Dermal fillers are injections used to fill out wrinkles and creases in the skin. They can also be used to increase the volume and definition of the lips.
Most manufacturers of dermal fillers recommend that treatments should only be carried out by medical professionals, although this is not currently a legal requirement.
Dermal fillers are made from a variety of materials and the effects can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the type of filler.
During the procedure, the practitioner injects the filler in a series of small injections and gently massages the area. Some treatments require a local anaesthetic cream or injection. The treatment time can vary from 30 minutes to an hour.
The area may be a little swollen and tender for 24 hours and during that time you may be advised to avoid things including coffee, alcohol, hot drinks and the sun.
What are the risks?
The risks of dermal fillers depend on who performs them and the type of filler used. Permanent fillers have the highest risk of problems. General risks of dermal fillers include:
· problems such as rashes, swelling, itching and bruising
· the filler can move away from the intended treatment area over time
· you may have an immediate allergic reaction to the filler, which can lead to anaphylaxis
· in rare cases, the filler may form lumps under the skin (which may need to be treated with surgery or medication), or the filler could lead to tissue death (necrosis)
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, if you are having a serious allergic reaction to the filler. Venustas use only qualified nurses who are able to deal with situations like these where you may lose sensation in your skin, the treated area is extremely painful or if it becomes discoloured. Changes to skin sensation or colour are potential signs of necrosis, which requires immediate treatment.