Dermal Fillers

What does the treatment involve?

During your initial consultation, Dr Strawford will use his extensive experience and knowledge to fully assess the degree of volume loss and skin laxity that you may have to be able to advise you on the most suitable treatment you are likely to need for full restoration to achieve your desired goals. He will advise on lifestyle and other factors such as smoking cessation and the use of medically active skin care products, which will enhance the response to your treatment.

You will be shown before and after photographs of patients he has treated and photographs will be taken to monitor your progress and response following treatment. It can be helpful to bring along any photos of yourself 10-15 years earlier, as treatment will be aimed to restore and enhance rather than change your features resulting in a softer more natural appearance.

Small quantities of filler are injected into the areas where you have wrinkles, furrows or loss of volume to restore the natural shape and beauty of your face. Dr Strawford often uses a micro-cannula to administer the filler. By using a cannula his patients benefit from less pain, less bruising, less swelling, less risk of complications and a smooth, natural-looking result.

Where can dermal fillers be used?

Dermal fillers can be safely used anywhere on he body but the benefits are best seen on the face, neck, décolletage and backs of the hands. Depending on the indication the consistency of the filler will vary, with thicker gels being used for restoring volume and those with little volume used more superficially to correct fine lines and wrinkle and restore hydration and elasticity to the skin.

Dr Strawford is an expert in using dermal fillers to treat difficult areas such as the tear-trough (under-eye hollows), nose reshaping and chin augmentation.

The results of his lip treatments is to produce a natural but subtle enhancement and not the ‘over-volumised’ or ’duck bill’ look, feared by most of his patients.

What will I look like immediately after the treatment?

There will be an immediate benefit seen following the treatment; however there may be slight redness and a little swelling that usually subsides over a few hours. Make up can be applied and most patients leave the clinic with no evidence that they have had treatment other than looking refreshed and rejuvenated, often immediately returning to work or meeting friends and family.

Are there any side effects?

Bruising is uncommon now most treatments are undertaken using a blunt cannula, and roughly two in every hundred patients get bruising that takes a few days to settle. Swelling is more common but usually settles within a few hours and can be reduced by the application of an ice pack after treatment. Avoiding excessive alcohol, garlic, vitamin E, St Johns wort, aspirin and ibuprofen for a few days before treatment can help reduce swelling and bruising. It has been shown that taking arnica and zinc supplements can also help.

Are they safe?

It is extremely rare to get more serious complications from temporary dermal fillers such as infection and allergic reactions, unlike permanent fillers which carry a much greater risk , which is why most doctors now avoid permanent fillers.

Can the treatment go wrong?

Dr Strawford is extremely skilled with injecting fillers and tends to inject only small amounts at one session to avoid the risk of over treatment. Usually the patient will return for further treatments until the desired result is achieved especially when first having treatment. In the hypothetical situation that the filler was incorrectly placed or in an area not desired by the patient, a natural enzyme can be injected that rapidly dissolves completely and safely within a few hours.

Dr Strawford is always available for advice following treatment and contactable by telephone at all hours for your reassurance.

Is the treatment painful?

The addition of local anaesthetic (lidocaine) in the fillers we use has revolutionised the comfort of these treatments and most patients no longer need topical anaesthetic creams prior to treatment, however we understand the perception of pain is a very personal and thus offer local anaesthetic cream prior to treatment in those who are concerned. Following treatment there is usually no pain or need to take analgesia.

How long will the treatments last?

The duration of dermal fillers can vary depending on the product used and the site of placement. In most cases fillers used more superficially and around the mouth and lips usually last 6 to 12 months. With the products used deeper for volumisation, such as Juvederm, Voluma® or Emervel Volume® the benefits can typically last between 12 and 18 months.

The filler gradually gets broken down by the body, however it is well recognized there may also be a biostimulatory effect in the skin to produce your own collagen which can prolong the duration of effect of the filler.

If I don’t have treatment ever again will I be worse of than before treatment?

This is a commonly asked question and the simple answer is no!

The benefits of treatment gradually wear off and if no further treatment is undertaken the skin ageing and volume loss will reverse to the point when treatment was started and the aging process will continue.

Can dermal fillers be used alongside other treatments?

The simple answer is yes.

We often advocate using dermal fillers alongside other treatments such as Botox™, Silhouette Soft™ and PRP (Vampire Facelift™) to achieve the best results.

Dr Strawford is an expert in using combination therapy to achieve the best outcomes for his patients

How much do dermal fillers cost?

This depends on the indication for treatment and the fillers used, but can be as little as £375.  Dr Strawford offers a comprehensive, no obligation consultation for assessment and will be able to advise you of the cost of the treatment plan to achieve your desired goals.  This can range from small areas that are of concern to full face rejuvenation.