Lines & Wrinkles

Gel fillers like Restylane®, Perlane, Juvederm and Hydrafill. They are Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. The gel is able to integrate with the adjacent tissues, allowing passage of oxygen and nutrients. Restylane® is characterised by the fact that its HA molecules are cross linked, which makes it long lasting - but not permanent. Exactly how long a treatment lasts is quite individual: it depends on your age, skin type and muscle activity as well as the injection technique. The HA gel particles are absorbed slowly and water takes its place. When totally absorbed, the gel disappears unnoticed from the body.

How long does it last? Clinical trials indicate that Restylane® is effective for 9 months to a year for the treatment of wrinkles and for around six months for lip augmentation. It lasts less time in areas subject to muscle movement.

Which areas does it treat best?

This substance is a cosmetic "polyfilla" and has a range of uses, including lip sculpture, filling lines and folds. It is used to particularly good effect in the nose- mouth (nasiolabial) lines. These run from nose to corners of the mouth and are often the first sign of ageing. It is also good in smile lines, frown lines and crows-feet, although it is often advisable to combine dermal filler with the use of Botox in these areas of very active expression.

Dermal fillers also have a role to play in the treatment of under eye hollowing or dark circles. Restylane® can be used to augment lips or cheek bones and fill out some scars. Some catwalk models choose to use it as a cushioning pad in the ball of the foot. Treatment times average 45 minutes and the results are instantaneous. I use a combination of numbing cream and local anaesthetic injections to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. The product is injected in small amounts to give natural volume and smooth wrinkles.