Dermal Filler

Preparing well is an important part of your treatment journey and helps improve outcomes. In non-surgical facial rejuvenation, skin quality plays a key role in supporting and maintaining results from injectable treatments. Medical-grade, evidence-based skincare helps preserve skin barrier function, support collagen signalling and strengthen antioxidant resilience. Optimising the skin before treatment may reduce inflammation and promote a smoother, more predictable response.

If you are prone to bruising, it may be helpful to avoid alcohol and non-essential blood-thinning supplements in the days leading up to treatment, where safe to do so. Please do not stop prescribed medication unless advised by Dr Collins or the team.

Dermal filler is delivered through a series of carefully placed injections using either a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, depending on the area treated. Results are visible immediately following treatment and detailed aftercare guidance is provided.

Most hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, to improve comfort. Numbing cream is routinely used, and nitrous oxide is also available if required.

Injectable treatments are tailored specifically for you. Outcomes, longevity and recovery vary depending on anatomy, the area treated, product choice and individual response. Treatment suitability and expected outcomes are discussed during your consultation.

Dermal filler involves minimal downtime. Mild redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur and usually settles within a few days. Temporary firmness or lumpiness may occur early and typically softens as swelling settles and the product integrates.

You should avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas unless advised. Makeup is best left until the following day. Strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption and air travel should be deferred for three days, and saunas and spas postponed for two weeks.

Most patients are able to return to work on the same day as treatment. Mild redness, swelling or small injection-site bumps may be visible initially.

Strenuous exercise should be avoided for three days. Gentle walking and light activity can usually be resumed sooner.

LED light therapy is routinely used at The Surgery to support recovery and skin health following both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. The Healite LED system delivers specific wavelengths of light that support the skin’s natural healing processes. Yellow light helps reduce inflammation and support early post-treatment recovery, while red light promotes collagen and elastin production, improving skin tone, texture and overall vitality. Treatment is non-invasive, relaxing and involves no downtime. LED therapy may be used in the early post-treatment period or incorporated into an ongoing skin rejuvenation programme.

Results are visible immediately following treatment, although mild swelling may be present initially. Final results are typically seen once the swelling has settled.

Longevity varies depending on the product used and the area treated. Effects typically last between nine and twenty-four months.

Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if required. This may be considered in cases of overcorrection or complications.

Facial rejuvenation is not a single event but a continuum. High-performance, medical-grade skincare supports skin health, barrier function and overall skin resilience, complementing the effects of dermal filler. Skincare recommendations can be tailored as part of your overall treatment plan.

Dermal filler is generally very well tolerated. Possible side effects include temporary injection site pain, redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, itching or lumpiness. Reactivation of cold sores (herpes simplex virus) may occur in susceptible individuals following treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, prophylactic antiviral medication may be recommended.

Rare but more serious complications include infection, nodules, skin necrosis, vascular occlusion and, very rarely, vision loss. These risks and your individual suitability for treatment will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

Further important safety information relating to dermal filler products used at The Surgery is outlined in the mandatory information section below.

Dermal filler products used at The Surgery include hyaluronic acid fillers from the TEOSYAL® range manufactured by TEOXANE SA.

TEOSYAL RHA® 1, TEOSYAL RHA® 2, TEOSYAL RHA® 3, TEOSYAL RHA® 4, TEOSYAL® PURESENSE REDENSITY 1, TEOSYAL® PURESENSE REDENSITY 2, TEOSYAL® PURESENSE KISS® and TEOSYAL® PURESENSE ULTRA DEEP are trademarks of the firm TEOXANE SA. These products are injectable gels containing hyaluronic acid and 0.3% lidocaine hydrochloride, a local anaesthetic. In patients with known hypersensitivity to lidocaine or other amide local anaesthetic agents, lidocaine-containing products should not be used and alternative products without lidocaine may be considered.

These products are Class III medical devices and regulated health products bearing the CE marking (CE2797).

Local reactions may include inflammatory reactions such as redness, swelling, pain at the injection site, bruising, itching, temporary changes in sensation, discolouration, induration or nodules. Rare hypersensitivity reactions may occur.

Rare but serious adverse events associated with intravascular injection of dermal fillers in the face have been reported and may include skin necrosis, stroke or temporary or permanent vision impairment including blindness.

Please discuss with Dr Collins whether dermal filler treatment is appropriate for you. Further information can be obtained from your healthcare professional or via the Medsafe website.