Dermal Fillers – less is more
Many people look at dermal fillers as a way to treat static lines, wrinkles and furrows as they are now an extremely effective treatment to combat the signs of ageing. Dr Sophie Shotter at Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent offers a range of dermal fillers to treat a multitude of concerns.
Dermal fillers are usually made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar within the body which forms part of the matrix supporting the function of tissue in our skin. It is also seen as an internal moisturiser as it can hold many times its own weight in water, thus delivering hydration to the skin. Dermal fillers therefore are an excellent volume restorer and smoother of those lines and wrinkles that need to be “plumped” out and that cannot be treated by toxin injections (Botox).
At Illuminate Skin Clinic we believe that there are only a very small number of dermal fillers with reliable safety profiles, and these are hyaluronic acid based fillers. Dr Sophie will only use fillers that have been extensively tested and medically approved, and has the experience and medical qualifications as a reputable practitioner to perform dermal filler injections.
Upon consultation Dr Sophie will discuss with you your needs and requirements and also the areas that you would like to have treated. She will also discuss your medical history to ensure that dermal filler treatment is appropriate for you. She will then choose the type of filler to use. We use Juvederm and Teosyal dermal fillers. Her choice of product will largely depend on the areas to be treated and the depth of wrinkle, furrow or sculpting needed.
When a suitable course of treatment has been decided, you may be treated with a topical anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort to you. Many of the dermal fillers on the market now contain an anaesthetic, so extra anaesthesia may not always be needed before your treatment.
The treatment takes between 15 and 30 minutes and involves injecting the HA gel just beneath the surface of the skin with a fine needle or cannula. Cannulas are becoming a preferred way to administer dermal fillers as they require less insertion sites and cause less bruising. Following the injections, Dr Shotter will massage the area with some arnica gel in order to make sure that the product is distributed correctly. The arnica gel helps to minimise bruising and cools the area.
There is no down time with dermal fillers although you will be advised on some after-care, such as not touching or rubbing the site of injection to avoid infection or moving the product. You’ll also be advised not to do anything that will make you too hot, such as strenuous exercise, saunas or hot baths as this could encourage and increase bruising. If you suffer any discomfort or tenderness when the anaesthetic wears off, Paracetamol is recommended but anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) are not recommended as they can also increase the risk of bruising. You will be able to apply light make up 6 hours post treatment.
At Illuminate Skin Clinic our mantra is “less is more” and we believe that being conservative with products and then “topping up” if necessary later on is the best course of action and will give you a natural, refreshed look as opposed to the highly publicised trout pout and pillow cheeks that we see so much in the media nowadays. Dermal fillers are there to help you look naturally more youthful, and Dr Sophie is an expert in using minimal product for maximum effect
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
