Introduction to dermal fillers
At The Warwick Clinic, we use many types of Dermal fillers including the Juvéderm range from Allergan. They create subtle enhancements and their advanced products contain Lidocaine to help numb the treated area simultaneously during treatment. This has proven to improve patients’ experience.
Unlike MOST clinics we are not aligned to a particular company so can offer truly independent advice.
What are dermal fillers?
The term ‘dermal filler’ encompasses a wide range of products and is an expression which describes treatment that adds volume and structure to the face. Due to extensive clinical research and progression in the industry, horror stories and the bad press that has been associated with injectable treatments is fast becoming rare.
What type of facial fillers are used?
At The Warwick Clinic we use hyaluronic acid fillers; a natural ingredient that is found in the body, but diminishes as we age. They are a popular means of adding volume to the facial structure, creating a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. They work to iron out wrinkled skin and give a much fuller look. Due to the high levels of hyaluronic acid, they also attract and retain water, improving the skin’s appearance and texture.
ALLERGAN RANGE
Allergan produce the VYCROSS® range and the Juvederm range
Volbella is designed specifically for the lip and mouth area. The smooth gel is injected by the physician using an ultra-fine needle. It has been developed to give a soft, malleable feel. The gel fills in lip lines and wrinkles, augmenting the lips and perioral areas.
Voluma is used to replenish lost volume, especially in cheek area, as it can improve the overall shape of your face. The volumiser works to add support to the skin and to fine tune your natural beauty.
Volift can be used on various areas, including the lips, the nasolabial folds and around the brow line. It is used to compliment the other products and elevate the features, reducing the appearance of medium to deep lines and depressions.
GALDERMA RANGE
We use Restylane/Restylane Lidocaine, Restylane Lip Volume and Perlane/Perlane Lidocaine, and SubQ for cheeks from Galderma, this range are the oldest, safest and most tried and tested products on the market. We also use the Emervel (softer range) for more suoerficial lines.
MERZ RANGE
Merz range of products are also very good, including Radiesse (a long lasting and FDA approved Calcium Hydroxyappetite filler that hardens) for Chin and Cheek enhancement. We also use Belotero, (Soft, Balance, Intense and Volume) the worlds’ first monophasic fillers.
How many session will I need, and how far apart can I have them?
The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes and patients can expect to notice the effects for as long as 18 months after treatment. There is even precedence of results lasting up to 24 months in some cases.
Am I a suitable candidate?
Facial fillers can be used on a wide range of patients, and is primarily used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat scarring in some cases. Other suitable candidates are those seeking to add structure and volume to the face.
There is no known risk to those who are pregnant or breast feeding, but we would advise against having treatment under these circumstances.
Who will perform the treatment?
We believe that only medically trained clinicians should perform injectable treatments. The result of treatment is only as good as the practitioner.
What areas can be treated?
Crow’s Feet
These are wrinkles that form in the corner of the eyes. They can be caused by ageing, sun exposure, expressions and smoking.
Frown Lines
When we contract our forehead muscles, deep lines can materialise. Also referred to as an “11”, frown lines form in between your eyebrows. Over time, these lines start to linger and prove to be a bugbear for many.
Smoker’s Lines
The use of fillers can smooth and fill out these crepey lines, creating a much softer, younger-looking appearance.
Marionette Lines
Located just below the corners of the mouth, the marionette lines can make you look sad or angry when relaxing your face.
Lips
Thin lips are not necessarily a result of ageing; many men and women are born with thinner lips. If you would like to add volume, but avoid an exaggerated look, The Warwick Clinic can use the most advance fillers to enhance your natural lip shape.
Nasolabial Fold
Also referred to as ‘smile lines’, these lines run down the sides of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Most of us notice these when smiling, laughing or talking, but over time they can develop into static lines.
Cheeks
Ageing usually contributes to volume loss. The round, full look diminishes as the fat pads in our cheeks gravitate downward.
Décolletage
Inevitably, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness over time. Sun damage in particular can contribute to this aged look on the chest area, and the thinning of the skin can amplify the neck bands, adding years to your appearance.
Is there any downtime?
With any injectable treatment, there can be some slight bruising or swelling that accompanies it. This should not persist much longer than a day, and is easily coverable with makeup.
The MD Code filler technique
This slightly modified approach to fillers were first described by Brazilian Plastic Surgeon, Dr Maurizio de Maio. This technique treats the whole face respecting areas that require enhancement, rather than just treating problem areas, similar to the 8-point lift. These techniques have both advantages and disadvantages and can be discussed at consultation.
Dermal fillers should last between 12-18 months, but this varies from patient to patient, depending on how quickly your immune system breaks the filler down. After two weeks from treatment, you should notice the lasting effect of your treatment. Treatment is maintenance program me, however, and you will need to have treatment at regular intervals for results to last.
The 8 Point Lift Technique
This method focuses on the key facial areas where patients tend to age most, but is tailored to the individual.
Does it Work?
The important thing is to consult a plastic surgeon who offers the full range of surgical as well as non surgical treatments in order to obtain a balanced opinion. These non-surgical techniques have advantages and disadvantages over surgery
Advantages: Less risk of complications, less down time, cheaper in the short term, mask and camouflage the effects of ageing effectively
Disadvantages: More temporary, more expensive in the long term, less long lasting, do not treat the underlying anatomical effects of aging, but mask and camouflage.
How does the 8 point lift work?
The treatment works by enhancing the face’s natural features, smoothing and tightening the skin, and re-contouring the shape of the face.
How long does it last?
These last up to 12-18 months after treatment.
