TREATMENTS
Dermal Fillers
Fight the first signs of sagging and improve the appearance of deep wrinkles
What are Dermal Fillers?
As we age, the collagen and elastin fibres and underlying tissues that keep our skin looking plumped and youthful begin to break down, leaving laughter lines, crow’s feet and facial creases. Similarly our lips become thinner and over time lose their volume and projection. Dermal Fillers are injected into deep lines and facial imperfections in order to restore volume and smooth facial lines to achieve a more youthful appearance. For immediate, natural-looking results, this is the most effective way to combat the signs of ageing.
Are they safe?
The most common non-surgical “fillers” are Hyaluronic Acid based materials. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring humectant protein which forms part of the connective and supportive tissues in our bodies, existing in our eyeballs and cartilage to keep them moist and lubricated. The chemical structure is identical in all living organisms hence allergic reactions are unlikely to occur, ensuring a high level of safety. In The Otto Clinic, a non-animal derived, stabilised form is used manufactured under the brand names RESTYLANE Lip and RESTYLANE Touch/ RADIESSE/ ESTHELIS/FORTELIS - these treatments offer impressive results presenting patients with a safe and preferable alternative to cosmetic surgery.
How do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers are widely used to plump up skin and fill in fine lines on the face and are particularly successful when used on nasolabial (lines from nose to mouth) and mentolabial (lines from lips to chin) folds. They can also substantially add fullness to the lips, dramatically improving the size, shape and definition of the lip contour. Fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with other rejuvenating facial procedures. Which product should I use? Restylane and Esthelis are very effective for the fine lines over the mouth and elsewhere on the face. Radiesse is very effective on nasolabial folds, deeper lines on the face, cheeks and chin. FORTELIS is also very effective for deeper lines and lip augmentation.
Where can they be used?
The hyaluronic acid solution is injected directly into the dermis in the area to be treated and can be used for a wide range of facial corrections and enhancements:
· Lip Augmentation
· Cheek Remodelling
· Remodelling of chin clefts/facial and scar indentations
· Elimination of nasolabial lines (diagonal lines between nose and lips)
· Elimination of mentolabial lines (diagonal lines between lips and chin)
· Treatment of deep wrinkles, traumatic scars and acne
What does the treatment feel like?
Some patients experience minor stinging or a slight burning sensation as the injections are administered. The clinic consultant will use a local anaesthetic cream to numb the area to be injected although a stronger anaesthetic is also available on request.
What after care is needed?
Patients may experience slight swelling but this will usually disappear in 24 hours. In cases where patients are prone to bruising easily, slight bruising may be evident, but as with any other filler, this is easily covered with make-up. Sometimes the treatment may also result in slight redness in the skin – this usually disappears in 24 hours. Clients are advised to avoid touching the area for 24 hours and if lip has been treated clients are also advised to avoid hot drinks for 24 hours.
How long will the effects last?
The effects last approximately 4 months to one year depending on the product used and the area treated. The hyaluronic acid gradually biodegrades in the skin and will be reabsorbed by the body on average within 3-5 months, generally disappearing at a faster rate in areas where there is more muscle movement.
How often should I have the treatment done?
To maintain the desired results, injections should be repeated at regular intervals. Your Otto Clinic Consultant will advise you of the treatment frequency required, depending on your skin condition, to maintain your improved appearance.
Who is not suitable?
Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid, diseases affecting the immune system and pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Are there any side effects?
Allergic reactions are rarely a problem with injectible hyaluronic acid and since it is derived from a non-animal source, no pre-treatment skin test is required.