Dermal Fillers
Injectible fillers other than Botox may be used for a variety of purposes. At Cindy Knight Clinic, they are offered as an alternative to Botox for wrinkle correction, shaping facial contours such as cheeks and chin, correcting deep folds and, most popularly, for volume augmentation of the lips.
Amongst the range of fillers we offer are Teosyal, Hydrafill and Restylane. Each consists of a crystal clear gel and has slightly different properties depending on the result you require. Upon booking an appointment with the Clinic, Cindy will discuss your requirements with you and advise upon the best treatment for you.
Other specialist fillers we use include the following:
JUVÉDERM® ULTRA
Juvéderm® ULTRA is a new generation of dermal fillers from ALLERGAN, a world leader in surgical and non-surgical aesthetic products. It’s a natural, biodegradable gel that flows easily into your skin, instantly filling out those troublesome lines leaving a smooth and natural look and feel. So, you’ll notice an immediate difference after just one treatment.
Possibly the biggest difference is that ALLERGAN have asked patients what they want, the most common request is that the injection experience is more comfortable. ALLERGAN listened to this feedback and have added lidocaine, an anaesthetic commonly used by dentists and doctors for local numbing to Juvéderm® ULTRA in order to improve the experience, and results seen. The Juvéderm® family of products last longer than other formulas—at least 12 months due to the unique way they are made.
Sculptra
A polyactic, naturally occurring acid in the body. Concentrated amounts are utilized to encourage the body’s production of the acid within a fold or wrinkle, resulting in a firmer finish.
Outline
A semi-permanent filler, ideally used for enhancing and augmenting lips. This is a popular option for those who want a longer lasting option, as results can last for up to two years.
Collagen
The original and most durable dermal filler. Use of this product encourages an exceptionally smooth and firm consistency to the skin
Dermal fillers FAQ
What are gel fillers such as restylane and how do they work?
Gel fillers work by replacing a lost substance in your skin. This substance is called hyaluronan, and works by binding water molecules together and keeping your skin moist. These water molecules act as a cushion for your skin, and is why young, healthy skin is often described as ‘plump’ skin. Over time, the moisturising properties of hyaluronan lose their effectiveness and cause sagging and creasing in the skin. By injecting a gel filler into affected areas, the product acts in the same way as hyaluronan and fills out the targeted area. In addition to lines and wrinkles, gel fillers have also been seen to be effective for reducing the appearance of scar tissue on the face.
How do longer-lasting fillers work, and are they safe?
In recent times, product testing in the US and Canada has found that a number of longer lasting materials are suitable for use as injectible fillers. These operate in a similar manner to other fillers, but results can last for up to two years. These semi-permanent fillers work by injecting extremely tiny amounts of the product (i.e. Outline) underneath the skin surface. These droplets of the product stimulate your body’s own use of collagen, which should subsequently grow around the beads of the filler. Semi-permanent fillers require several treatments to build up effectiveness and allow your body’s collagen to settle around the product. The result is smoother, firmer and plumper skin, with results that last a considerably longer time than other fillers.
What is collagen and how can it benefit me?
Collagen is not a foreign substance to your body – it produces it naturally. Underneath the skin surface, the supportive layers are mostly made up of collagen. It is a similar substance to hyaluronan (see ‘What are gel fillers? above) and also serves as a cushion for the outer layers of skin. Again, collagen’s effectiveness is reduced by time, as your body decreases production as you age, but another contributing factor is exposure to the sun, which damages collagen. This then results in lines, wrinkles and sagging. By injecting collagen to the skin layers, we are simply restoring lost or damages supplies of the protein, and encouraging an elasticity that occurs in youthful skin.
Are the treatment and recovery times for these fillers similar to Botox?
Teosyal, Juvederm Ultra, Restylane, Sculptra and collagen are all quick, fairly painless treatments that can be carried out in your lunch hour, just like Botox. However, semi-permanent fillers such as Outline require several consecutive treatments and is a more intensive process than other fillers. Therefore, it is recommended that you allow a longer period of time for visible results and recovery.
Following a recent visit to your clinic I felt I would like to take this opportunity to write and express my thanks for the treatment I received.
When I phoned to book an appointment I was extremely impressed with Leah. She was so helpful and her manner of dealing with my booking was very impressive. When I arrived at your clinic she made me feel very welcome and comfortable.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, Cindy, for your excellent treatment which I am very happy with.
E Morrison