THE FEAR OF FILLERS

It always amazes me when I’m at an event and I hear over and over again “I would NEVER do that”. In fact, 9 times out of 10, the same person who made this statement inevitably corners me later on in the evening and asks which rejuvenating procedures I would recommend for them.

Dermal fillers (wrinkle and lip “plumpers”) have been available in Canada for almost 30 years. Originally, collagen was injected which required skin testing prior to being injected as animal collagen was used in the composition of the product. Nowadays, most companies are making fillers containing Hyaluronic Acid. These do not require skin testing as Hyaluronic Acid is a natural product that already exists in great quantity in human skin, cartilage and other tissues.

Hyaluronic acid injections are a safe and effective treatment, and a patient can expect that any concerns about the procedure, recovery, and continuing treatment plan will be addressed before it takes place. Hyaluronic acid can be used as an injectable filler to help shape and plump contours of the face (and can even be used to repair arthritic joints!).The use of these fillers results in smoother, firmer skin that looks and feels younger. Hyaluronic acid injections can bring about significant improvements in wrinkling, facial contours and lip volume with results that can last from 6 – 18 months.

Quite often, during the consultation with patients, I will ask them to bring a picture of themselves from at least 10 years ago. By doing this, it provides both the patient and myself with an excellent idea of where the volume replacement is needed. Once both of us agree, we proceed with the actual injection. All the fillers used at Cosmedica contain an ingredient called Lidocaine, which freezes the skin while injecting rendering the treatment virtually pain free. Risks post injection are very minimal. Slight bruising is possible, redness and some sensitivity to the area injected. You would be surprised at how affordable these small and subtle improvements with fillers actually are. If you would like to learn more about these procedures and how they can help you, it would be my pleasure to meet with you for a free consultation. You can reach me at 514-695-7450.

Isabelle Jubert RN