All About Fillers

Injectable fillers, as the name suggests, fill in the indentations and folds that develop as the face ages. They may also be used to fill in scars caused by acne, or to enhance the shape of the chin, jawline, cheekbones, or nose. So effective are fillers in rejuvenating the face, that their use is sometimes referred to as a “liquid face lift.”

The most common places where fillers are injected are the nasolabial folds (the folds that develop from the nose to the sides of the mouth when the cheek fat decends under the effect of gravity), the marionette lines (folds that run from the outer lips down to the jawline), and in the tear troughs at the inner corners of the eyes, to reduce the appearance of dark circles. These fillers are also injected into the lips to restore the fullness of youth or enhance the appearance of naturally thin lips.

There are three categories of injectable filler: temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent. Dr. Ebrahim uses both temporary and semi-permanent fillers to enhance the features and/or restore a youthful appearance to the face.

Temporary fillers last on average from three to six months, and include Restylane, Juvéderm and Teosyal. They consist of non animal-based hyaluronic acid that is completely compatible with the skin’s own hyaluronic acid. Using a very fine needle, Dr. Ebrahim carefully injects the filler into the skin, causing it to plump up. The effect is immediate. Prior to treatment, a numbing cream will be appplied to your face, minimizing or eliminating discomfort during the procedure but, if you are sensitive, a topical anaesthetic may be injected to numb area being treated. This is more common with lips, which are more sensitive than other areas of the face. Juvéderm is now available with an anaesthetic, ensuring comfort during the procedure.

Semi-permanent fillers may remain in the skin for a year or more and include Radiesse® and Evolence.™ Radiesse contains hyaluronic acid and calcium-based microparticles which have the added benefit of stimulating the skin’s production of collagen. Evolence contains a highly refined form of collagen that, unlike other forms of collagen, requires no skin test.

One of the advantages of dermal fillers is the “lunchtime treatment” aspect, meaning there is no downtime and no one need ever know what you have done to make yourself look – and feel – so much better!