ethos medispa

What are Dermal fillers and how do they work?

As the skin ages, it gradually loses some of its collagen and fat. These are the materials that prevent the skin from becoming saggy. Thus, as we age, our skin can become thinner and more wrinkled and lined.

Dermal fillers help to restore our skin to its former youthful appearance by injecting into the skin areas where it needs to be plumped up again.

Fillers come in different thicknesses, and in general, the thicker the product, the deeper it is injected into the dermis (middle layer of the skin – see diagram below) to help plump out fine to deep lines and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers are popular treatments for wrinkles and facial lines. A dermal filler procedure helps to ‘fill out’ and smooth away troublesome:

Nose to Mouth Grooves

Forehead Lines

Frown Furrows

Lipstick Lines

Acne Pits

Crows Feet

Dermal Filler treatment?

During your first visit to our clinic, you should explain what you expect from a dermal filler treatment and how you would like to look afterwards. Your practitioner will discuss any potential problems connected with the treatment, such as allergies.

r instance, if bovine collagen is recommended, you will be advised to have a skin test where a small amount of collagen is injected into your forearm to see if you have an allergic response. This skin test is only currently recommended for products containing bovine collagen. Other dermal fillers can be used without a skin test. The area injected will be checked after 2 – 3 days and again after 4 weeks to see if there is any swelling or tenderness. Around 3% of people will have a positive skin test preventing them from having treatment with bovine collagen.

The practitioner should take a medical history to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t have the treatment. Then you will usually be asked to read detailed information and sign a consent form which means that you have understood what the treatment may do, along with any potential side effects from the filler(s) being used.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a “before and after” comparison of the treatment.

The consultation, skin test (if appropriate), or maybe even an initial treatment might happen in your first visit, if your skin suits the filler recommended and you are comfortable in going ahead with the treatment. If not, you will simply be given a second appointment to begin your procedure.