The Science Behind Dermal Filler

Dermal filler can help combat that signs of Ageing. as we age our skin becomes thinner, drier, less elastic and more fragile.

Skin ageing is a natural, inevitable process, caused by a combination of genetics and environmental influences throughout our lifetime.

However certain influences, in particular, damage to cells caused by ultraviolet radiation in the form of sunlight accelerates this process known as photoaging. These factors all contribute to the development of the characteristic visible signs of premature skin ageing such as volume depletion, uneven pigmentation and wrinkles.

Wrinkles are observed as fine lines, creases, folds, or ridges. They can be visible during animation (dynamic wrinkles) or at rest (static wrinkles). They are most readily seen on the face due to the degree of sun exposure and the muscles of facial expression. Fine lines and wrinkles can begin to appear on the face in the early twenties. Without proper care these will progress into deeper wrinkles which are the result of collagen breakdown, soft tissue volume loss, contraction of the facial muscles and loss of bone in certain areas of the face. Facial skin wrinkling typically becomes more apparent in the third, fourth, and fifth decades of life. Although this is the most common age group of patients seeking facial rejuvenation such as dermal filler, it is never too early to start looking after your skin and being proactive when it comes to skin ageing.

The most popular non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures are anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler. Dermal filler consists of a gel-like substance known as hyaluronic acid (HA), a complex sugar found naturally in the skin, but which decreases in concentration as we age. HA is able to hold on to water in the skin conferring it the properties of hydration whilst still maintaining volume, structure and elasticity. The ways that it is cross-linked provide for the different physical properties, duration of effect and time it takes for natural degradation to occur in the skin. Other biodegradable fillers on the market have semi-permanent effects and work predominantly by stimulating collagen. Here we will look at the main benefits of HA dermal fillers:

Safety of Dermal Filler

Perhaps the most important hallmark of dermal fillers, especially HA-based fillers, is that when used appropriately they offer one of the safest aesthetic solutions. These naturally occurring sugars are sterile, biodegradable, non-pyrogenic, viscoelastic, clear, colourless and stable at room temperature. Dermal fillers are animal-free polymers derived from bacteria and they do not initiate an immune response in humans. Therefore, no allergy skin testing is required prior to injection. HA fillers are easily injected through small-gauge needles or with a blunt tip cannula. To increase the comfort of injection they are premixed with a local anaesthetic (numbing agent). For extra comfort topical numbing cream can also be applied to the area of treatment. Most patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

Availability and adaptability of Dermal Filler

Nowadays, HA fillers represent the most preferred dermal fillers in aesthetic medicine. They are available “off the shelf” and are manufactured in sterile 1mL syringes. Various types of HA fillers may be used anywhere on the face, including the lips, cheeks, temples, jawline, nose, chin and tear trough. Due to unique chemical and physical properties of various HAs (particle size, crosslinking technology, viscosity) a combination of different types of fillers are often needed to achieve the desired effects in various depths of the facial skin. It is important to note that only an experienced cosmetic practitioner may perform these procedures.

Efficacy of Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers have revolutionized the cosmetic industry and became the best alternative for facial cosmetic surgery such as a facelift, blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty. Injectable HA fillers restore skin volume rapidly providing a natural look through tissue hydration and significantly reducing all common signs of facial ageing. The benefits of this procedure are visible immediately. Fine lines and the whole spectrum of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds can be treated effectively with dermal fillers, as well as age-related facial volume loss and sagging skin. Furthermore, injectable fillers are used for non-surgical facial contouring and improvement of the shape, volume and plumpness of the lips.

Reversibility and long-lasting effects of dermal filler

One of the most valuable features of HA dermal fillers is reversibility. These products can be quickly and easily dissolved from the desired area of skin if needed by the injection of a specific enzyme known as hyaluronidase. Results of augmentation and rejuvenation with facial fillers are likely to last between 12 and 24 months depending on the type of filler used and area treated. Recent research has also found that injection of HA dermal fillers stimulates natural collagen production long after the filler has been broken down.

Book with us today

Who is Dr Scott Allison?

Dr. Scott Allison is an expert Cosmetic Physician and international trainer in cosmetic injectables who is based in Brisbane. With extensive experience in dermal fillers, cosmetic injectables, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures like pearl laser fusion, Dr. Scott can tailor a treatment to suit your individual needs. Book in for a free consultation or call 1300 165 374.

References

Allemann IBB, Baumann L. Hyaluronic acid gel (Juvederm) preparations in the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. Clin Interv Aging 2008;3:629-34.
Carruthers J, Carruthers A, Humphrey S. Introduction to fillers. Plast Reconstr Surg 2015;136:S120-131.
Carruthers JC, Carruthers A. Soft tissue augmentation, P3rd ed. Elsevier 2013.
De Maio M & Rzany B. Injectable Fillers in Aesthetic Medicine, 2nd ed. Springer, 2014.
Jones DH & Swift A. Injectable Fillers: facial shaping & contouring, 2nd ed. Wiley Blackwell, 2019.
ISAPS. International survey on aesthetic/cosmetic procedures performed in 2017. https://www.isaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ISAPS_2017_International_Study_Cosmetic_Procedures_NEW.pdf.
Sze JH, Brownlie JC, Love CA. Biotechnological production of hyaluronic acid: a mini review. Biotech 2016;6:67.