What are Hyaluronic Acid based Dermal Fillers (HADFs) ?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin and soft tissues. It acts as the "scaffolding", attracting water to the skin, providing volume and hydration and also supporting the collagen and elastin fibres under the skin - this last function is crucial in firming, contouring and  smoothing the skin and its underlying tissues, creating a fuller, more define and youth-enhancing effect.  

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What are HADFs Used For?

HADFs come as a clear sterile gel in a syringe for injection into the skin, providing instant results- they are used to:

• Correct or enhance facial contours: cheeks, nose, chin, jaw line

• Define, correct or enhance the lips

• Soften and correct facial wrinkles or folds

• Restore lost volume in the face and to reduce the appearance of veins and tendons in your hands

• Improve the tone, texture & hydration of the skin

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Is The Treatment Safe?

Fillers are generally safe, but not risk-free. The benefits and risks, and your expectations will be discussed with you during your consultation, when a detailed medical history will be taken to ensure you have no conditions that might increase the risk of unwanted side effects.

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Does The Treatment Hurt?

Many brands of HADFs contain local anaesthetic and we can also apply surface anaesthetic cream, and in the case of lip dermal fillers , local anaesthetic injections next to the areas to be treated.

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How Long Will It Last?​

Longevity will vary between individual products and between individuals, but on average most will last approximately between 6 and 12 months.

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Pre-Treatment Do's & Don'ts

• Come fresh faced for your appointment without make up if possible

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, treatment will need to be postponed as per manufacturer's advice

• The following medications and supplements may contribute to bruising afterwards: these include but are not limited to:  Alcohol. aspirin, Ibuprofen, blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, St.Johns Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamins A,C,E. The supplements are best avoided for 24 hours before your visit. I would also advise you to consult your general medical practitioner or specialist if you re unsure about temporarily stopping the prescription medicines.

• If you have any active skin infections, including but not limited to, acne or cold sores or if you are unwell with colds, sore throats, coughs treatment will have to be postponed

**If you have a history of BEE/WASP STING REACTIONS it is NOT advisable to use dermal fillers**

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After Treatment Advice

​You may experience some redness, pin prick marks, itching and possibly mild bruising/ swelling/ discolouration which may become more apparent the next day.

• Make up and face care products can irritate the skin and should  be avoided for up to 48 hours (if possible use mineral-based make up as they have a soothing effect on your skin)

• Avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, sunbathing/ tanning sessions and extremes of heat or cold for up to several days as these may increase  bruising/ swelling and discomfort

• Bruising/ swelling can take at least a day to appear and may worsen in the first 24 hours before subsiding within a few days. 

• Arnica cream or pills (Arnica is a natural plant based homeopathic remedy), applied cold (NOT ICE) packs can help reduce these effects.

• It is also advisable to avoid smoking, aspirin and alcohol for 24-48 hours for the above reasons

• Athletes should be aware that some ingredients in dermal fillers may show a "positive" in anti doping tests

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You will see the difference immediately following the injection of the fillers but the final result may not be apparent until at least 2 weeks afterwards.

Please contact us IMMEDIATELY if the tenderness, redness, bruising or swelling worsens after 3 days and does not settle down.