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Dermal fillers - what are they?

Dermal fillers are a popular treatment for rejuvenating the face and creating a more youthful appearance.  They work by plumping out the skin, adding volume to areas which have started to sag, and filling out wrinkles and lines to create a smoother surface to the skin.  

One of the benefits of dermal fillers when compared with anti-wrinkle injections, is that they do not ‘freeze’ the facial muscles, so you can still move freely and show expression on your face after you’ve had treatment.  

While there are more than 60 brands of dermal filler available in the UK, these sit within two categories. The first, known as biocompatible fillers, are what we use here at Manchester Plastic Surgery.  Biocompatible fillers give temporary results, typically between six and eighteen months, and over time they are completely reabsorbed by the body.  

 

The second category of dermal filler is known as a synthetic filler.  Synthetic fillers are permanent and more often associated with rejection, migration and granuloma (lump) formation – the sort of problems you read about all-too-often in the tabloid press.  Synthetic fillers contain substances such as methylmethacrylate, polyacrylamide gel or silicone (which is banned in most countries).  

 

The secret to good results

As well as using high-quality dermal filler with good provenance, results do depend on the area of your face you wish to be treated; the condition of your skin and the experience and skill of your practitioner.

 

Here at Manchester Plastic Surgery, facial specialist Mr Christopher Jones leads on our surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments, including dermal fillers. 

 

Because dermal fillers work by plumping out the skin, adding volume to the face, and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, results do depend on the right amount of filler being injected into the right part of the face – reinforcing the fact that the skill of your practitioner is of the utmost importance. 

 

Maintaining your results

It’s important to understand that the use of dermal fillers is a medium to long-term commitment as further treatments are necessary if you wish to maintain your results.  

This is usually beneficial as it enables us to take into account changes in the face which occur with ageing, ensuring your fillers enhance your natural looks.  So, the siting of your dermal filler treatment may vary from one appointment to the next, perhaps only by a few millimetres, though it’s these subtle changes which make all the difference to the results you see.

 

When is the right age for dermal fillers?

You can have dermal fillers at any age, but the best results are achieved when your skin is showing the early signs of ageing.   You’ll get a smoother appearance when treating fine lines and wrinkles – it’s difficult (and can be inappropriate) to achieve a completely smooth surface with deeply ingrained lines.  

 

What to do next:

To find out more about having dermal filler treatment at Manchester Plastic Surgery, please get in touch to arrange an initial consultation with Mr Jones.  At this meeting, Mr jones will assess your skin and give you a good indication of the results that you can expect to see. He will also be able to answer questions you may have about any aspect of your treatment and care.

If you would like to learn more about this procedure or are interested in a consultation, fill out the form below or call us on 0800 015 0622