These are gels made of a natural substance call Hyaluronic Acid which is actually a sugar based molecule. There are only small amounts of it present in the overall body but it is an important part of the matrix of the skin (along with collagen) and also in joints and in the eye. It acts as a natural shock absorber and as it attracts over 1000 molecules of water per molecule of Hyaluronic Acid is deeply hydrating, giving volume and lift to the skin. It also promotes the production of collagen within the skin.
As we age, we lose Hyaluronic Acid causing skin to become loose, thin and dehydrated leading to folds and wrinkles eg nose to mouth lines and droppy mouth corners. Dermal Fillers are sterile,non-animal based synthetic versions of Hyaluronic Acid which when injected into the skin replace the lost volume, giving lift, suppleness and hydration. They are so versatile that they can be used to not only lift skin and improve folds but for shaping and contouring the face, replacing lost volume, sculpting checks and chin and enhancing the lips.
Unlike Permanent Fillers which can cause problems, Hyaluronic Acid fillers are temporary and reversible if ever needed using a natural enzyme called Hyaluronidase.
Juvederm Ultra is the original classic premium Dermal Filler.It is licensed in the US and the UK and is made by the pharmaceutical company, Allergan the makers of BOTOX®. Unlike older products such as Restylane which are particle based, Juvederm Ultra is a soft, smooth consistent gel which doesn’t leave you with hardness or lumpiness. It is very versatile with versions available for mild, moderate and deep folds and a special version for the lips and mouth area. As it is so smooth it can be injected through very fine needles and also has built-in lidocaine anaesthetic making it more comfortable for the patient Furthermore Juvederm Ultra lasts consistently longer than other brands, up to 12 months so you can continue to enjoy your new look for longer.
Juvederm VOLUMA (Voluma XC in the USA) is a specialised product made using revolutionary VYCROSS technology from Allergan the makers of Juvéderm and BOTOX®, which has high lift capacity and is very strong, lasting for upto 24 months but still remains soft and smooth. Like other members of the Juvederm® range, Juvederm VOLUMA produces an immediate, soft, natural but strong, effective lift and doesn’t cause lumps or hardness. It is perfect for sculpting cheeks, restoring midface volume, improving temple contours, strengthening weak chins and enhancing jawlines.
What is involved?
After careful assessment by Dr Dan Dhunna, your face is mapped out. Juvederm VOLUMA is injected into the areas of weakness using an advanced micro-cannula technique which is less likely to cause bruising or swelling than traditional needle techniques. There is little need for additional anaesthesia but may be requested if needed, as Juvederm VOLUMA contains pain free lidocaine anaesthetic.
Are the Results Natural?
Juvederm VOLUMA is a very soft yet strong volumising filler that doesn’t leave you with hard lumps and bumps like traditional older filler products. Dr Dan Dhunna is well known for his natural artistry. Replacement of cheek volume and cheek enhancement is one of his signature treatments leaving you in the comfort that you will not walk away with a “pillow face”!
How long does it last?
Results vary from person to person but Juvederm VOLUMA is the only Hyaluronic Dermal Filler shown to last up to 24 months! As it is made of Hyaluronic Acid it can also be dissolved away using Hyaluronidase (Hyalase)enzyme if needed. Thankfully this is rarely needed!
Made from Allergan’s revolutionary Vycross technology this specialised Hyaluronic Dermal Filler has designed longevity for upto 15 months naturally breaking down by the body’s own systems but still maintains the benefit of being reversed if necessary by the enzyme hyaluronidase (hyalase).
A good all rounder, Juvederm Volift has the benefit of being used in virtually every area possible. Perfect for nasolabial folds and still perfect enough to give lift to cheeks and chins (where perhaps a gentler lift would be required instead of the traditional Juvederm Voluma), yet versatile enough to be used in the lips to give added pout and volume than its counterpart, Juvederm Volbella.
Juvederm Volbella is the only hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has shown longevity in the lips for 12 months! Exquisitely soft yet firm,this unique dermal filler has the attributes of creating the most sensual design of lips with a sharp designed edge yet maintaining naturality. Made from revolutionary Vycross technology this incredible hyaluronic acid filler is perfect for fine lines to gentle lift but its low swelling formula makes it ideal in challenging areas like the tear trough; correcting them to perfection.
Belotero is a range of specialised Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers made by the international pharmaceutical company Merz. It is licensed across the world with FDA approval in the US as well as CE marked across Europe.
Beletero is unique in that it is designed to integrate and blend better into your own skin and tissues leading to an exquisite and natural result all this with painkilling lidocaine anaesthetic built in.
It is finer than traditional HA fillers but still maintains exceptional lift and longevity which makes it the perfect product to use for extremely fine lines around the mouth or gentle rejuvenation.
Dr Dan Dhunna is particularly fond of Belotero Basic for fine lines, and Belotero Intense provides a sensational result in lips.
Restylane® is a brand of dermal filler manufactured in Sweden by the dermatological pharmaceutical company Galderma and is made of hyaluronic acid built with NASHA technology.
One of the original and most widespread temporary dermal fillers, Restylane is FDA approved but is generally firmer than Juvederm as it is particulate in nature and so has the benefit of being more rigid allowing it to be used well in areas of high movement or wrinkling and folds where more support is required.
Perlane is a thicker more viscous version of Restylane that can be used where even more support is required.
Dr Dan Dhunna is well versed in utilising a myriad of dermal fillers and will discuss the use of one brand or type over another with you at your consultation.
The Restylane Skinbooster range is formulated to specifically provide deep skin hydration. Made from Hyaluronic Acid, there are two formulations, Restylane Vital and Restylane Vital Light which are suitable for all skin types to help increase hydration and skin quality. Manufactured with painkilling 0.3% lidocaine and delivered through a comfortable unique pen injector that releases precise amounts of hyaluronic acid with no wastage, Restylane Skinboosters are the ideal way to freshen up tired looking skin and boost hydration.
Suitable for most ages, Restylane Skinboosters are clinically proven for treatment of the face, neck, decollatage and hands. and can also be used creatively in other potential areas of crepey skin such as the elbows and knees! Visible improvements to the skin can be seen after an initial course of treatments resulting in healthy skin with a beautiful glow.
Whilst providing deep skin hydration, the Restylane Skinbooster range can also help improve the appearance of fine lines and and imperfections such as acne scars. Restylane Skinboosters can be used independantly or as part of an overall treatment programme to help you achieve a natural, fresh look.
Dr Dan Dhunna is highly versed with applying filler techniques to more challenging areas such as cheek and chin enhancements, lip augmentation and nose reshaping. These require significant expertise and precision, above and beyond that required for conventional techniques.
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Dr Dan Dhunna prefers to use products that are rigidly tested and deemed safe and hence uses recognised high end brands such as Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero as they are also FDA approved.
Dermal Fillers are so versatile they can be used virtually anywhere on the face to lift folds, smooth out wrinkles and add volume to areas as diverse as the mid face as well as the earlobes. Dermal Fillers are also used to reshape, sculpt and redefine lips as well as improving hydration and texture to the skin.
Dr Dan Dhunna is a Master of Dermal Filler Design and will discuss their uses and the different types to allow you to get the best out of your treatment.
