Whilst botulinum toxins are medicines which target muscles, dermal fillers by contrast are injectable implants, that are presented in the form of a viscous gel. Where botulinum toxins target expression lines, dermal fillers can target all forms of lines. Further, they can target folds to lift them and they can add volume where required. The addition of volume is beneficial to address the volume loss that occurs as a natural process over time, or they can be used to augment natural features – the lips being a common example.
Dermal fillers are classified as medical devices. This can offer a certain amount of protection in terms of product quality; however, the restrictions are not as significant as for prescription medicines even though risks can be significant.
Treatment/Procedure
Your practitioner will explain details of the full procedure to you.
Dermal fillers are presented as a gel in a sterile, pre-filled syringe. Your will have agreed the use of one or more syringes prior to treatment. You will also have discussed options, where required, for pain control.
There are various techniques available to inject the filler into or underneath the skin, targeting the specified area to achieve the agreed result.
The result is immediate, but several days are sometimes required for any swelling and redness to settle. The treatment should last between 6 to 18 months, on average, depending on the product used and the location of treatment.
You should be made familiar with the product used, where it has been used, and the specific aftercare instructions.
Effects/Benefits
The effects can be as subtle or dramatic as required but should always be natural in appearance and proportion. Treatments can range from the injection of dermal fillers superficially in the skin to smooth out fine lines, through the slightly deeper placement to support folds, to the more demanding process of providing larger amounts of volume where required. The ‘liquid face-lift’ is so called because it targets specific areas to provide both volume and structural support in order to lift.
Side-effects
Dermal filler treatments can be quite involved, and the injection related side-effects – bruising, swelling, redness – are common.
The treatment related side effects – infection, localised reactions to the product – are less common but should always be noted.
Perhaps the most worrying complication from a dermal filler treatment is when it is placed in such a way as to inhibit blood supply. In extreme circumstances, or when not properly addressed, this can cause scarring, tissue loss and blindness, and requires immediate intervention. Treatments on or around the forehead, nose, lips and around the eyes are considered the highest risk for this complication.
Your practitioner will discuss these complications with you and explain the measures to be taken to minimise or avoid harm being caused.
Restrictions
There are no legal advertising restrictions for medical devices. However, statutory regulated professionals consider that promotions which are seen to entice the public, are unethical, and as such, contrary to their regulations. This standard is applied by JCCP and CPSA.
There is no legal requirement for a face to face consultation with a prescriber. However, considering the potential risks, HEE and consequently JCCP have subjected dermal fillers to the same process as prescription medicines. As such face to face consultations are expected practice for all of our registrants. This is because the management of dermal filler complications require timely access to prescription medicines.
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