What Are Skin Fillers?

Skin fillers – sometimes referred to as dermal fillers or facial injections, are used in the cosmetics industry to smooth out lines and wrinkles that appear as the aging process progresses. As well as getting rid of crow’s feet, brow lines, and nasolabial folds (the line that runs from the nose to the corners of the mouth), skin fillers are useful for plumping up the collagen beneath the surface of the face, giving the lips and cheeks a fuller, more youthful appearance. They are very popular among adults in the UK, simply because they are not as expensive or invasive as other techniques, such as face lifts or implants.

Filling injections can contains various ingredients, but they are typically made up of a quantity of hyaluronic acid, which is a component found naturally in the human body, this is what makes the procedure safer and temporary; eventually the natural substance will be absorbed back into the system, leaving no long-term effect. Patients who would like to maintain their look would need to return to the clinic for repeat sessions, when they notice the filler starting to wear off.

How do skin fillers work?

As time passes, our skin loses its ability to hold in moisture, which is needed to help the outer layer spring back into shape when we smile or frown, without sufficient moisture, lines begin to form on various areas of the face – typically around and under the eyes, on the top lip, and between the eyebrows. These problems are exacerbated by bad habits, such as smoking or sunbathing, as they contribute to the moisture-loss and make the skin lose its elasticity. Skin fillers work by directly combatting this issue; they inject hyaluronic acid into the collagen layer beneath the surface, the acid is essential to keeping our skin soft and supple, as it encourages the cells to produce the much needed moisture. With plumped up collagen, the skin appears smoother, more youthful, and wrinkle-free.

Injections like this are also good for keeping the lips looking their best, because the aging process can make them thin out and become dry more easily. Skin fillers are not the same as injecting a foreign chemical into your face, they are designed to work in harmony with the human body, and give a natural-looking outcome.

Does the injecting process hurt?

Dermal injections can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it really depends on your own personal threshold for pain. The needles used are so tiny, that they rarely cause a noticeable amount of pain, and most patients find that the procedure is much simpler than they first imagined. Around the lips can be slightly more painful, simply because the skin covering our lips is thinner, therefore more blood vessels and nerve endings are closer to the surface, making it a little bit uncomfortable. However, the majority of those who have this treatment will be so pleased with the results that they will have forgotten the pain before they have even left the surgery. If you are a particularly anxious person, you could speak to your provider about numbing gels or creams before you go ahead with the procedure.

After the filler has been injected, you might feel sore or tender around the treated areas, and there may be some slight bruising at the injection sites, but these side effects are rarely very painful, and not life-threatening. A final point about health and safety; if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anything, you should mention this to your surgeon before they begin the procedure, as the solution can occasionally cause a reaction of that type, in a tiny percentage of cases.

Where can I get skin fillers from?

There are countless surgeries and clinics up and down the country that offer dermal fillers, as well as beauty parlours and cosmetic salons, but you do have to be careful where you go for your treatment, it’s not just a case of going to the nearest provider and paying the lowest price. The problem with the filler market is that it is not regulated in the same way as other medical practices, because it is not technically considered a surgical procedure, which means you need to look very closely at prospective clinics before choosing one; you would be surprised to know how many people are only too happy to go to the cheapest or nearest, for convenience alone. It’s also worth noting that you are generally better off visiting a dental or surgical clinic, rather than a beauty salon – although, there are undoubtedly some good quality practitioners that operate out of salons, you’re probably safer booking an appointment with some team members who are familiar with surgical surroundings. For top-quality service, in a comfortable, safe environment, give the team at the Pearl Dental Clinic a call, someone is always available to take bookings and to talk about the various treatments on offer.

How much do skin fillers cost?

Prices can vary from place to place, but you should expect to pay no less than two-hundred pounds, if you want to see positive results. By paying top end prices (three or four hundred pounds) you really will be able to see the difference, and you’re much more likely to get treated by a surgeon who has the skill and experience to make you look younger, without appearing fake or overdone. It takes a certain amount of artistry to correctly administer injections and to create a subtle, natural look, and in theory anyone can take a few tutorials and start selling skin fillers at any price they like, but you’re not going to get the outcome you are looking for, if you’re not prepared to do a little homework first. Ask around your family and friends to see if they know a decent provider, or do some online research to find a reputable place in your area, ask to see some credentials and proof of training beforehand, and never undergo treatments with someone you are uncomfortable with – you are putting your health in their hands, so don’t be pushed into anything.