Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a multi-functional treatment that can be used on various parts of the face and body to achieve youth-restoring effects.

They are a gel-like substance typically made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally-occurring substance. Its purpose is to rejuvenate the skin by improving elasticity and hydration.

It’s important to receive your dermal filler legitimately, through an approved, legal practitioner. Legitimate brands are not available to purchase online, so any ‘at-home’ treatments carry a huge degree of risk.

There are seven popular treatment types for dermal fillers in the face and body. The following are the most common treatment types where dermal filler can be used:

Sculptra

Sculptra is often referred to colloquially as ‘the liquid facelift’, and its main purpose is to help replace lost collagen. Using poly-L-Lactic acid (PLA), a synthetic, biocompatible, and biodegradable material, skin can appear firmer and restored to a youthful lift.

Results are achieved over time with multiple sessions, and are visible for up to two years. This treatment is not suitable for treating superficial lines or wrinkles, or the lips.

Learn more about Sculptra.

Radiesse

Radiesse dermal filler is made up of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a gel carrier or water and glycerine. It’s highly biocompatible, meaning it’s safe to use, as calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance in the body – it’s the main mineral in our bones and teeth.

In this treatment, Radiesse is injected, and the gel provides immediate correction. The hydoxylapatite acts as a scaffold, around which new collagen is stimulated to rejuvenate the face. Eventually, the microspheres degrade naturally and safely.

Radiesse dermal filler only requires one treatment, has minimal downtime, and creates results that last 9-12 months.

More information on Radiesse treatment.

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

Also known as a nose-job, a non-surgical rhinoplasty uses hyaluronic acid dermal filler to reshape the nose. This procedure usually takes only 15-30 minutes, with immediate results.

The fillers will naturally be broken down by the body over time, but results last between 8-10 months. The longevity of your results will depend on the type of dermal filler used. Your practitioner will advise you on which is best for you during your consultation.

Is non-surgical rhinoplasty right for me?

Tear Trough/Eye Bag Correction

This treatment uses dermal filler to rejuvenate the under-eye area, where sagging may be present due to age. Tear trough fillers are very effective in reducing the appearance of dark circles and under-eye hollows.

The majority of dermal fillers for eye bag correction treatments are made from hyaluronic acid. Only a single treatment is needed for effects that last for 6-18 months.

Learn more about tear trough fillers.

Lip Enhancement

Also known as lip filler, lip enhancement treatment uses dermal filler to non-surgically improve the shape, fullness, and hydration of the lips.

A single treatment is needed for effects that last 6-18 months. It is quick, non-invasive, and provides immediate results.

More information on lip enhancement.

Cheek Enhancement/Facial Contouring

Non-surgical cheek enhancement treatment is used to lift the face and reduce the appearance of jowls and naso-labial lines. As a result, the youthful upside-down triancle shape is returned to the face.

Results are immediate, and will typically last between 6-18 months, although this varies between products and the individual being treated. Only a single treatment is needed.

Is cheek enhancement right for me?

Other Dermal Fillers

While the above options outline specific treatments, dermal filler can be used elsewhere in the face and body. They are typically made from hyaluronic acid, and are used to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. They can have drastic anti-aging effects on skin, and are especially popular on the face and hands.

A single dermal filler treatment will typically last between 6-18 months.

Learn more about dermal fillers.

Dermal fillers pricing will vary depending on your treatment, your practitioner, and how many millilitres of filler you receive. Generally, the cost of dermal fillers in the UK can range anywhere between £200 and £600.

Be cautious of heavily discounted prices advertised online or through social media. While these offers may seem appealing, they often come with significant risks, such as:

• Use of unlicensed filler products
• Treatment by an unregistered healthcare professional
• Lack of proper insurance coverage

To ensure safety and effectiveness, always choose a reputable and accredited practitioner for your dermal filler treatments.

Typically, one treatment session with dermal fillers will last for 6-18 months. However, please note that this will vary by person, treatment, and type of filler used.

Due to the immediate effect of dermal fillers, recovery time is minimal.  As such, most people can immediately go about their typical day-to-day life.

There is usually some swelling and/or bruising post-treatment, which may be more apparent the day after treatment.

Due to skin sensitivity and risk of infection, makeup should not be worn for at least 12 hours after treatment. You should also avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, sunbathing, and extreme hot or cold weather for at least two weeks after receiving any type of dermal filler.

All treatments carry a degree of risk, and therefore all risks and complications will be discussed with you at consultation and prior to any treatment being agreed. Dermal fillers should be administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training: you can find one by searching through Save Face. Side effects include, but are not limited to:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Itching
• Tenderness

The above are temporary and usually resolve within the first few days. Swelling is often noticed the next morning, but settles within hours. Bruising can take a week to 10 days to resolve, and can sometimes persist for longer.

Most leading brands of dermal filler contain a local anaesthetic, and most clinicians will apply topical anaesthetic cream, or ice, prior to treatment to numb the skin. Dermal filler injections are not an invasive procedure, and there is no reason for treatment to be painful.

There are a number of medical conditions and or medicines that may affect the decision to treat with dermal fillers, or affect the treatment plan. A full medical history by your practitioner and an assessment of your expectations is necessary in advance of any decision to treat.

With any injectable treatment, treatment is not recommended if:

• You are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold).
• You have previously experienced allergic reactions to any dermal filler or local anaesthetic.
• You are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin.
• You are taking steroids or have autoimmune disease.
• You have any bleeding disorders.
• You suffer from a poorly controlled medical condition.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are currently on or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (Isotretinoin acne treatment) in the last 18 months.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take Caution:

• Injections on the face can trigger the cold sore virus. If you are a sufferer, you must advise your clinician in advance of treatment.
• If you have recently had treatment with any other dermal filler.
• If you are planning to attend a special event when a bruise, should it occur, would be unacceptable to you.
• Some over the counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (make you more prone to bruising), as can alcohol, which should be avoided the day before and after treatment.
• Vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sun beds, and saunas should be avoided for 48 hours, or as advised by your clinician, after treatment. Safety has not been established for those skins susceptible to keloid scarring.

If, having had a dermal filler treatment, you are at all concerned about symptoms you were not expecting or are not happy with, please contact the practitioner for advice. If necessary, an appointment will be made for you to be seen. 

At Save Face, we make finding a non-surgical cosmetic practitioner simple. It doesn’t need to be a daunting search. That’s why every practitioner you’ll find using the Save Face search engine has passed or rigorous 116-point assessment, proving that: 

• They are who they say they are.
• They are a registered nurse/midwife, doctor, dentist or prescribing pharmacist with specialist training and insurance in each treatment listed on their profile.
• They use licensed products sourced from reputable suppliers.
• They have all of the necessary paperwork in place to protect you from undue risk and harm.
• Their clinic is safe and hygienic.

Click here to find your nearest Save Face accredited dermal filler practitioner.