Dermal of or relating to skin and especially to the dermis

Filler thing or material used to fill a gap or increase bulk

There are permanent, semi-permanent and non-permanent cosmetic dermal fillers on the market today. Permanent and semi-permanent being implants, using various substances such as, soft form implants, and gore-tex implants, isolagen and fat transfers. These are carried out by a Doctor/Plastic Surgeon. These are more aggressive, invasive procedures.

Non-permanent dermal fillers are usually carried out by persons within the medical profession or by technicians, who have been properly trained to use the products.

Having provided dermal fillers now for 10 years, this article is based on my experience and should be used as a guide, to help you understand, the products and what to look for, when choosing a practitioner.

Dermal fillers have been on the market since the 70s, when Collagen, a bovine product, was developed by the company/manufacturer Collagen, now known as Inamed, and was used to fill out lines and wrinkles on the face, to give a smooth appearance to the skin.

Bovine/beef collagen requires a skin test followed by a 2128 day period, for the results, before a treatment can be completed. However, even after waiting the necessary time, an allergy to the product can still develop. Allergies vary from mild to severe reactions. Once a reaction does occur, no further treatments should be performed using the product. Previously, when this happened, the client did not have a lot of other products to use, but that is not so today.

A Swedish company/manufacturer, Q-Med, revolutionised the industry, by introducing a man made hyaluronic acid product to the market, in the 90s.

With hyaluronic acid products skin testing is not necessary, so there is no need to wait to have a treatment. These types of products are becoming very popular for this reason.

Some clients may have a slight sensitivity to the product, meaning the area treated may take longer to settle in the skin, but future treatments can be carried out using the product. Reactions are rare, but can occur.

As these dermal fillers are not permanent, once you start using the product, and you wish to continue with the correction, further top up or maintenance treatments will be necessary. Six months is a good guide to go by although some clients may get longer wear out of the product. This will depends on many variables, such as, skin type, age, lifestyle, what product was used, amount of product used, and area the product was used in.

Most facial lines, indentations, cheek hollows, acne scars, lines by the sides of the eyes, building up or enhancing cheeksbones, chins and lips can be treated, but the areas just under the eyes can not. Chest lines and back of hands can be treated using rehydrating, hyaluronic products, to give moisture back to the skin.

It is recommended not to have a treatment done the same day of a special event, party, wedding, anniversary etc. Give the area time to settle first, so you may wish to have any treatments at least 1 -2 weeks prior to the event.

Most products come in ready filled - full and halve size syringes in various strengths, to cover fine, moderate to heavy lines. These syringes are for single use only, meaning a syringe to be used on one client not shared between clients. Example if a full syringe is not completely used the remaining product should be disposed of properly, not reused. There is a huge concern for cross contamination.

Also, you should not be asked to take any remaining product in the syringe home with you, to bring back at a later date for injection. Once the syringe is opened, then it is exposed to developing germs if kept for a period of time. This is not a safe method of practice.

Each persons response to dermal filler products is different. That is why a consultation is important, so the area of concern can be assessed. You discuss how much product will be needed, to either smooth out the lines of concern or plump up the lip. Also remember that each persons lines vary therefore, the price may vary from client to client.

As technology changes so will the products. New companies will come onto the market and they will have different products to offer. Established manufacturers will improve their already existing products, to become better and possibly longer lasting.

As a client you owe it to yourself to ensure that you are receiving a safe product and having a safe procedure. As there are a lot of Dermal Fillers ranging from animal to man made, on the market, with numerous practitioners offering these, choosing a practitioner can be very difficult. You may find out about one through a friend which is always helpful, however, if having to just find one then here are some suggestions.

Ask if the practitioner is licensed to provide treatment.

What are their qualifications and who trained them.

Ask where the products come from and who provides them. If the practitioner is vague about these, then warning bells should start to ring.

Ask for a brochure about the product and if it has any hidden additives that you should know about.

Ask how long the practitioner has been using the product and what side effects can occur.

Do not be intimidated to ask these necessary questions and if the practitioner get upset or indignant about these questions then that too, can be a warning sign.

There are unsafe products that are not to be used in certain country. Authorities are trying to control and manage this, but they can not always stop them being used. Also there are a lot of people providing products who do not have the necessary qualifications or training to provide them. Ensure you are getting a safe and correct treatment.

The most important aspect of all this is that, you, the client, are comfortable with the practitioner and confident that they will provide you with the best treatment you can have.

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