Dermal Fillers In Essex by Cosmetic Dentist Dr J Basrai

Dermal/Cosmetic Fillers
As the skin ages the framework of collagen and elastin begins to breakdown resulting in the development of lines and wrinkles. A dermal or cosmetic filler is a synthetically produced product which is injected into lines and wrinkles, plumping up the skin and creating a lift and firmness to the treated areas. The filler products can be used to immediately soften skin folds, fine lines and facial features and can be utilized to contour the face and add fullness to areas such as cheek depressions and chin dimples.

The most commonly used dermal and cosmetic products use a hylauronic acid gel which is a natural chemical constituent of the skin and therefore less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Collagen-based products and poly-acrylamide preparations are also available on the market with the exact type of filler product chosen dependent upon the area to be treated and the result required. Results will last between 6-10 months depending upon what area is treated and can vary from person to person as the filler is gradually broken down and absorbed into the body returning features to a pre treatment look.

Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Areas for Treatment
Areas that can be treated with dermal and cosmetic filler products include:
Crows feet at the corner of the eyes
Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
Deep smile lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth
Frown lines between the eyebrows
Lines that run across the forehead
Smokers lines around the mouth and lip area

Dermal and cosmetic fillers are also effective in redefining the lip line area and creating fuller, plumper lips whilst improving the shape of the mouth. Thicker fillers can be utilized to fill out acne scarring along with adding volume to weak chins and sunken cheeks.

Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Procedure
The procedure for injecting a dermal or cosmetic filler product is relatively simple and painless. Dependent upon the type of filler to be used a skin test may be required to ensure the patient does not have an allergic reaction to the product, with the injected area tested 2-3 days following the injection and then again after a 4 week period. This is most common when using a product containing bovine collagen with the majority of dermal fillers not requiring a skin test.

An anesthetic cream may be applied to the area for treatment 20 minutes or so prior to the procedure with some doctors using a small amount of dental block if the lip area is to be treated. The treatment is delivered using a pre filled syringe equipped with a very fine needle which is injected into the dermal layer of the skin. The deeper the wrinkle, the deeper the product is injected into the skin with a thicker filler product used for a deeper wrinkle. Different injection techniques may be used depending on the type of filler and the area being treated but usually consist of either a linear threading technique where the needle is inserted into the middle of the wrinkle or a serial puncture technique where several injections are inserted along the wrinkle.

Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Recovery
The majority of patients can return to normal life immediately following a dermal or cosmetic filler treatment. The effects can be seen immediately and depending upon the area treated and the product used, results can last for between six and ten months. There may be a small amount of swelling or bruising at the site of the injection which will generally settle down over the following 48 hours with patients recommended not to touch the treated area. Some patients may feel the requirement to use a mild painkiller containing paracetemol for a few days following treatment

Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Risks
Dermal and cosmetic filler products have all extensively FDA tested before being allowed onto the market and are extremely safe with a low reported incidence of allergic reactions. Products containing animal products tend to present a higher risk of allergic reaction with bovine collagen filler products not recommended for clients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or auto immune disease. Areas of the skin which are irritated or present infection should not be treated including active acne and herpes. Any delayed reactions to the treatment such as blistering or a lumpy redness should be reported to the practitioner immediately or if the bruising and swelling is very painful.

Dermal and Cosmetic Fillers combined with other procedures
Dermal and cosmetic fillers can work very effectively when combined with products such as Botox, chemical peels and laser treatments. When combined with other non invasive treatments, dermal fillers can offer complete facial rejuvenation quickly and with minor discomfort. Short acting fillers produce the best results when combined with face lift surgery with longer lasting fillers more effective when used in conjunction with treatments such as laser peeling.

Cost of Dermal and Cosmetic Fillers
Costs can vary for dermal and cosmetic filler treatments dependent upon the area to be treated, type of product being used and the individual practitioner. Treatments can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars with usually only one treatment session required to be repeated within a 6-10 month period depending on the individual’s absorption of the product. The cost is per injection as the product is pre filled into a disposable syringe and will be charged accordingly. Some fillers may use less product and last longer than a competitive product, usually attracting a higher price point but being cost effective on a long term basis.


Dermal and cosmetic fillers are improving continually with new products entering the cosmetic market at a high rate, setting new standards for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles. Results are immediate, providing patients with a quick and easy solution to the aggressions of ageing, sun damage and lifestyle. Through a simple injection imperfections can be softened evenly creating a more relaxed, rested and youthful appearance, all within the time it takes to eat lunch!