Dermal Fillers

There are various types on the market but Mr Sawyer prefers to use hyaluronic acid (HA). There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, HA has a long track record of safety in the human body, which is to be expected as it is a normal constituent. It is removed by the body with time and can be dissolved with an injection, if required, which is reassuring to some patients. HA fillers is usually last around one year

Hyaluronic acid is a clear jelly-like substance that comes in pre-filled syringes. There are different types of HA filler for your needs and for your tissue type must be chosen appropriately. HA fillers also come with local anaesthetic already in them which significantly reduces the discomfort of injection.

The filler is injected in the outpatient clinic and you are able to go home straight afterwards.  

HA fillers are not long term and results can last 6-12 months, depending on where in the face the filler is used.  If you like the new look then HA filler can be repeated with further injections.

Filler treatment can take anywhere from 15-minutes to 45-minutes or so, depending on the amount of filler required and the specific areas being treated.

Normally the area treated remains numb for several hours due to the local anaesthetic in the injections. If the filler is used in a deeper plane, such as when treating the cheekbones or chin, the recovery is very quick (hours).

With lip injections it is normal for the lips to swell for 24-48 hours after the injections. Please bear that in mind if you have social engagements arranged.

Sometimes, some discomfort can be experienced after the filler has been given. Local effects of the filler can include bruising at the injection site, as well as pain, itching and redness. Theses usually settle down over the following few days (or weeks if you are unlucky and have sustained a bruise).

Specific instructions will be given to you after you have had your filler. Sometimes this may involve gentle (or firm) massage to the area, if you notice any lumpiness that concerns you. This can help to distribute the filler more evenly.

If you are in any discomfort, then mild over the counter analgesia, such as paracetamol, can be helpful.

Do not exercise for the rest of the day after you have had filler, as this might increase swelling in the area.

Wash the treated area as normal.

Fillers are not licensed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Clients who suffer with cold sores should let Mr Sawyer know as you may need treatment with an anti-viral medication to reduce the risk of these coming back following HA treatment.

Patients on blood thinners are at significant risk of bruising and bleeding.

Fortunately significant complications with HA filler are unusual.

Bruising and unwanted lumpiness are probably the most common risks. If the filler persists as a lump and does not settle down well, then hyalase injections can be used to dissolve the filler (this may be at cost).

The two most significant complications are fortunately very rare.  Namely, death of the skin (necrosis) and there have been case reports of blindness.

These have both been caused by unrecognised injection of filler directly into a blood vessel, using some force. Mr Sawyer is very cautious to inject very gently and cautiously, and ensures that the needle is not in a blood vessel for each injection he performs