Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers are a safe, swift and effective non-surgical treatment that help to soften facial wrinkles creases or folds, 'fill out' hollows and recreate the smooth contours of a younger complexion.

Dermal Fillers can also be used to treat scars including acne scarring or those acquired through injury or surgery as well as other age-related depressions in the skin.

There are different types of Dermal Fillers, composed by a variety of substances both natural and synthetic. Some are produced from collagen – the main structural protein of connective tissues in humans, others are synthetically produced in a laboratory and derived from hyaluronic acid, a water holding molecule which acts as a cushioning and hydrating agent in all mammals.

Hyaluronic acid – also known as Hyaluronan, Hyaluronate or HA – is a substance that is naturally found in the human body, where it acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. In particular, it's present in high concentrations in fluids in the eyes and in the joints.

Hyaluronic acid has multiple beneficial functions, such as hydrating the skin, stimulating the production of collagen in skin, acting as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, maintaining skin elasticity and cushioning joints and nerve tissues. It also has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory function and maintains the fluid in the eye tissues.

Just like other protective agents in the body though, naturally occurring Hyaluronic acid levels decrease over time as we age. It is therefore commonly injected as the main active ingredient of filler treatments for cosmetically filling areas of volume loss or eliminating signs of ageing such as facial wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common type of dermal fillers. Juvederm and Restylane are common brand names of injectables based on Hyaluronic acid.

With age, the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis, gradually becomes thinner, offering less protection to the lower layer, the dermis. Also, the ageing process reduces the production of collagen, the main component of the dermis, which gives the skin its strength, elasticity and firmness. This results in the appearance of wrinkles, folds and other age-related skin depressions.

As we age natural hyaluronic acid production slows down (creating the ageing effect), but can effectively topped up by dermal filler treatment.

Dermal fillers integrate naturally occurring active substances such as collagen and hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.

The main action of Hyaluronic acid is to attract and retain large quantities of moisture when injected to the dermis, thereby generating a semi-permanent volumizing or 'plumping' filler effect.

It secondary action is to helps to hydrate the skin, act as an antioxidant and maintain skin elasticity.

The treatment can take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Repeat visits can be shorter, and take between 10 – 15 minutes.

Dermal Filler treatments in the UK are currently unregulated meaning any aesthetic practitioner can perform them. This has led to the proliferation of low quality 'high street' providers, and filler treatments even being made available in non-medical environments such as gyms.

At the Cadogan Clinic we believe such practices are extremely risky and highly correlated with unsafe and poor aesthetic outcomes.

We only offer consultant – led filler treatments, performed by highly trained cosmetic dermatologists or plastic surgeons.

Dermal filler treatments are generally not painful, although the amount of discomfort you experience may vary depending on the area. Treatments around the lip and nose area are typically the most uncomfortable but this can still be tolerated well though topically applied anaesthetic cream.

There is typically no downtime at all.

There may be a slight mild redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, or itching which usually subsides after a few hours following treatment - most patients can return to work or to their regular activities immediately after receiving treatment, although we recommend 24hrs before doing any vigorous exercise.

Dermal fillers work instantly so you should start to see the results immediately. We typically recommend allowing a week or so before expecting to see the final results, in order to allow for any minor swelling or bruising to subside.

We specialise in the delivery of exceptionally precise treatments, and our consultants can control your outcome based on your stated personal preferences. Some patients prefer an extremely subtle change, whilst others may prefer something slightly more meaningful.

Either way your results will look natural, as our specialists will use the natural contours of your face to deliver the very best outcomes. You will also retain a full array of facial expressions.

This will all be discussed comprehensively at your consultation.

The vast majority of fillers used in the UK are temporary and reabsorbed by the body over time.

We only use temporary dermal fillers at the Cadogan Clinic. Our Dermal Filler treatments are therefore not permanent. How long they last depends on things like the type of filler and where it's injected. They usually last between 6 and 18 months.

We do offer more permanent alternative filler treatments that employ the volume enhancing properties of naturally-occurring fat resources, but this is a slightly more invasive treatment. See Fat Transfer to Face.

Dermal Fillers are extremely safe when delivered by a trained medical practitioner. Outcomes can be managed precisely by a technical practitioner, and results are also not permanent and can be rectified ('dissolved') if they are not to your satisfaction.

That said, whilst extremely rare when fillers are delivered in a medical environment by a medical professional, possible risks include:

• Asymmetry, or uneven result
• Allergic reaction
• Bruising, bleeding on injection site, swelling
• Damage to skin and possible scarring
• Lumps of filler under the skin
• Skin necrosis
• Infection
• Blindness

These risks will be fully discussed at your consultation prior to your consent.

Although there is no evidence that indicates dermal fillers are not safe during pregnancy, the Cadogan Clinic does not perform any injectable treatments on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

During your consultation you will discuss your expectations in detail with your trained medical consultant, so there really should not be any surprise when it comes to the results.

That said, if you are unhappy with the results you are free to revisit the Clinic to see if your concerns can be rectified by the addition of further dermal filler, or neutralised by administering a solution that dissolves the filler almost instantly, leaving no lasting damage or effect.

Over time the naturally occurring active agent in dermal fillers – hyaluronic acid – will wear off. At this point you will need to visit the Clinic for additional treatment.

It is best to arrive at the Clinic with your skin as best prepared for your dermal filler treatment as it can be. This would ideally include not drinking alcohol for 2-3 days prior to your appointment to lessen the risk of bleeding and bruising, as well as having had plenty of rest the night before your treatment to ensure you arrive feeling calm and relaxed.

It is also advised that you do not consume ibuprofen and aspirin for 1 week prior to your appointment as these can also thin your blood making bruising more likely.

We do, however, offer alternative more invasive volumizing treatments that employ the more permanent volume enhancing properties of naturally-occurring fat resources. See Fat Transfer to Face.

A vial is a measurement of the injectable liquid administered during dermal filler treatment. Typically, treatment for nasolabial folds (nose to mouth lines) requires 1-2 vials, marionette lines require 1 vial, lips require 1 – 2 vials and cheeks require 2 vials.

The cost of your treatment will relate to the number of vials you require during treatment.

Juvederm is made primarily from natural substances, such as hyaluronic acid – which are found in humans. This means a more natural, fuller result is possible when using Juvederm, when compared to some other fillers found on the market.

Juvederm is also highly absorptive, and can absorb up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. This allows the skin to lock in moisture, causing the treatment area to appear fuller, smoother and more youthful.

Since Juvederm is composed of natural substances, the effects are not permanent. This means that if the desired results are no longer required, the substance will be absorbed by the body naturally over a long period of time. Because the Juvederm gradually reduces its appearance, the fillers are a popular and common choice of procedure for patients that have not received any cosmetic treatment before.

Juvederm is not restricted just to the mouth and lip area, and can be used all of the face and hands.

Profhilo® is another hyaluronic acid-based injectable rejuvenation treatment, but unlike dermal fillers it is not designed to add volume to the skin. Instead, this anti-ageing hydration treatment aims only to improve surface skin tone, texture and elasticity.

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

Our address is 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.