HMT Sancta Maria Hospital, Swansea

Dermal Fillers

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are products which are injected just below the surface of the skin. The aim is to restore a more
youthful appearance by reducing lines, wrinkles and deeper folds, by plumping up and contouring the skin.

 Dermal fillers can be collagen (from a bovine or porcine source), fat, or, increasingly, synthetically produced hyaluronic acid.

 Fillers derived from hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane, Hydrafill, Juvederm, Puragen and Perlane are temporary, biodegradable products.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide. One of its main characteristics is its ability to retain water.  It is found naturally in eyes, joints, gums, blood vessels, hair and skin. It can be produced synthetically in a laboratory through bacterial fermentation.

Some fillers, such as Radiesse are classed as semi-permanent, lasting up to 2 years. These are made from calcium hydroxylapatite.  Although they last longer, some believe that they can lead to an increased risk of complications.

Any procedure can carry an element of risk. Your doctor or nurse will go through potential risks and side-effects with you in detail.

Fillers are classed as medical devices as opposed to medicines.  This means that in the UK, they can be given without a doctor’s prescription, and are sometimes given by beauty therapists. However, the Department of Health recommends that treatments are carried out by trained healthcare professionals.

The safety of the actual products is ensured by the fact that in the UK, any fillers placed on the market must meet the requirements of the ‘Medical Devices Directive’.

What can Dermal Fillers be used for?

Different products will have different uses. The thicker products can be used to contour and shape the face, for example, by restoring volume to the cheeks.

Other fillers may be used to plump up nasolabial lines, or or marionette lines (the lines running downwards from the corners of the mouth). Thinner fillers are suitable for lip augmentation and definition. 

Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be used to improve the appearance and hydrate the skin on the back of the hands and décolletage.

Although fillers can be used almost anywhere on the face, many believe that they are more suitable for the lower half of the face, giving better results, and minimising risks.

How does the treatment work?

Dermal fillers provide immediate volume to the area of skin injected. If a filler is hyaluronic acid based, it will give further benefit by attracting water molecules and improving the hydration of the treated site.

Dermal fillers are suitable for people with fine, moderate lines, or with deeper folds and loss of facial volume.  They cannot correct extremely sagging skin, where the only remedy may be surgical correction.

Although dermal fillers on the UK market are regarded as safe and must be CE-marked, there are instances where their use may be contraindicated. Their use is not recommended during pregnancy or breast feeding. 

People who experience cold sores may experience a flare-up. Their safety may also be affected by diabetes, or recent use of other cosmetic treatments.

To minimise the potential risks from receiving dermal fillers, your medical history should be reviewed by a doctor or nurse, and the procedure carried out in an establishment registered by the Healthcare Commission.

There is no guaranteed minimum period the effects will last for.  Facial lines, folds and wrinkles may show an improvement in appearance for up to 9 months. The effect on the lips diminishes within 6 months due to the increased vascularity and mechanical action of the area.

 Minimizing the environmental effects of skin damage from poor diet, smoking and UV rays will add to the benefit of receiving treatment with dermal fillers.

Your doctor or nurse will be happy to discuss any other questions you may have which are not covered in this website.

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