Dermal Fillers

What are they?

Dermal fillers are used to introduce volume back into areas of the face that have lost volume during the ageing process.  These are most commonly the hollows in your cheeks, temples and around your eyes. Dermal fillers are sterile gels, which are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring form of sugar which is in our skin, and which helps keep the skin plump and youthful. As we age, we lose hyaluronic acid, resulting in loss of skin elasticity and tone. We also lose fat in our faces as we age, and this can result in a tired appearance as fat in the face gives us that youthful look. Fillers are injected with small needles and help restore lift, definition and structural support to the face, this makes you look more rested and refreshed.

What areas can be treated?

Dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face to treat:

• Loss of volume in the cheeks
• Sagging of the jawline (jowling)
• Loss of volume and thinning of the lips
• Lines around the lips (smokers lines)
• Marionette lines (lines from the corner of the mouth to the chin)
• Tear troughs (the depression between the fat of the lower eyelid and the main part of the cheek)
• Naso-labial lines (creases or folds between the nose and mouth area)
• Straightening of the nose
• Severe acne scarring
• Reshaping chin

What is involved?

To begin you will have a face to face consultation with your doctor to assess suitability and a treatment plan. If you are suitable for treatment and decide to go ahead, your doctor will discuss what type of result you wish to achieve. Most people opt for a subtle, natural result, especially if they are new to this treatment, but some people like a stronger effect with minimal movement, and this will be discussed in detail with you prior to treatment. Photos will be taken to assess your face pre treatment.  These form part of your medical records and are stored securely and privately, and a consent sheet is signed. The treatment will be performed using a very fine needle or cannula underneath the skin and followed by a small and gentle injection of a colourless smooth gel which immediately lifts static lines.

How long will results last?

Results from dermal filler treatment generally last from 12 to 18 months, however this does differ from person to person. Every patient is different, skin condition, age and lifestyle are all factors. The dermal fillers that we use are all the best professional products sourced from Allergan based in Westport. Dermal fillers slowly dissolve naturally over several months.