Dermal Fillers

As we age, natural hyaluronic acid production slows down and this is what causes the skin to age, resulting in sagging and wrinkles. Dermal fillers effectively provide a ‘top up’ of this essential ingredient for healthy skin.

The main function of hyaluronic acid is to attract and retain large quantities of moisture when injected into the dermis (the layer of skin between the epidermis and the subcutaneous layer).

This results in a semi-permanent volumising, or ‘plumping’, effect.

Dermal fillers also help to hydrate the skin, act as an antioxidant and maintain skin elasticity.

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 through 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. However, it can take a few days for the final results to develop. This is because dermal fillers can cause minor swelling and bruising in the treatment area. We typically recommend allowing a week or so before expecting to see the final results, to allow for this swelling or bruising to subside.

The beauty of dermal fillers is the results can be as subtle or dramatic as you would like them to be. Our consultants can control the outcome based on a patient’s stated personal preferences. Some patients prefer an extremely subtle change, whilst others may prefer something more impactful.

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.

The dermal fillers that we use here at the clinic are only a temporary treatment and usually last between six and 18 months. How long dermal fillers last depends on a number of factors, including the type of filler and where it is injected. It varies from person to person.

When the hyaluronic acid wears off, it is reabsorbed into the body. The treatment process will then need to be repeated.

If you are looking for a permanent result, you may wish to consider a fat transfer to face, a slightly more invasive treatment that uses the body’s naturally-occurring fat to fill out specific areas of the 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.

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.

If for some reason you are unhappy with the results of your dermal filler treatment, these are easily reversible. The consultant will do this by administering a solution that dissolves the filler almost instantly. It is then reabsorbed into the body, leaving no lasting damage or effect. Alternatively, if you were seeking a more dramatic result, more filler can be added to the treatment area to help achieve your desired result.

It is important that you are open when discussing your treatment goals during your initial consultation.

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 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 on all of the face and hands.

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

Our full 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.