Dermal Filler

At Staffordshire Skin and Laser Clinic, we know that your skin is your most important asset. That’s why we give it the attention it deserves. When you come in for a consultation, we’ll do a full medical assessment to make sure there are no contraindications to treatment—your safety is our number one priority. We’ll will do a full holistic assessment of your concerns, goals and treatment expectations, and assess contributing factors such as genetics and lifestyle. We will do a full facial assessment looking at volume loss, lines and wrinkles, and advise treatment in areas to give the greatest natural aesthetic result. A dermal filler may be advised in combination with other treatments for optimal results. During your consultation we will discuss the benefits, potential side effects, risks, treatment alternatives and answer any questions you may have. As we are passionate about results we will also advise on a ZO Skin protocol as well and nutritional support to allow for optimal results. Following your consultation we will provide you treatment information and a quote.

Hyaluronic Acid is a water loving molecule, what this means is that once injected into the line or wrinkle it will attract and bind water to the skin providing volume, hydration and an immediate correction. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers also act as a scaffolding under the skin supporting other structures such as collagen and elastin fibres giving that much needed strength and support back the skin.

• Minimally invasive
• No recovery time
• Natural looking results
• Minimal downtime
• Immediate improvement
• Creates lift, volume and definition
• Reshapes facial features
• Softens lines and wrinkles
• Improve skin quality and hydration
• Can balance facial asymmetry
• Will improve the facial profile
• Boost confidence and self esteem

Dermal fillers can be used in many areas of the face and even the chest and hands. A dermal filler can be used to soften lines and wrinkles in the facial areas such as the nose to mouth lines, corners of the mouth, laughter lines and frown lines as well as replace lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, chin, and jaw and lips. Dermal filler can also be used for treatment of atrophic scarring to help subtly lift the indent out of the skin.

Firstly you are in safe hands by visiting our Save Face accredited centre of excellence. Treatment with a temporary dermal filler is considered incredibly safe when administered by a qualified practitioner using a reputable product. A dermal filler is very safe to be injected into the skin as it is made up from Hyaluronic Acid (HA). This resembles our own HA meaning our skin accepts it as part of our own natural skin protein. Only FDA approved dermal fillers will be used during your treatment. Like all cosmetic treatments there is a chance of side effects. Following your treatment you may experience some mild side effects such as redness, swelling or bruising, but these will resolve very quickly. During your consultation with our nurse prescriber she will discuss all the risks and benefits associated with treatment.

For minimal rejuvenation of 1-3 syringes, this can be completed in one session. If multiple syringes have been advised over multiple areas, these can be completed over a number of sessions if you feel more comfortable to do less but more frequently. Alternatively this can all be performed in one treatment session. Allow 2 weeks between sessions to allow any swelling and inflammation to settle.

You will see lines and wrinkles reduced immediately – but bare in mind there will be some initial swelling – best results are seen up to 4 weeks after treatment as the dermal filler has hydrated and softened and swelling gone.

Prior to any treatment at Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic a full medical consultation and assessment will be carried out to ensure there are no treatment contraindications as your safety is our priority. Although treatment is safe for most people there are some contraindications that will make you unsuitable for treatment – these include

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Cancer and or autoimmune diseases, exacerbation of chronic diseases, haemophilia
• Skin infections, cold sores, skin inflammation in the treatment area
• History of keloid scarring
• History of treatment with a permanent dermal filler
• Allergy to any of the dermal filler components
• Recent laser or chemical peel treatments

If you have pervious dermal filler that is lumpy or not aesthetically pleasing you will be advised to have this dissolved 2 weeks prior to your procedure.

Treatment should not feel to uncomfortable. A topical aesthetic cream is applied to the area prior to treatment and ice can also be used to numb the skin. Many of the dermal fillers we use in practice also contain a local aesthetic which aids to the comfort of the procedure.

Treatment result can last anything between 9-18 months, depending on the type of product and amount used. If you like the aesthetic results then further treatment can be administered before the product wears off completely to help you to maintain the desired look, alternatively if you choose not to continue with treatment your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.

One of the main concerns with dermal filler treatment is the risk of bruising and swelling. Here are a few pre-treatment tips to help minimise these reactions:

• 1 week prior to treatment avoid over the counter blood thinning medications aspirin and NSAI’s such as ibuprofen. Do not discontinue any prescribed blood thinning medication without consulting your GP
• For 1 week prior to treatment avoid omega supplements/fish oils, St John’s Wort, Gingko biloba, Vitamin E, ginseng and primrose oil supplements.
• 5 Days prior to treatment start taking Arnica supplements as this herbal remedy can reduce swelling and speed up recovery time.
• For 2 days prior to treatment avoid any products that may cause skin sensitivity such as Tretinoin/Retinols/ Glycolic acid or topical prescriptions
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment
• If you are prone to cold sores start using acyclovir topically 2 days before treatment, especially for lip enhancement procedures

Prior to treatment you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have, and once completely satisfied this is the right treatment for you a consent form will be signed. All make up will be removed and the skin cleaned. Photographs of the treatment area are taken to enable us to review the effectiveness of treatment. If there are any active skin infections, cold sores or you are generally unwell treatment will not be administered and will be rescheduled for a later date. If you feel that you need to discuss any illnesses or medications we ask you to contact the clinic prior to your appointment.

You will see an improvement in your concern area immediately following treatment. This will continue to improve over the next 4 weeks as any swelling subsides and the dermal filler hydrates and softly integrates into the treatment area. Immediately post treatment there may be some swelling, redness or bruising, which may become more apparent over the next 24-48 hours. Despite this you are still able to carry on with normal activities An ice pack will also be offered post treatment to reduce any immediate swelling. During the first couple of weeks you may feel a firmness under the skin where the product has been injected, however this should not be visible to see, this will settle over the following 2-4 weeks and then your skin should feel back to its normal self.

Following dermal filler you may feel a firmness under the skin, this is normal and you don’t not need to massage and manipulate, it is important that you let this settle naturally over the next couple of weeks . Avoid excessive alcohol, strenuous exercise, sunbeds, saunas, steam rooms and extremes of cold or heat for 2 weeks post treatment to allow for an inflammation to settle. Avoid make up for 12 hours post procedure. Avoid using your retinol or AHA products for 24 hours. An Ice pack and cold compresses can be beneficial for reducing swelling. Arnica cream can be helpful in reducing bruising if this occurs. Over the counter medications to reduce swelling include ibuprofen and anti-histamines can also be beneficial if able to take, however these are not normally required. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and wear your SPF daily. A review appointment is always scheduled 4 weeks post treatment to ensure you are happy with your results and have no concerns.

From £180-£300 per syringe. Discounts and packages are available on multiple syringes. Monthly instalment pre payment plans available with GoCardless. A £25 booking fee is required to secure your consultation/appointment. This is redeemable against any treatments or products purchased within 6 months.