Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is produced naturally by skin cells in a bid to maintain moisture levels, but due to factors such as the ageing process and pollution these levels dip over time. Hyaluronic acid is well known for its skin benefits, especially alleviating dry skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and speeding up wound healing.
Hyaluronic Acid filler is a biocompatible and biodegradable gel which is injected into the face to restore volume, shape and symmetry. A common treatment with Hyaluronic Acid is to fill the lips to give a fuller or more defined shape. When used properly and safely, by trained, trusted practitioners HA fillers can work wonders in reshaping and revolumising areas of the face and hands.
- Lips
- Nose
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Tear Tough
- Neck
- Lines and wrinkles
- Hands
The clinician may apply a topical anaesthetic cream before treatment. HA filler will be injected into the area to be treated either through a needle or cannula. Depending on the fluidity of the product they are using the practitioner may massage the treated skin to ensure the filler is distributed correctly and creates the desired aesthetic.
Treatment takes around 15-30 minutes.
A pre-treatment consultation appointment will cover a thorough examination, medical history, and a discussion about requirements and expectations. On the day of treatment, it is important to remove any make-up. Alcohol, aspirin and Ibuprofen should be avoided 24 hours before treatment. It is of the upmost importance not to forget to tell the practitioner of any previous injection in the same area, even years before, as some products might trigger serious adverse effects.
Treatment cannot be administered if there is an active skin infection, including acne or cold sores or if the patient is unwell- including colds, coughs, sore throats, viral illnesses or other illnesses. If these are present, the practitioner will advise re-booking for another day.
Post treatment patients may experience some redness and possible swelling.
- Do not touch the injection areas as there is a risk of introducing bacteria and cause infection.
- Do not massage the treated areas.
- Try to lie on your back during the night after treatment. It is possible to experience some tenderness, swelling and redness for a few days after treatment
- Avoid make up for 12 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours (increases swelling and bruising risk)
- Avoid extreme movements, exercise or temperatures
- Avoid sun beds and saunas for 2 weeks
A 2-week review post treatment should be arranged to check the results.
Results are instant, however some people experience some bruising or swelling which may take a few days to subside.
Results from HA filler last between 5-9 months depending on lifestyle factors, the area treated, exposure to UV rays and if regular excessive exercise is undertaken.
Fillers are considered safe and the most common side effects are transient bruising and swelling.
Some people may report minor lumps and bumps following treatment such as lip augmentation, these occur because of trauma to the underlying tissues and typically take 14 days to resolve.
More serious complications are very rare, and are significantly reduced by ensuring treatment is carried out by a well-trained, experienced, qualified medical practitioner.
HA fillers cost from £220 upward for a single treatment, depending on area to be treated and amount of filler used.
“Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers are a type of temporary dermal filler. HA is found naturally in the body and attracts water allowing the skin to become more hydrated. Injectable HA is used to restore volume, shape and symmetry to treated areas and is able to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, facial folds and to create structure, framework and volume to the face, lips and nose. It is important to ensure that treatment with HA filler is conducted by a trained, qualified medical clinician, who will be able to skilfully treat you, while remaining vigilant to the risks of the treatment.”
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