Guide to Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are the hottest trend in the cosmetic enhancement field due to their accessibility and minimal downtime after procedure. Their ability to act as both volume enhancers and wrinkle fillers makes them a very attractive option among a range of patients. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were nearly 2.5 million filler injections last year, making dermal fillers one of the most common cosmetic procedures. Whilst dermal fillers have been used within the cosmetic industry for over 40 years, it was the introduction of Hyaluronic acid in the 2000’s which boosted their prevalence. HA fillers are now widely used and accepted amongst celebrities and non-celebrities alike. With no sign of slowing down it seems that dermal fillers will continue to be used to enhance natural beauty and reverse the signs of ageing for years to come. With this in mind, we are giving you the low down on the hottest cosmetic treatment.

What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?

Dermal fillers consist of small amounts of gel that are injected into areas which require volume. As we age our bodies naturally stop producing collagen and elastin which contributes to an ageing appearance. The non-animal substance used within dermal fillers mimics the body’s natural collagen and works to fill in wrinkles and add volume to soft tissue. Once injected the fillers provide support and structure to the skin, creating a plumped and youthful appearance. Dermal fillers can provide a safe, long lasting look but are also easily dissolvable if you change your mind. Fillers can be administered into different parts of your face such as around the eye, cheeks, mouth, nose and jawline as well as directly into the lip tissue to create a plump pout.

Cross linked vs Non-Cross linked?

When exploring the world of dermal fillers, you may come across several confusing phrases, one such phrase being “cross linked”. Hyaluronic Acid in its natural form is broken down at a rapid speed, in order to slow down the decay process it must be transformed into a thicker gel. By cross-linking polymer chains the product becomes thicker and more difficult to breakdown when injected into the body. Products that have been cross-linked can produce longer lasting results that breakdown slowly over time creating a natural finish.

Different Viscosities Produce Different Results

The viscosity of a dermal filler refers to the thickness of the gel formula, different viscosities produce different results. Many dermal filler brands have a range of products with varying viscosity in order to achieve the best result in different areas of the skin. The viscosity used is dependent on the areas of treatment and depth of the wrinkles. Market leading dermal filler, REVOLAX’s range consists of 3 viscosities. REVOLAX Fine, the thinnest formula is used for superficial wrinkles and can be used in more delicate areas of the skin, whilst REVOLAX Deep offers a thicker formula and can be used to treat persistent wrinkles and also to contour the lips. Finally, REVOLAX Sub-Q, is the highest viscosity and smooths severe wrinkles and even contours the nose, chin and jawline. Other dermal filler products also offer a range of viscosity’s designed for one or more areas of the face or body such as Juvederm’s Ultra range.