HomeDermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers

At E-Cliniq Medical, we are proud to use injectable products of the highest quality to improve the appearance of the skin and facial lines. In our clinic, we choose our products based on research, studies and evidence-based medicine and purchase them from UK Pharmacies.

Prior to receiving any dermal fillers injections, you will be offered a complimentary consultation with our medical practitioner, who will assess your medical history, discuss your needs, and devise a personalised treatment plan. You will also have the benefits and risks of the treatment explained to you, before deciding whether the treatment is right for you or not.

What are Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers Injections?

Dermal fillers are temporary soft, gel-like products that are gently inserted into the skin, and can be used to effectively contour and correct many soft tissue age related changes, as well as loss of volume. Dermal fillers will also help to hydrate, revitalise and rejuvenate the appearance and contours of the face and skin.

The main ingredient within many dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid which is widely recognised for its safety, hydration and anti-ageing properties. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance, which is a major component of our skin and has a function in wound repair, hydration, and cell to cell communication. One of the main characteristics of hyaluronic acid is that it effectively binds water like a sponge, which is why it is an effective tissue filler.

There are over 60 different brands of dermal fillers available within the U.K. and many more worldwide, but some have better safety profiles than others. We only use the very best and safest hyaluronic acid dermal filler brand and prefer to use the leading Aliaxin full range of products for our treatments. This dermal filler is manufactured by pharmaceutical company IBSA, where the entire production chain is controlled, giving it a greater safety profile, less chemical alteration, natural skin integration, and natural results.

What areas can be treated with Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers can be used in most areas of the face and some areas of the body, including the neck, décolletage, back of the hands and genital areas. Technique is important and practitioners generally classify treatments as basic, intermediate or advanced. Ensure your practitioner is appropriately trained and experienced in the area you would like treating.

Commonly treated areas include:

  • Nasolabial folds (nose to mouth lines)
  • Upper and lower cheeks
  • Oral commissures (corners of the mouth)
  • Marionette lines (lines below the mouth corners)
  • Lips
  • Tear trough (hollowness beneath the eyes)
  • Smoker’s lines (area above and below the lip)
  • Jaw line / Jowls
  • Chin
  • Nose reshaping
  • Temples

How do Dermal Fillers Injections work?

During normal ageing, the fat compartments of the face lose volume and the ligaments holding them in place become weaker leading to a sagging appearance. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are extremely ‘hydrophilic’ or water loving. When they are injected, they boost the skins volume, so the area becomes revitalised and volumised. By placing the dermal filler in specific anatomical positions, this can also create a lifting effect. Adding volume helps to address issues such as volume loss, laxity and sagging of the skin, having a positive effect on lines and wrinkles. They can also be injected directly beneath lines to help soften and improve them.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are injected using a small needle, a cannula or both and creates an instant filling out effect. Our medical practitioner will discuss what areas you would like treating and specific risks based on the treatment area, product used and your medical history. Most syringes contain 1ml of hyaluronic acid and often more than one syringe will be required to produce the desired result. This may be performed at the same time or at a later treatment session which will be discussed during your consultation.

Are Dermal Fillers Injections painful?

Thanks to the sophistication of Aliaxin hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, discomfort during and after treatment is minimal. Optional topical anaesthetic cream is available as well but often this is not necessary with the use of a blunt microcannula which allows the filler to be placed through a single entry point in the skin, or with a fine needle, which often helps to minimise any discomfort and the risk of bruising. Any lasting tenderness post procedure will be settling within a matter of hours.

Are Dermal Fillers Injections safe?

Like any medical intervention, there are risks that are associated with having a dermal filler treatment. Fortunately, many side effects are rare or very rare. Aliaxin dermal fillers are a class III medical device and have been extensively and rigorously tested over many years with considerable evidence to support their robust safety profile in cosmetic medicine.

As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on these in more detail before you decide to proceed with any treatment. Our medical practitioner’s training, expertise and experience means that he is able to assist you with side effects should you experience them. More commonly reported side effects, usually related to the procedure itself, are mild bruising or swelling of the skin, and are generally described as mild to moderate. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you do experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as bruising.

