The Joy by Sophie guide to DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers are my favourite product to work with in the clinic - it’s also the treatment I get asked most questions about! So, I have created this complete guide to dermal fillers to answer everything you want to know!
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a gel-like substance made of hyaluronic acid, which can be injected at different layers of the face to achieve different results. They can be used to smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, to reshape the face by mimicking bone structure or to add volume. Each filler has its own features and properties which can be utilised for different purposes.
The Science
Dermal fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid chains and BDDE, a chemical that crosslinks the hyaluronic acid so it forms a structure and maintains its shape and integrity whilst in situ. The higher the BDDE content - the ‘firmer’ the filler.
Why might you want dermal filler?
Dermal fillers can be used to treat areas including the cheeks, temples, nasolabial lines, marionette lines, chin, jawline and brow bone - so it’s very versatile. As the face naturally ages, you lose density in your bone structure and in the fat pads around your face along with a depletion in collagen and elastin which thins the dermis, this combined can result in the face looking more tired and aged.
Dermal fillers look to replace the loss of bone and fat pad density to refresh the appearance. At Joy by Sophie, I would never add any unnecessary dermal filler other than what has already been lost, this is to ensure all my patients have the most natural and timeless results.
Client with 1ml Dermal Filler
Need to know!
Dermal filler treatment isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s always important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified professional who has an understanding of both dermal fillers and how they interact with the body. There are risks to having dermal filler treatment but these would always be discussed in full with you before going ahead!
The Process at Joy by Sophie
The treatment itself is relatively quick and can include different injection techniques and processes. Once you are numb, I would begin a full assessment of the area we are treating and identify the injection points we are going to use, this may be a combination of needle work or using a cannula (a small flexible tube!). I would then discuss with you where I am injecting (unless you don’t want to know!) and why before beginning injecting.
The actual injections take between 10-30 minutes depending where we are injecting and which methods we are using. You will be lying down throughout the procedure, but you may be asked to sit up briefly so I can review the results.
Sometimes only the smallest amount of filler is needed to have a noticeable effect.
How much filler do I need?
This is always the question that people want to know and it isn’t something I would usually discuss without assessing face-to-face. Trusting your practitioner is so important and ensuring you have a full consultation and shared vision for what you want to achieve is crucial.
When creating an injection plan I always like to be realistic with the amount of filler needed to achieve the results, but would always factor in your wishes. Whether that involves doing different areas over time, or opting for one of the discounted filler packages.
Client with 2ml dermal filler
Why it’s my FAVOURITE treatment!
The results are instant, so it's great if you have a big event coming up in a few weeks and want to achieve quick results. However, I would always recommend leaving a minimum of 2 weeks before traveling or any big events.
Hyaluronic acid based filler is reversible, which is great in the event of any complications, if you change your mind or aren’t happy with the results.
The results can be extremely long-lasting, especially if you opt for a more premium filler such as the Teoxane RHA range - which boasts results lasting between 12-18 months. This makes it much more cost effective than other treatments, such as botox.
Most dermal filler treatments are painless, low risk and have minimal downtime.
Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers naturally mimic the HA already found within the body, it is one of the safest treatments and is naturally broken down by your immune system.
Client with 4ml dermal filler
Have any questions about dermal filler? Pop them in an email or DM and I will get back to you!
Ready to embark on your dermal filler journey? Use the booking link below to book in for a consultation!
All dermal filler treatments at Joy by Sophie include
Background health information, to ensure your eligible to have the treatment
A consultation to establish exactly what your goals are
Full assessment of your face and the area we are treating - this is a shared process and I will fully explain where we should treat and why, before gaining your consent to go ahead with the plan
Bespoke injection plan identifying the key areas to be restored and the amount of filler required
The treatment itself, with only premium and clinically backed products
A follow up review appointment.
Unlimited aftercare as needed!
