FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
“Scientific studies have shown that HA fillers can stimulate the formation of healthy skin tissue and new collagen”
Dermal Fillers: Friend or Foe?
Cosmetic specialist, Dr Peter Forrester answers some questions and clears up some misunderstandings about dermal filers. What are dermal fillers?
Are dermal fillers safe?
The term Dermal Filler refers to a group of injectable clear gels designed to lift and plump skin. They are commonly based on hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in many body tissues including the skin where it has important functions maintaining structure and hydration. HA binds to water in the skin, locking in moisture. As we get older the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin gradually diminishes which in part is responsible for many of the appearances of skin ageing.
Restylane was the first HA filler and has been in use for over 20 years. Since introduction HA filers have been used tens of millions of times. Hence, we now know a great deal about both their benefits and safety. Because the HA in fillers is very similar to the HA that exits naturally under the skin they are very well tolerated with a minimal chance of allergic reactions. Infrequently inflammatory reactions can occur resulting areas of swelling or firmness. These usually settle without treatment but can be resolved by the use of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves HA. It should be stressed that in the right hands dermal fillers are very safe. They should only be used by properly qualified and experienced healthcare professionals.
Will it be obvious that I have had a filler treatment or will I look pumped up? Images in the media of hugely plumped lips and cheeks and the so-called trout-pout have given HA dermal fillers an undeservedly bad reputation. Correctly used they will result in a natural and rejuvenating appearance with no risk of an over-treated look. The paradox of filler treatments is this, when they are obviously over-done everybody notices but when properly used the results are subtle. People see the ‘bad’ ones but don’t notice the ‘good’ ones – this leads to a belief that all filler treatments will produce a bad result.
What areas can be treated with fillers? Fillers can be used to: • replace lost volume in cheeks and lips • reduce deep and fine surface lines including smokers lines around the mouth • lift the jowls • stimulate and hydrate the skin
How long do HA fillers last? Injected hyaluronic acid is slowly broken down in the body. The beneficial effects of a treatment can be expected to last for up to 12 months. However, this will depend on a number of factors including patient age, area treated, quantity of filler injected, skin quality, general health and lifestyle including smoking. It was once believed that once all the hyaluronic acid had been broken down it would have no further benefit. However scientific studies have shown that HA fillers can stimulate the formation of healthy skin tissue and new collagen. This boost to the body’s own collagen may help to explain why smaller volumes of filler are often required during top up treatments and why some people seem to derive significant benefit for 18 months or longer.
Dr. Peter Forrester and Ms. Helen McEvoy offer: Non Surgical Treatments • Anti-wrinkle Injections - reduce frown lines and crow’s feet. • Dermal Fillers - smooth deeper lines and furrows as well as returning lost volume to the face. • Thread Lift - minimally invasive procedure where surgical threads are used to lift and support cheeks, jowls and neck. • Facial Peels - helps to return a healthy glow to dull tired skin. Peels also reduce fine lines, wrinkles uneven skin tone, acne and scarring. • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) - natural anti-ageing skin rejuvenation treatment using small amounts of recipient’s
6 Esher Park Avenue, Esher, KT10 9NP | Tel: 01372 890890 | enquiries@cosdocs.co.uk | www.cosdocs.co.uk 46 MARCH 2018