Derma fillers are a non-surgical treatment performed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. as part of the treatment your doctor will inject the area in order to add volume to the specific areas which can include the face, lips, wrinkles and fine lines.
Derma fillers work by restoring the fullness and plumpness of the skin that has been injected. In addition, this will stimulate collagen growth giving you a younger and fuller appearance.
Dermal Filler Q&A with Dr. Michelle Rockingham
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers can enhance the natural beauty of the face, by providing subtle volume & definition, which we tend to lose with age. Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring component of our tissues, that absorbs moisture and seeps kin hydrated for a youthful look.
Which areas of the face can be enhanced with dermal fillers?
Temple & cheek enhancement
Cheek volume & definition
Nasolabial folds
Marionette lines
Lip volume & definition
Perioral & smoker’s lines
Chin restructuring & alignment
Reduction of jowls
Jaw definition
Which product is used?
Michelle uses the Juvederm Vycross Collection due to the premium nature of Juvederm Vycross Technology: smooth integration into the facial tissue, long-lasting effect of up to 1 year & the reassurance that Juvederm has been used in over 26 million treatments worldwide.
What should I expect before treatment?
Michelle will have an in-depth consultation with you to understand what your needs are and to determine whether you are suitable for treatment. Michelle will then explain your options to you, in order to make sure that the treatment will satisfy your expectations & how much planning you would like to stage for your treatment.
In order to enhance your appearance, soften existing lines and add volume where volume has been lost over time, the general rule of thumb is that 1ml of filler is used per decade of age; thus 30 years old, 3mls; 40 years old, 4mls and so on.
How much dermal filler will I need?
The amount of filler required for your treatment will depend upon your areas of concern, your budget & how much treatment you would like to receive during appointments.
What should I expect during treatment?
Your skin will be cleansed using chlorhexidine, a skin disinfectant. Juvederm products contain lidocaine, which will provide a numbing sensation to the face during injections. The procedure involves a few injections using a very tiny needle or cannula, depending on the area of the face to be treated.
What should I expect after treatment?
After treatment, it is quite normal to experience tenderness and swelling in the injected area, which usually subsides within a few days. It is recommended that you do not touch your face for 12 hours after treatment, to minimise the risk of infection.
What are the risks associated with dermal fillers?
There is a very small risk of the filler being injected into blood vessels that can cause damage to the injected areas. This is rare, and Michelle utilises specific techniques to ensure every effort is made to avoid this complication. Lumps, or granulomas, can develop and is also a rare complication. Should this occur, the dermal filler can be reversed with an injection containing a reversal agent, hyaluronidase.
Infection of the injected area can also occur however the risk is minimised by thorough cleansing by Michelle of your face prior to the procedure, as well as not touching the injected area after the procedure.
Due to some of the sites that are injected, close to blood vessels, there is a very low risk of stroke, blindness or death. Again, these incidents are extremely rare, and Michelle utilises specific techniques to ensure every effort is made to avoid these complications.
Should I massage my face after treatment?
With the Juvederm Vycross Technology, the hyaluronic acid will naturally integrate into the tissues within 1-4 weeks after treatment. Due to this integration, massaging your face is not recommended as the product can be massaged out of the injected areas.
If I would like further enhancement after my first injections, how long should I wait before getting more filler?
It is recommended that you wait 4-6 weeks before getting more filler in the same previously-injected area, in order to allow the product to integrate fully into the tissues. Further filler in other areas of the face is possible within that time.
When can I wear make-up?
You can apply make up 12 hours after having dermal filler treatment
Can I use saunas or steam rooms after treatment?
It is recommended that you do not enter a sauna or steam room for 2 weeks after treatment.
How long will my dermal fillers last?
Juvederm dermal fillers can last up to 1 year.
Can I have dermal fillers if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Michelle does not provide fillers to pregnant or breast-feeding women. The data is not available to show that it is dangerous to do so, nor does it show that it is safe, thus the risks to the unborn child are not known.