Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used for lip enhancement, treatment of deep folds and chin enhancement.
We have been injecting dermal fillers in Edinburgh for over twenty years. As plastic surgeons we have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and the role of dermal fillers used alone, or in combination with surgery. A range of fillers is available to reduce wrinkles, soften folds and restore volume.
Facial fillers overview
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
Not required
LENGTH OF PROCEDURE
10-40 minutes
NIGHTS IN HOSPITAL
Outpatient procedure
RECOVERY
No time required off work
May be some minor bruising
Treatments
We have been injecting dermal fillers in Edinburgh for over twenty years. As plastic surgeons we have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and the role of dermal fillers used alone, or in combination with surgery. A range of fillers are available to reduce wrinkles, soften folds and restore volume.
Hyaluronic acid fillers to reduce wrinkles at the corner of the mouth. The photos show the patient before and six months after injections.
Our approach is to use non-permanent materials to avoid the risk of potential adverse reactions which have been reported with these fillers. We commonly use hyaluronic acid gel derivatives such as Restylane and Juvederm. The effects of these
Hyaluronic acid fillers for the treatment of jowls. The photos show the patient before, and immediately after injections.
Fillers are commonly used to enhance lip fullness, soften folds such as those from the nose to the corner of the mouth (nasolabial folds) and to sharpen the jawline. Deeper fillers can be used for instant cheek augmentation.
Patient in her 50s who had cheek fillers using Restylane sub Q. The images show the patient before and one year later.
What are the risks?
Dermal fillers have a very high safety profile with millions of injections administered yearly worldwide.
The risks include:
- Redness – which usually settles within 2 days
- Lumpiness – may take a few weeks to settle
- Skin loss – extremely rare and can occur if the filler is injected into a blood vessel – quick recognition by your injector and dissolving of the filler is essential
- Blindness – very rare and only a risk if the filler is being injected around the eyes
Body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which someone can’t help thinking about one or more perceived issues or faults in their appearance. Other people may think that their concerns are minor or they may fail to see them at all.
People with BDD, continuously focus on their appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. The perceived flaw likely causes significant distress and impacts on a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
People affected with BDD often seek out cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterwards, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their symptoms, but often the anxiety returns, or they may move on to focus on other perceived problems related to their appearance.
Some patients may have features of body dysmorphia. Such patients are not likely to be offered surgery.
If you are considering surgery, it is worth trying the self-assessment tool below known as the Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire (COPS).
The questionnaire was developed by David Veale, Nell Ellison, Tom Werner, Rupa Dodhia, Marc Serfaty and Alex Clarke (2012) Development of a cosmetic procedure screening questionnaire (COPS) for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 65 (4), 530-532.