Dermal Fillers at AARVA

Hyaluronic acid filler is a gel that sits beneath the skin, holding water and giving support where the face has lost it. Firmer gels are placed deeper, close to the bone, to lift and shape. Softer gels are used where the skin is thinner. Over time, the body breaks the filler down naturally.

The cheeks, temples, jawline and chin, where lost volume or definition changes the shape of the face, and some folds, such as the lines from the nose to the mouth. Lips can be treated where appropriate. Hollows under the eyes need particular care.

Sometimes, but we are cautious. The skin under the eyes is thin, and filler there can look puffy or bluish if it is used in the wrong person or in too large an amount. It suits some people with a true hollow and good skin quality. Dark circles from pigment, puffiness or loose skin usually need something else, and we will tell you if filler is not the right choice.

It suits many adults who want to restore shape or support. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active skin infection or cold sore in the area, or with a known allergy to its ingredients. If you have an autoimmune condition, take medicines that thin the blood, or have had filler before, we discuss it at consultation.

Swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising are common and usually settle within one to two weeks. Less commonly, there can be lumps, unevenness, infection or swelling that appears weeks or months later. The most serious risk is a blocked blood vessel, which is rare but needs treatment straight away. Before you sign a consent form, we talk through each of these with you.

We plan around the anatomy of your face, choose a cannula or needle for each area, inject slowly and in small amounts, and watch your skin throughout. Because we check the skin as we go, a problem is usually picked up early, and hyaluronic acid filler can usually be dissolved. If you notice increasing pain, colour change or pale patches after treatment, you call us straight away and a doctor sees you.

Numbing cream is used where helpful, and most fillers contain a local anaesthetic, so the area gets numb as treatment goes on. Expect some pressure and a little stinging, particularly at the start.

Most people go back to work the same or the next day. Swelling and bruising can last a few days, and sometimes up to two weeks, so avoid treatment just before an important event. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for a day or two.

Usually one, with a review at around two weeks and a small top-up if needed. We often build volume across two visits rather than all at once, which tends to give a more natural result.

You see a change straight away, although swelling can hide the true result for up to two weeks. Depending on the product and the area, filler usually lasts from around six months to over a year, and many people maintain it with a smaller top-up.

You can have dermal fillers at our practice on Midland Drive, Royal Sutton Coldfield. Patients come to us from Four Oaks, Walmley, Erdington, Lichfield, Tamworth and north Birmingham. Parking is available nearby.

The price of dermal fillers at Aarva is set at your consultation. It depends on the areas treated and the amount of filler needed, and you receive it in writing before you commit to anything.