Filler injections into the dermis of the skin are fantastically versatile, as they can create volume and shape, remove wrinkles, soften lines and improve the appearance of acne scars.

As the skin ages, it gradually loses elasticity, some of its collagen and fat deposits. The result of this loss of support and substructure causes our skin to become thinner, it starts sagging and it becomes more wrinkled and lined. It is at this stage that our faces start showing ageing.

With Filler injections one can restore the skin to its former youthful appearance. Fillers come in different thicknesses, and in general, the thicker the product, the deeper it is placed into the dermis to help create volume, plump out fine to deep lines and wrinkles. The most popular Dermal Fillers manufactured are made from Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural, inert component of the body and constitute the building blocks of collagen. Hyaluronic acid holds 1000 times its own weight in water and therefore helps to restore volume to the treated area.

Depending on the area injected, the type of filler used, and the patient’s pain threshold, patients may find the procedure relatively painless to mildly uncomfortable. For superficial treatment of lines and wrinkles, an anaesthetic cream is sometimes applied to the area 20 minutes or so prior to injection. This helps to numb the area to be treated and reduces sensation when the needle is inserted into the skin. Before injections in the lips, a dental or lip block may be used, where a small amount of lignocaine (an anaesthetic like the ones used by dentists) is injected into the lip area to numb them prior to treatment. Normal activity may be resumed immediately, however, there might be mild swelling and sometimes bruising at the injection site. Swelling should resolve within two days and bruising may take up to one week to diminish. Concealer can help to cover any temporary imperfections.

Examples of areas that can be addressed in the face:

Hyaluronic Acid is a compound which occurs naturally in the skin and has remarkable properties – particularly in the face, neck and breast area where the first signs of ageing are seen. Hyaluronic Acid smooths out fine lines / wrinkles and stimulates rejuvenation of skin cells.

Hyaluronic acid retains natural moisture in the skin by forming a continuous thin membrane. It also helps reduce water evaporation from the skin’s surface, thereby increasing the amount of free water in the stratum corneum. The membrane formed contributes to prolonged action of biologically active substances and prevents external toxins from the atmosphere having any effects on the skin’s surface.

Platelet rich plasma is a 100% natural method that uses the patient’s own blood components to stimulate the renewal of damaged tissue in areas of the face, neck, décolleté, hands and body. Extracted blood platelets that contain proteins, nutrients, and a variety of growth factors are injected in to the site of concern. When growth factors are activated by injection, repair of damaged tissue begins, generating collagen and hyaluronic production. PRP enhances the natural appearance of the skin and restores suppleness, volume and youthfulness in the treated area. PRP have great efficacy in revitalizing skin and eliminating wrinkles, sagging and dark circles. PRP is also effective in healing the skin where damage occur by acne, injuries and stretch marks.

PRP is a safe healing process that has been studied and applied to restore many areas of concern. This treatment accelerates the rejuvenating properties of the body, eliminating the need for cosmetic surgery. PRP is also biocompatible with the human body, requiring little or no recovery time. This method is extremely safe, with no risk of allergic reaction because your own blood produces the PRP gel. Furthermore, concentrated quantities of white blood cells (the body’s defenders against infection) are also a part of the plasma being created into a mask the skin absorbs at the end of the treatments. This, too, promotes the skin’s restoration. Thus, infection is less likely to occur.

PRP is a simple four-step process:

1. It begins with the collection of your blood. About 30 ml is collected.
2. The blood is then put into a machine called a centrifuge, which separates the three components of blood.
3. Once the components are separated, the platelet-rich plasma is injected into desired area. From collection of blood to injections takes about 45 – 60 minutes.
4. At this point, then your plasma is created as a gel that is then used as a mask to be absorbed by the skin to assist in the restoration process.