are smooth injectable gels made from non-animal sourced stabilised hyaluronic acid, which is a natural complex sugar that is identical to that found in the supporting tissue of your skin. Hyaluronic acid is stabilised by a cross-linking process that allows the gel to last longer in the body before degradation. Hyaluronic acid assists in skin hydration by attracting and retaining water. It combines with Collagen and Elastin to provide skin structure and elasticity.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected using very fine needles. It takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete a treatment session, depending on the areas to be treated.

What are Collagen injections?

Collagen is the main protein in the body’s connective tissue. It is a fibrous protein that provides structure to the lower layer of the skin called the Dermis.

Collagen is derived from either Bovine (cow) or human sources, where it is grown under controlled laboratory conditions. We use Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast dermal fillers, which are both derived from human-based collagen. Unlike Bovine collagen implants, they do not require allergy testing prior to injection treatment.

Collagen fillers are injected below the superficial layer of skin called the Epidermis to treat facial lines and wrinkles. Cosmoderm is injected just below the skin’s surface to ‘fill in’ lines. Cosmoplast, which is cross-linked with glutaraldehyde making it last longer in the body, is ideal for treating deeper lines.

What is Restylane Vital?

Restylane Vital is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that hydrates the skin and improves its structure and elasticity. Restylane Vital is scientifically proven to improve skin quality and can be used to rejuvenate the face, neck & décolletage, and hands. For skin rejuvenation with Restylane Vital, a typical treatment program is made up of three treatment sessions that are 2 to 4 weeks apart. The treatment is then repeated every 4 to 6 months.