Skin Rejuvenation: Non-surgical facial rejuvenation using dermal filler
Non-surgical facial rejuvenation is a phrase that describes cosmetic treatment that addresses all of the aspects of the ageing process, without surgical methods. By addressing all aspects of the ageing process, a more comprehensive result can be achieved when rejuvenating the face. The effects of ageing on the face include loss of facial volume, skin sag, expression line formation and general skin deterioration, including wrinkling, formation of brown spots/pigmentation, and formation of visible blood vessels. These issues can be addressed by using mostly non-surgical techniques. The most common procedures performed for facial rejuvenation are anti-wrinkle injections, dermal filler and laser skin treatments.
Loss of facial volume is one of the first signs of ageing, and can occur in areas such as the cheeks, around the eyes, brows, and lips. Replacement of facial volume can be achieved with the use of dermal fillers. Using dermal fillers, it is possible to replace the volume that has naturally been lost with time.
Dermal fillers can also be used to enhance and balance particular areas of the face, for example, it can be used to make a chin more prominent to make it balance better with the rest of the face.
Dermal fillers are carefully injected beneath the skin’s surface to lessen static facial wrinkles and to softly enhance and add definition and fullness to the lips. They are often used in conjunction with some appropriate anti-wrinkle treatments to achieve an optimum result.
The filler is made from a natural complex sugar which is already found in the skin and assists in skin hydration by attracting and holding water; it also combines with collagen and elastin to provide skin structure and elasticity. It is not derived from animals and is manufactured and purified by Allergan, especially for the smoothing of wrinkles and soft lip enhancement. Once it has settled into the skin, it feels and looks soft, supple and very natural.
It should last between 12 and 18 months, depending on your skin condition and where it is injected. It does vary from person to person and will be influenced by how quickly you metabolise it in your body.
Treatment with dermal fillers is a non-surgical procedure in which the filler is injected via a few sites by a trained registered nurse or doctor. Local anaesthetic may be required in the form of ice, a topical cream or injections. This will be discussed at your consultation. The procedure should cause minimal disruption to your daily routine, with most people returning to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
Side effects are generally none or minimal; if experienced, they are usually temporary injection-site symptoms such as swelling, bruising and redness. Less frequently, temporary pain, firmness, lumps, itching and discolouration can occur.
There is no need for an allergy test before treatment. These dermal fillers have been clinically studied for many years, and trials have shown that they are generally very well tolerated. Treatment has been available in Europe since 2000 and was approved for use in Australia and the US in 2006.