Dermal filler injections are a popular, nonsurgical cosmetic treatment designed to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. When considering treatment it’s important to know how long you will need to take off work or to keep it private.
These procedures are minimally invasive. As well as a thorough assessment and medical history taking, an appointment takes less than an hour, making dermal filler a convenient option for people looking to enhance their appearance without surgery.
Dermal filler injections are a quick and efficient cosmetic treatment, typically completed in under an hour. The procedure is performed in a healthcare provider’s office, with the duration depending on the treatment area and the amount of filler used. For instance, cheek filler procedures take between 15–30 minutes, while lip filler treatments last from 30 minutes to two hours.
Fillers vs. Wrinkle Relaxers (botox)
Dermal filler treatments can be confused with other injectables like Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, which are wrinkle relaxers. Although, these products are injectables, they work very differently—by temporarily paralysing muscles that cause crow’s feet, forehead furrows, and the “eleven” lines between the eyebrows.
They don’t fill, plump, or enhance an area. They can be used in the same treatment session.
Restylane and Kysense
With these Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, there’s a family of Restylane and Kysense products designed to treat various, problem areas. The original Restylane smoothes away wrinkles and folds and can be used to add volume to thin lips.
How It Works
This is another line of products that rely on the immediate smoothing ability of hyaluronic acid. Injections also stimulate natural collagen production, so fewer touch-ups may be needed and less material necessary when they are.
How Long It Lasts
Clinical studies found that results with Restylane last up to 18 months. Results in the cheeks last up to a year and up to six months in wrinkles and folds with Restylane Lyft.
Price
£240-£384
Sculptra
Sculptra was originally used in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who had loss of facial fat. Now it’s approved for cosmetic use by any person who wants to build up cheeks, fill in hollows or sunken areas of the face, and increase skin thickness to diminish the appearance of folds and lines. It is not injected into the lips or used around the eyes.
How It Works
The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic compound that encourages the formation of new collagen. For this reason, it takes several treatments, about four to six weeks apart, for results to become obvious. The number of treatments a person needs will depend on the extent of facial aging.
How Long It Lasts
Studies suggest the effects of Sculptra last up to two years after the first treatment session (an average of three injections).
Price
£550
Radiesse
Radiesse is used to treat moderate-to-severe facial creases, such as the nasolabial folds. It also can be used to lift cheeks and other facial contours. It’s not used on the lips.
How It Works
Radiesse contains microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite, a type of mineral that’s found in human teeth and bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are tiny and suspended in a thick gel-like solution.
While Radiesse immediately replenishes lost volume, over time the gel is absorbed and the body metabolizes the calcium, leaving behind your own collagen.
How Long It Lasts
Results with Radiesse last a year or more. However, because calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates natural collagen production, fewer touch-ups (and less material) may be necessary to maintain the result.
Price
£275
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that can be used in many areas of the face, including:
- Cheeks: Can enhance facial contour
- Lips: Can create fuller contours
- Nasolabial folds: Soften smile lines
- Jawline and chin: Sculpt a defined profile
- Temples: Revive the upper face
- Smoker’s lines: Reduces vertical lines above the lip
- Marionette lines: Treats at the corners of the mouth
- Frown lines: Can be treated between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet: Can be treated at the corner of the eyes
- Worry lines: Can be treated across the forehead
- Under-eye area: Can diminish shadows and hollows
There are several types of dermal fillers, including:
- Hyaluronic acid: A common filler that is a natural component of the skin’s connective tissue. It helps hydrate and plump the skin, and can also be used to soften scar tissue. Hyaluronic acid fillers include Restylane and Juvederm.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite: A filler that contains a substance found in bones. Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite filler.
- Poly-L-lactic acid: A substance that helps the body produce collagen. Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid filler.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): A filler that contains collagen and small balls that remain under the skin.
- Autologous fat injections: A filler that uses fat from the patient’s body.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): An autologous filler that uses a patient’s own blood.
Dermal fillers can be short-term or long-term. Short-term fillers are absorbed by the body over time and can last 3–18 months. Long-term fillers are made from synthetic materials and can remain in the body for several years
When Will You See Results?
You may notice some immediate changes right after the treatment, but the full effects become more apparent as initial swelling subsides. Some dermal fillers can take up to 4-6 months to show their final results, depending on the product and individual healing.
As a non-surgical option, dermal fillers require minimal recovery time. However, patients may experience some mild side effects like bleeding, bruising, or swelling.
Recovery and Risks
One of the biggest benefits of dermal fillers is the minimal recovery time. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks, such as bruising, swelling, or bleeding. Make sure to consult with a registered healthcare professional to discuss any concerns and ensure the best results.
I will recommend the most appropriate filler for a patient based on their age, skin type, and desired effect
