Dermal Fillers
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are substances injected into or under the skin. These can be used to soften lines, folds, wrinkles, or to give volume or lift. At the Fitzgerald Private Clinic we use the FDA-approved Juvederm® range of dermal fillers. These are all temporary hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. HA is a natural substance found in most tissues in the body. In the skin HA binds water molecules givin volume, shape, hydration and elasticity. HA dermal fillers are broken down and absorbed by the body over time. They are also dissolvable.
The most common areas treated with dermal fillers are the mid-face (cheeks) and lips. Other areas include the nasolabial area (nose to mouth furrows), marionettes, temples, chin, tear trough, nose and jawline. We can restore volume that has been lost over time, or enhance other areas eg lips.
Treatment involves gently injecting the dermal filler under the skin with needle or microcannula. For most places of the face no numbing is required before treating with dermal fillers. For some areas a topical numbing cream is used. For lip enhancement we offer complete numbing with a dental block prior to treatment to ensure the treatment is painless. Dermal filler treatment may only take 10-15 minutes but at the Fitzgerald Private Clinic we allow enough time to make sure clients are comfortable and feel relaxed.
Our aim at the Fitzgerald Private Clinic is to enhance your appearance rather than change it. Dr. Róisín and Dr. Deirdre have had advanced dermal filler training on London’s Harley Street, and pride themselves on their ability to produce natural appearing results.
How long do they last?
Depending on the type of dermal filler used and the area treated, the effect can last anywhere from 6-24 months. Hyaluronic acid is broken down in the body at different rates by different people. Also dermal filler in areas where there is a lot of movement, for example in the lips or around the mouth, will break down more quickly.
Who is not suitable for this treatment?
Your suitability for dermal filler treatment will be discussed at your consultation. Some of the situations where dermal fillers should be avoided include: active inflammation (coldsores, skin infection, any infection in the body), certain dental treatments, some medical conditions that affect your immune system and some medications.
What are the risks and potential side effects?
Bruising and swelling may be present after a procedure, therefore it is best to plan dermal filler treatments at least 2 weeks before a major event. With careful treatment and aftercare potential risks are reduced, but as with any procedure, it is important to be aware of these. Complications such as infection or vascular occlusion (blockage to a blood vessel) are rare but can occur. It is important that your dermal filler treatment is performed by a fully qualified medical professional with advanced training to keep complication risk to a minimum.
Aftercare
It is recommended that you do not use makeup for 12 hours following treatment and that any extended exposure to the sun, UV rays, saunas and temperatures below 0’C be avoided for two weeks afterwards.
Please note: All injectable treatments in the Fitzgerald Private Clinic are carried out by highly skilled and fully registered Doctors. A consultation is carried out prior to all treatments and procedures to ensure the safest possible outcomes.