With Botox and fillers now becoming much easier to access and more affordable, there is a huge upward trend in the amount of people taking advantage of these anti-ageing innovations.
Before you book yourself in, take a moment to understand what fillers are, how they work and what to look out for when deciding who you should go to for the procedure.
- What are fillers?
Fillers are injected into the skin to counter sagging areas of the face. They can enhance cheekbones to make them fuller and more defined, fill in wrinkles on either sides of the mouth, enhance the brow; volumise hollow upper lids and fill in hollows under the eyes that contribute to dark circles.
- What is in fillers?
The most popular filler is hyaluronic acid, a biodegradable substance that gradually gets absorbed by the body. Naturally, we carry around 15 grams of it, but by our mid-forties that amount is reduced by about half. Beyond improving skin hydration and stimulating collagen production, hyaluronic acid also works as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
Its real magic lies in its ability to hold more than a thousand times its weight in water, making it a powerful moisturiser and skin booster. This gel-like substance also acts as a space filler and cushioning agent for joints and nerves, helps keep hair and eyes hydrated, supports waste removal from cells, and offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- What are the risks?
Some risks involve lumps or overfilling, which can be dissolved to reverse the problem, as well as inflammation, infection and discolouration. The risks are mainly associated with inexperienced or unqualified practitioners. The most important factor is to choose someone with a good track record with ample expertise and experience.
- How long is the recovery period?
The effects of the treatment are instant, but recovery may take a week or so if there is slight swelling or bruising.
Find out more by contacting Dr Joseph J Huskisson (Aesthetic Practitioner, MB ChB Stell 1990) at Winelands Medical & Aesthetics.
