A dermal filler is an injection of an inert gel to the skin to reshape appearances, either filling in wrinkles or smile lines and softening facial folds. They are seen as a minimally invasive way of contouring the face, but can be used on other body parts like lip fillers Harley Street . Along with their rise in popularity, there has been an explosion of misinformation and half-truths about fillers. Let’s have a quick run-through of the facts.
Fillers can be broken down quickly with an enzyme injection, allowing any unwanted outcomes to be reversed The standard filler is effective for 4-6 months but can be reapplied sooner if desired.The injections are considered no more painful than a bee sting and in most clinics, you will be offered a topical numbing cream before any injections are performed.
The hyaluronic acid (which is the main ingredient of fillers) is biologically inert and is commonly found throughout the human body and in most mammals. The hyaluronic acid in fillers is not from animal sources, but is produced by bacteria in fermenters, so any form of allergic reaction would be extremely rare.
Fillers are legally defined as a minimally invasive procedure under UK law and can be performed by anyone, with no prior medical training or qualifications. There are no age upper age restrictions on receiving fillers, but a minimum age of 18 is required.
The use of analogous (or fat) fillers has not been approved in the UK and should not be seen as a safer, healthier or ‘natural alternative’.
Dermal fillers are effective at reducing the signs of ageing, but have to be applied skillfully and subtly to avoid a ‘fake’ or ‘artificial look.
This has created an interesting niche service within dental clinics which have traditionally not been associated with fillers.
In the UK, it states that the application of dermal fillers is a minimally invasive procedure, allowing them to be provided in beauty salons and spas. Salons often use fillers purchased from the internet, which increases the risk of counterfeiting which has become common with medical produce purchased online.
When dermal treatments are provided by a dental surgery, they fall under the same licences and quality control protocols as other dental care. The medical supplies used by dentists are procured via supply chains with pharmacies and medical equipment manufacturers. These more reliable methods of obtaining dermal fillers have led to dental clinics being trusted and highly valued providers of these injections.
Beyond the health and safety aspects of treatment within a dental surgery, the in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, muscles and blood vessels of the face, allows dentists to achieve excellent aesthetic results, using fillers to their maximum potential, especially when compared to the highly variable results from unregulated providers.
So much so, that there are recognised qualifications in sub-dermal treatments for dental practitioners. If you are looking for a dentist to provide dermal fillers you should mention this when making a booking and ask if any member of the clinical staff holds such qualifications.
