Dermal Fillers

Various kinds of safe, natural and man-made materials are used as dermal fillers; these have been specifically developed over the years for use in the skin.

The main fillers used at Crofton Dental Care are Hyaluronic Acid (HA) derived Hydra Fill. These last for around 6-12 months, depending upon the site application and the formulation of the material used.

We use hyaluronic acid fillers that are FDA approved. We tend to mostly use Juvederm fillers, the leading brand with a very high safety profile (Juvederm Ultra, or Juvederm Volift, Juvederm Voluma, or Juvederm Volbella). Your practitioner will discuss the most suitable filler for you. HA is found naturally throughout our bodies: in our skin, bones, joints and eyes. It acts as a lubricant and moisturiser due to its ability to attract and store water.

Dermal fillers are supplied in a pre-filled sterile syringe for injection. They are manufactured in different thicknesses; some are more gel-like, and others are more liquid. The thicker ones are used to restore the deeper folds or wrinkles such as those between the nose and the corner of the mouth. The thinner ones are used more superficially for fine lines such as crow’s feet.

For treatments near the mouth, we often freeze the area with an injection which is similar to a dental anaesthetic. This local anaesthetic cream will make the treatment as comfortable as possible. After the treatment your we will give you aftercare instructions to maximise its benefits.

In the UK, thousands of dermal filler treatments are carried out every year and the number is even higher worldwide. However, only a few serious or long-lasting side effects have been reported.

We will explain the possible side effects of the initial consultation.

Nearly all people can return to their normal daily life immediately after the treatment. Some may experience some side effects at injection sites which typically could last only one to three days. These side effects can include slight bleeding, mild bruising, and swelling around the treated sites. For lip treatment, the swelling can last 3-5 days, otherwise, it is transient.

Allergic reactions to dermal filler treatment are fortunately very rare but can include: redness, itching, swelling, and hardness, or small bumps under the skin. These side effects may last for weeks or months and sometimes longer.

Patients with a history of cold sores, a course of anti-viral tablets (e.g. acyclovir) may be prescribed immediately after the treatment and for a few days afterwards, to reduce the possibility of a recurrence as injections might cause them to break out again.

Whilst most people can benefit from this treatment, there are certain medications and conditions that preclude its use. Your practitioner will ask a number of questions to ensure that dermal fillers are appropriate.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you would be advised to delay treatment until breastfeeding has finished. This is simply a precaution.