Collagen injections were first used in 1976. However, collagen is permanent filler and is derived from the skin of cattle so there is a significant demand for alternatives that are non animal sourced and longer lasting and cause less reactions.

Modern filler products which are the only type that we use in our clinic are derived from hyaluronic acid which naturally occurs in the skin and is lost with ageing. Examples of such fillers include as Restylane, Succeev, Juvederm, and many others. These products are available in many forms and thicknesses which lend themselves to treatments of different types of lines and of different areas of the face and body.

Results depend on:

• The experience and skill of the person performing the treatment. (This is the most important).

• The part of the face which is treated

• How much movement there is in the treated area

• The age and condition of the skin

Dermal fillers should be administered only by doctors and specially qualified nurses. The procedure can be performed in our clinic and does not normally require time off work.

What exactly is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and add volume to our skin. Natural hyaluronic acid is broken down by the body in one or two days so is constantly replaced. As we age this replacement mechanism diminishes so the moisturising and plumping effects of hyaluronic acid decrease. The HA used in dermal fillers is stabilised and to achieve safe, long lasting results.

Dermal fillers can be used to improve:

• Deep 'smile lines' which run from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth

• 'Crows feet' at the corner of the eyes

• 'Frown lines' between the eyebrows

• 'Smokers lines' which are vertical lines on the top lip

• 'Marionette lines' at the corner of the mouth

• 'Worry lines' which run across the forehead

• The definition of the lip border

• Lip enhancement

• Lines on the back of the hand

• Lines and wrinkles on décolletage

• Cheek enhancements

• Acne scars

• Depressions or pockmarks in the skin due to injury or disease, for example, chickenpox marks

• Unevenness in the skin after surgery or skin grafting

• Other facial lines.

Most defects can be improved with the first treatment and further treatments can be used to improve the results further.

In a small number of cases we have seen patients whose facial lines are far too deep for filler treatment and a more surgical approach would be appropriate. In such cases we always advise the patient appropriately and are able to refer you to one of our cosmetic surgical colleagues if required.

How do Hyaluronic acid fillers work?

HA fillers add volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). HA fillers works immediately by adding volume to smooth away wrinkles. These fillers are produced as a clear gel formulation of HA. HA fillers are specifically formulated to act like your body’s own hyaluronic acid. So, we can use these fillers to visibly reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.

Biocompatible with the human body, HA fillers are eventually broken down naturally to water and carbon dioxide.

Fillers last on average 9-12 months although some of the thicker formulations can last over 18 months. Some of our patients have had treatments with fillers which have lasted two years. The filler material is specifically designed so that it retains the majority of its strength until it has almost completely broken down so that your treatment effect looks good for as long as possible.

By choosing these types of filler products we avoid the reactions and problems associated with some of the older permanent filler products which you will no doubt have read about.

Will the treatment hurt?

We use a variety of techniques to make the filler treatment as comfortable as possible including local anaesthetic creams, anaesthetic injections and ice packs. We have even used hypnotherapy. Dr Berrisford has a special interest in pain relief so this is an interest that is important to us.

The aesthetic results are immediate and very natural looking. You can usually return to work and resume your social life immediately.

Following injection, you may experience redness, slight swelling, or bruising at the injected area. We will inform you about this. These side effects will not last and can easily be covered up with your usual makeup.

Depending on the product used and where it has been placed the recommendations for post treatment care will vary. We will give you detailed instructions and an after care sheet to let you know how best to look after your skin following your treatment.

Questions you should ask :

Q: What are your qualifications? (The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors recommend an experienced doctor for your treatment)
A: Dr Berrisford is a Full Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors)

Q: How long have you been doing fillers?
A: Over 5 years.

Q: How many patients have you treated?
A: Over 500.

Q: Which fillers do you use and why?
A: We only use modern HA fillers of the non permanent type. The exact choice of product and its placement will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Q: Are there any alternatives that I should consider?
A: We will always discuss with you alternative treatments at your consultation which may range from skin creams right through to cosmetic surgery.

Q: How often have your patients had "problems"?
A: We have never had any significant medical problems with fillers, however, there have been a small number of patients who have been disappointed with their results. This is almost always because the patients expectations have been unrealistically high as to what it is possible to achieve with a non surgical product. We will always endeavour to explain to you the likely results and limitations of the treatments we offer.

Q: Is the filler dangerous?
A: We deliberately restrict our choice of products to the modern non permanent fillers which in “self destruct” after about one year to avoid any permanent problems. We also avoid any products which have been shown to cause reactions or skin problems such as those you may have read about.

Q: What do I do if there is a problem with my treatment?
A: You will be given our clinic details including mobile number and email address so that you can contact us if you do have any questions about your treatment.

Q: Do you routinely follow up the result?
A: We would routinely bring new patients back for review and we offer follow up appointments to any other patients who may require them.

Q:Do you have any patients who you have previously treated whom I could speak to?
A:This can be arranged upon request.

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