What does the procedure involve?

Prior to your treatment you will be given a full consultation, complete a medical questionnaire and be offered a cooling off period to enable you to make an informed decision with full disclosure of the possible risks and side effects specific to you. You will also be given an indication of the cost of the treatment. Before you receive any treatment, you will be required to sign a consent form, this may be on paper or electronic, and be given the opportunity to ask any further questions. Photographs will be taken and kept as part of your medical record. These can be used for any marketing, advertising purpose, with your explicit permission.

Our medical practitioner will perform an examination of the area to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. It is important to have realistic expectations about what dermal fillers can achieve.

If a topical anaesthetic cream is to be used, this will be applied and removed after 20-30 minutes to allow it to take effect. The area to be treated will be cleaned, makeup removed if worn, and then disinfected. If a needle is used, you will experience several pin pricks or a scratching sensation and possibly a mild burning sensation as the product is injected. If a cannula is used, our practitioner may first inject a local anaesthetic to numb the insertion site, this itself can cause a burning or stinging sensation. Cannulas can create an odd pulling or tugging sensation as they are moved into place beneath the skin.

Depending on the treatment area(s) and the amount of hyaluronic acid used, treatment time will often be between 15 to 30 minutes. Following your procedure, the practitioner will massage the area and then clean the skin. Also, a post-treatment cream will be applied. After the procedure, you will receive all the aftercare information needed and be offered a follow up appointment.

Am I suitable for Dermal Fillers Treatment?

Dermal fillers have many uses to help improve the look of the face, hands, neck and décolletage. Both younger and older adults, men and women find the use of dermal fillers can achieve the appearance they desire.

You may not be suitable for treatment if any of the following apply:

  • Dermal fillers cannot be given to pregnant or breast-feeding women and is not recommended if you are actively trying to get pregnant or undergoing IVF; also if you are under the age of 18.
  • If you suffer from keloid scarring or have active skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis.
  • If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions, blood clotting disorders, cancer, immunosuppression (either medical or drug-related).
  • If you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area, including cold sores.
  • If you are suffering from any other infection, including dental, throat, ear, chest or sinus infections.
  • If you are unwell, including coughs and colds, on the day of treatment.
  • If you are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin.
  • If you have had Roaccutane or isotretinoin in the past 6 months.
  • Certain allergies, including lidocaine or bee sting allergy.
  • Recent facial surgery or other dermal fillers in the same area.
  • Permanent implants, such as silicone implants in the face or pins and plates.
  • Previous rhinoplasty, if considering dermal fillers in the nose.

Is there any pre-treatment advice?

  • Avoid taking anti-inflammatories (such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen) for 3 days prior to treatment (unless this has been prescribed by your doctor) as this increases the risk of bruising.
  • Alcohol, fish oils, St. John’s Wort, Gingko Biloba and Vitamin E should also be avoided for 3 days prior to treatment to lessen the risk of bruising.
  • If you are prone to bruising, taking arnica orally for a few days prior to treatment may lessen the risk.
  • If you are unwell on the day of your appointment, contact the clinic to reschedule.
  • Avoid sunbeds and tanning for 1 week before and after treatment.
  • Ensure our practitioner is informed if there are any changes in your medical history or medication taken before receiving any treatment.

Is there any post-treatment advice

After treatment, most people can resume to their normal daily activities. Immediately after treatment, there may be some redness, tenderness and swelling at the injection sites and there will likely be visible lumps at the injection sites. Bruising may be obvious immediately after treatment and may be quite pronounced.

  • Do not apply make-up for 12 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Avoid saunas, swimming pools and sunbeds until the initial swelling and redness has settled.
  • Try to avoid touching or rubbing the treated area until the following day, as you may affect the results of treatment or cause infection, unless otherwise advised.
  • Massage of the area is not required; the product will diffuse naturally on its own.
  • Avoid extremes of hot or cold and vigorous exercise until the initial swelling has resolved.
  • If swelling persists, you may be advised to apply a cool pad to help remedy this.