Q
What is Hyaluronic acid?
A
Hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in the dermal filler used in the treatment. It is a substance which is naturally produced in our skin. Each tiny molecule of Hyaluronic acid is capable of holding 1000x its own weight in water and is therefore essential for keeping skin moisturised, plump and youthful. It also stimulates the body’s fibroblasts to produce more collagen. With age our hyaluronic acid production slows and this contributes to signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles and lack of volume in the skin and lips.
Q
Which areas can be treated?
A
Lips – Including correcting loss of volume, thin, uneven or unbalanced lips and downturned corners.
‘Smokers’ Lines – Excellent for plumping out these lines around the mouth, which are usually caused by expression (not only smoking!)
Naso-labial fold – Nose to mouth expression lines can be softened and plumped out.
Marrionette lines – Lines from the corners of the mouth down to the chin / jaw can be minimised.
Q
How long does it last?
A
Depending on the look you wish to achieve you will want to build up the volume with a few initial treatments (Usually approximately 1-3 treatments of 1.1ml filler no less than two weeks apart.)
After the desired results are achieved the effect will last approximately 3-6 months. This depends on many factors including how well the pre and post treatment advice is followed and how quickly your body metabolises the filler.
Q
Will it hurt?
A
The sensation is most often likened to that of gently flicking an elastic band on the skin and many clients say they feel no pain at all. The filler itself is mixed with Lidocaine, which is an anaesthetic. It is much more comfortable for the client than fillers using needles.
Q
Who is it suitable for?
A
The treatment is suitable for most people, although you must be over 18 years old. A thorough consultation will be carried out prior to treatment to ascertain your medical history, allergies and so on, to ensure you are suitable to proceed.
You should not have fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, on blood thinning or photosensitising medications, have a pacemaker or heart condition, have auto immune disease, chemotherapy in the last 6 months or are diabetic (unless controlled by medication.)
