What is a cosmetic filler?

The main ingredients in cosmetic fillers are collagen and/or hyaluronic acid. These “artificial” materials are based on “natural” substances produced in the body. A syringe is used to inject these materials into your skin. The purpose of cosmetic fillers is to reduce fine lines, scars and wrinkles, and restore facial fullness and elasticity.

If you’re skeptical about medi spa cosmetic fillers, rest assured that you’re in good hands at Beautify Agency. While many medical spas across the country offer cosmetic fillers, we take the time to consult and guide you through the process—what to expect, how to prepare, and post-procedure steps to take.

What is the difference between Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse?

Radiesse is a paste-like material while Restylane, Belotero, and Juvéderm are gels. These gels vary in consistency making each one unique and probably more desirable for treatment of certain areas.

What is each product made of?

• Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane are all non-animal hyaluronic acid products. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. High concentrations are found in soft connective tissues and in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It's also in some cartilage and joint fluids, as well as skin tissue.

• Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite product found naturally in human bones and is a mineral-like compound.

Who is not a candidate for dermal fillers?

• Multiple severe allergies

• History of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring

• History of autoimmune disorder

• Pregnant, or lactating women

How long do dermal fillers last?

All the dermal fillers used at Beautify Agency are semi-long lasting and made from hyaluronic acid, which breaks down and is absorbed into the skin after around 6 to 18 months.

Can dermal fillers be removed?

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane, can be quickly dissolved using an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. This acts to disperse hyaluronic acid, speeding up the natural breakdown of the dermal filler. The use of hyaluronidase to remove fillers is off-license, so your practitioner will only go ahead if it is “in the best interest of the patient on the basis of available evidence”.

How long do fillers last in the cheeks?

The length of time a treatment lasts relies on a number of factors, including treatment area, skin elasticity, injection technique, the type of filler used and the patient’s metabolism. As everyone’s body is different and results will vary from person to person, your practitioner will be able to advise on the best course of action following a consultation. Juvederm and Restylane generally last between 6 months and 1 year.

What can dermal fillers be used for?

They can be used most effectively and naturally to restore areas of lost volume in the face that occurs as we age, which often contributes to the sag and jowling. Strategic and skilful placement of filler can lift and support the face naturally with no need for a surgical procedure.

Dermal fillers can smooth fine lines underneath the eyes and the lower face. Moderate lines occurring in the mouth to chin area and the nose to lip corners can be softened. Cheeks and chins can be remodelled and given more definition. Scars can be minimised, while lips can be defined or enhanced, subtly and naturally. Skinboosters can be used to increase hydration to the skin, particularly the face, neck, hands and décolletage.

How will I know which dermal filler is right for me?

Different fillers achieve different outcomes. At your initial consultation with our qualified medical practitioners, we’ll discuss a personalised treatment plan that’s tailored to you. It could be that you need one or more of these options:

• Increase hydration to your face, neck, hands and décolletage

• Smooth fine lines on your upper and lower face

• Soften moderate lines in your mouth to chin area and from your nose to lip corners

• Remodel your cheeks and chin, and give more definition

• Minimise scars

• Define or enhance lips, subtly and naturally

• Restore lost facial volume.

How soon will I notice results?

You should be able to spot the difference immediately as a non-surgical lift. Your skin will look dewy and revitalised in a totally natural way.

I’m interested in having dermal fillers but will the injections hurt?

Many people find their procedure at Beautify Agency more comfortable than expected, and most dermal fillers contain a local anaesthetic. Our medical practitioners are highly skilled and precise; you should merely feel a light sting on your skin during the injection procedure.

What’s the difference between a dermal filler and botulinum toxin?

Both treatments involve injections, but botulinum toxin relaxes muscle movement that results in wrinkles while dermal fillers simply plump out and smooth wrinkles. Sometimes, these treatments are more effective when combined.

*DISCLAIMER Patient experience and results may vary. These are dependent on a number of factors such as lifestyle, age and medical history.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers at available Beautify Agency include:

• Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC and VOLUMA

• Restylane products: Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, and

Restylane Defyne

• Belotero Balance

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA approved CaHA fillers available at Beautify Agency include:

• Radiesse

Pre-Care (Before Treatment)

• No anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vioxx, etc.), aspirin, high doses of Vitamin E, or Ginko Biloba one week prior to treatment. This will reduce the possible side effects of bruising and/or swelling in the treated area(s).

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to treatment can increase the chances of bruising and/or swelling.

• You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding to receive treatment. • If you have a history of oral herpes, you must pre-treat with an anti-viral three days before your scheduled visit.

Post-Care (After Treatment):

• Swelling, redness, and tenderness will occur after your treatment and usually resolves within 72 hours. • Cold compresses (a cloth dipped in cold water, wrung out, and applied to the injected area) may be used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling.

• Avoid strenous exercise for 24 hours. • Avoid touching the treated area within 6 hours of treatment so you do not accidentally injure your skin. After that, the area can be gently washed with soap and water. • Until there is no redness or swelling, avoid exposure of the treated area to intense heat (sun lamp or sun bathing) or extreme cold weather. • If you have suffered previously from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another occurrence. Ask your treatment provider about medications that may minimize a recurrence. • Avoid taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s wort, and high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week after treatment. These agents may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site. • Avoid aesthetic lasers, microdermabrasion, or IPL over areas with Restylane for a minimum of one week after treatment.

Follow Up:

• Follow up treatments should be scheduled usually every six months. • Consistent repeated treatments will produce best resolution of wrinkles.