Dermal fillers are now one of the most sought after, non-surgical treatments for facial rejuvenation. They work within the skin’s matrix to help plump the skin, hydrate the tissues and reduce both fine and advanced, static lines and wrinkles.
The most common filler used is a hyaluronic acid filler. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body and is found in skin, joint fluid and in the eyeball. Ageing skin produces less hyaluronic acid and this contributes to wrinkles and dehydration. We use the Juvederm range including the newer Vycross range of Voluma, Volift and Volbella. Length of duration varies but is typically 6-9 months for Juvederm Ultra range and 12-18 months for the Vycross range.
The hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible by injecting and enzyme called hyaluronidase, which dissolves the filler in 48 hours.
Longer lasting results are obtained using Ellanse, which has an absorbable suture material called polycaprolactone as its main ingredient. PCL has been in medical use for over 20 years in sutures and orthopaedic implants and is a very safe compound. Ellanse is a collagen stimulating filler and results can develop over 6 months. It comes in 1,2,3 and 4 year lasting variants. It is excellent for facial contouring and volumisation. It is not reversible and is best left to experienced practitioners.