Demystifying Dermal Fillers
The Science, The Process, and What to Expect
If you have been looking into ways to refresh your appearance, you have likely come across the term “DERMAL FILLERS“.
Despite their massive popularity, fillers remain one of the most misunderstood treatments in the medical aesthetics world.
At our Gentle Touch Clinic in Marlborough, we believe that confidence starts with education.
Here is a straightforward guide to the science behind dermal fillers, what actually happens during a treatment session, and how long you can expect your natural-looking results to last.
The Science: What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Many people worry that dermal fillers are made of synthetic chemicals.
In reality, the most widely used temporary fillers are made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA).
- Hyaluronic Acid is a natural molecule, HA is a sugar molecule found naturally in your own skin, eyes, and joints.
- Hyaluronic Acid is the moisture magnet, HA can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, t keeps your tissues hydrated and plump.
Why..?
The Ageing Process
As we age, our bodies produce less HA and collagen. This causes a loss of volume, leading to sagging, fine lines, and deeper folds.
How Fillers Work
Medical-grade HA fillers act like a supportive cushion. They instantly restore lost volume, lift sagging tissues, and smooth out wrinkles, because HA is native to your body, the treatment is highly biocompatible, and the risk of an allergic reaction is exceptionally low.
The Treatment
What to Expect Step-by-Step
It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first aesthetic treatment. Knowing exactly what happens can help ease your mind.
- Your Consultation
Every treatment begins with a thorough medical consultation. We discuss your aesthetic goals, examine your facial structure, and take a full medical history to ensure the treatment is safe for you. - Preparation
Your skin is thoroughly cleansed. If you are concerned about discomfort, a prescription-strength numbing cream can be applied to the target areas. Many modern fillers also contain lidocaine (a built-in numbing agent) to make the process as comfortable as possible. - The Injections
Using a very fine needle or a blunt-tipped instrument called a cannula, the filler is precisely placed into the target areas. You might feel a slight pinching or pressure, but it is generally very well tolerated. - Hyaluronic Acid
The area is cleaned again, and we will provide you with specific aftercare instructions. The entire appointment usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
The Results
How Long Do They Last?
One of the best things about hyaluronic acid fillers is that the results are instant. You will leave the clinic looking refreshed. However, you should expect some minor swelling or slight bruising, which typically settles within a few days.
How long the final results last depends on a few factors:
Treatment Area
- Fillers in highly mobile areas (like the lips) break down faster, usually lasting 6 to 9 months.
- Fillers placed deeper to support the cheeks or jawline can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
Your Metabolism
- Everyone’s body breaks down hyaluronic acid at a slightly different rate. Highly active individuals sometimes find their filler metabolises a bit quicker.
- The Product Used: We select different thicknesses of filler depending on whether we are creating soft volume in the lips or structural lift in the cheeks.
- Because HA fillers are temporary, your face will naturally and safely return to its baseline over time. If you ever change your mind, HA fillers can also be safely dissolved using a specialist enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Ready to Start Your Skin Journey?
Dermal fillers should never make you look “done” or unnatural.
When administered by a medically trained professional such as Zoe @GentleTouch, they simply restore what time has taken away, leaving you looking rested and revitalised.
If you would like to map out a personalised, natural-looking treatment plan, we would love to welcome you into our lovely Gentle Touch Clinic in Marlborough.
