With increasing age, the structure and definition of our facial features change. The fat, muscles, bone, and skin become thinner, causing the appearance of volume loss, and the development of fine-lines, wrinkles and folds. Over time, the aging process also causes the skin to naturally loose it's elasticity and support structures, leading to a more "sunken" appearance. 

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are one way of giving affected areas a boost. HA is a gel-like substance that is naturally found throughout the body, mostly in the skin, eyes and joints. It attracts and binds water, which keeps the skin soft and supple, providing volume and structure. Our bodies produce less and less HA, (along with collagen and elastin) as we age, which means the skin loses moisture more quickly, and the appearance of "sagging," fine-lines, and wrinkles, begin to develop. 

Therefore, injectable HA dermal fillers can be used to address a range of cosmetic concerns, including lifting the cheeks, softening lines, folds and creases around the mouth, and hydrating and enhancing the lips. They work by directly plumping the skin where they are injected, reducing the appearance of these fine lines, wrinkles, facial folds, creating structure, framework, and volume to the face and lips. HA fillers will attract more water to the area, which allows the skin to become more hydrated, and appear more overly youthful. 

Side Effects 

As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved with the use of dermal fillers. All risks will be discussed at length during your consultation. 

Common risks:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Filler lumps/bumps

Less common risks:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction 
• Vascular occlusion 

VASCULAR OCCLUSION- Unintended injection into blood vessels

The most serious risk associated with dermal filler is vascular occlusion (VO). VO occurs if filler is injected into a blood vessel, causing a blockage of the normal blood supply. VO can also be caused by swelling which restricts the normal blood supply. If untreated, VO could cause skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness. While the chances of this happening are very low, if it does happen, the complications can be serious and may lead to permanent scarring.

I am fully trained in the early management of this complication, and hold the emergency kit needed to deal with VO, should this rare complication occur.