One of the main ageing effects on the face is loss of volume over time. This is due to bone loss and shrinking facial fat pads which reduce the support for overlying facial soft tissue which then combines with thinning of the skin and sagging through gravity to alter facial contours and shape. One only has to compare how your facial shape has already changed since you were younger or look at your mother or father to see what your face may look like in the future.
Age related volume loss can be restored with Dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are well known for being able to fill in wrinkles and folds and enhance and plump up areas like lips, but they are also very effective in adding volume to the face. The type of Dermal filler used for adding volume is still derived from the natural sugar, hyaluronic acid, but the thickness and viscosity of the product is much greater than when Dermal fillers are used to treat superficial wrinkles. This is because thicker fillers provide much more support and to add volume the filler is injected much deeper below the skin’s surface.
One of the areas that volume replacement is most effective is the mid face (cheekbone facial area) where the objective is to replace facial volume and restore youthful contours.
Dermal fillers help in adding volume primarily because the body’s natural Hyaluronic acid that gets depleted with age is being restored with the Hyaluronic acid product that is being injected. In addition the product injected is hydrophilic which means it attracts and holds water and this also adds volume (and is the reason we recommend to drink plenty of water after a treatment). The presence of the additional volume from the dermal filler can also slow the rate of breakdown of natural hyaluronic acid in the future. The injected product combines with collagen and elastin to provide skin support and elasticity.
Hyaluronic based dermal fillers are a safe non-surgical treatment as Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring and no allergy testing is required before a treatment. In addition the product that is injected can be dissolved by the use of an enzyme called Hyalase. This further improves safety and can reverse the results in the rare situation that a patient is not happy with the treatment.
Dermal fillers are a very effective method of facial rejuvenation as replacing or enhancing facial volume can restore youthful contours which can significantly improve appearance. Volume treatments can be done with no downtime as they involve deeper placed injections and hence a very low chance of visible bruising after treatment.
As for all Dermal filler treatments you should postpone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For 2 weeks before avoid dental treatments or vaccinations and defer your appointment if you have any active infections either skin or general. Always advise us if you have any allergies or are taking any medications.
Normal activities can be resumed immediately and make-up and sunscreen can be applied. After any hyaluronic based dermal filler you should drink plenty of water (we suggest at least an extra 8 glasses (2 litres) in the 24 hours after treatment). Whilst surface bruising is uncommon with volume loss treatments, for the rest of the day of treatment we still recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol and saunas. Sleeping with an extra pillow on the night after treatment is also recommended.
Before and after images are presented purely as a reference point of the results that can be achieved. Everyone is unique and outcomes will vary and realistic expectations need to be discussed on a case by case basis.
Got questions? Or ready to book in? Contact our experienced and friendly team to start your journey to healthy skin with us.
