Dr Dan Dhunna – Dermal Fillers

Temporary Dermal Fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane are made up of a product called hyaluronic acid which is naturally present in your skin, eyes, and joints. They do not contain animal product, and so do not require allergy testing. Hyaluronic acid acts as a natural cushion, and gives volume to the skin, and is also important in producing collagen.

It has the ability to attract 1000 molecules of water, for every one molecule of hyaluronic acid, allowing it to act as a super sponge creating further lift and delivering deep hydration to the skin. By injecting Dermal Fillers, we can restore volume, suppleness, vitality to different levels of the skin.

Dermal fillers can lift away lines and wrinkles iron out folds and restore lost volume. Common areas for treatment include the nose to mouth lines and the marionette lines that gives the sides of the mouth an unhappy look. The reversion that can enhance the lips, giving definition, pulse and body. Dermal Fillers such as Juvéderm Voluma can also be used to control cheeks and tighten jaw lines as well as reshaping the brow and temple areas.

They’re so versatile that can be used to improve the texture of the hands, neck, and decollate, as well as advanced use to improve under eye hollows known as teartroughs. Each procedure is individual. After consultation each area could take as little as 10-15 minutes. With Dermal Fillers though, it is important to remember, that less is more, to avoid an unnatural look.

There is an instant visible effect which usually improves over time. Therefore, to achieve the optimal results, it’s best to review the effects after a few weeks, adding and tweaking if necessary, a bit like a painter creating a master piece. Modern dermal fillers like the Juvéderm Range are injected to very fine needles minimising any discomfort, but have the added advantage of having built in antiseptic which makes the procedure even more comfortable.

Cannulas which are round tipped and flexible are now also commonly used as they reduce the risk of discomfort, swelling and bruising. Of course every patient is different and if required, topical numbing creams or dental anaesthetics can also be used. A good doctor will be able to recognise this, and be able to offer this to his or her patient.

Most people do not need to take time off work. As with all injectable procedures, there is a small chances of some light swelling, redness, or possibly some bruising to the treated area. This can be minimised by careful administration and the avoidance of alcohol and aspirin type medications prior to the procedure. By virtue of the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid, there may be some additional swelling which resolves over the next few days.

Again, this is another reason not to over treat the patient and to allow for appropriate review after a few weeks. Hyaluronic acids dermal fillers are naturally broken down by the body. This is a very individual process. However, modern fillers such as Juvéderm Range can be expected to last anything from 12-18 months depending on where they are placed.

If ever required however, they can also be dissolved away earlier by the use of an enzyme called hyaluronidase.