All About Dermal Fillers

The History Of Dermal Fillers From The Top Medical Cosmetics Clinics in Hampshire: CJA Aesthetics

Did you know dermal fillers became a medically recognised facial treatment nearly 40 years ago?

Back in the ’80s the public opinion of non-surgical cosmetic treatments was very different to now, almost frowned upon (excuse the pun!). However in 1981 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US approved bovine collagen as a safe medical cosmetic filler and its popularity started to grow.

Here, we have a quick look at the history of dermal fillers, from the early 1980s to the present…

1980s | Collagen Fillers

Hands up if you’re an eighties child. In the 1980s, non-surgical dermal filler treatments contained bovine collagen. Bovine collagen was (and sometimes still is) sourced from the skin of cows, purified and sterilised before being prepared for human consumption in medical laboratories.

Collagen fillers caused quite the stir in the eighties, with Hollywood celebrities and the London fashion scene leading the lippy bandwagon, so to speak.

Unfortunately for collagen filler producers, the product was far from hypoallergenic and around 3% of clients experienced an allergic reaction. Also, collagen fillers were only effective for a short amount of time and clients were having to return for treatments every couple of months.

Despite this, with a lack of alternatives and a lack of scientific developments, collagen fillers dominated the cosmetic filler market for well over a decade.

1990s | Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

In the mid-nineties (think Spice Girls, My So Called Life and Clueless) there was a revolutionary development in the dermal filler treatment.  Enter Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance that is gradually absorbed back into the body.

HA solved many of the issues associated with bovine collagen; most notably it was deemed kinder to animals – no cows involved in its production! Additionally, HA fillers produced natural looking results and lasted longer.

HA fillers required no prior skin testing as an allergic reaction was extremely rare – this meant clients could be treated far more efficiently with treatment immediately after consultation.

Unsurprisingly, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers ‘stole’ the market from collagen fillers almost overnight in the 1990s.

The popularity of dermal fillers grew exponentially during the 1990s, however the treatment wasn’t immune to damaging PR. Provocative headline stories sporadically raised their ugly head when the occasional celebrity experienced an adverse result from a bovine collagen treatment, most notably Lesley Ash from British sitcom Ben Behaving Badly. In reality, this type of allergic reaction is extraordinarily rare, in fact almost unheard of when Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are carefully administered by a medical professional.

2000s – Present | Modern Day Wrinkle Fillers

Fast forward twenty years and hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers continue to dominate the non-surgical aesthetic industry.  Medical advancements are constantly improving the effectiveness and the lasting effects of the filler.

Social media, reality TV and fashion have softened the reputation of aesthetic treatments. Thanks to an emergence of mature public figures who look fantastic and, more importantly, promote care for ageing skin, Dermal fillers are now considered as a safe, ethical and acceptable (even favourable) treatment for ageing skin.

The competition’s on. There are now a large number of prestigious producers, all competing to provide the best, safest, most luxurious and cost-effective product.

Needless to say, this competition keeps HA fillers producers on their feet and investment in their development continues to grow.

The last decade has also seen an emerging male market for non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Dermal fillers leading the way as the most popular treatment for male clients, who seek to enjoy the same youthful appearance as their female counterparts.

Finally, the media in last few years, quite rightly have shined a spotlight on amateur, non-medically trained beauticians who are legally able to offer non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections.

Unfortunately, more-often-than-not beauticians are inexperienced and unable to offer a clinical environment or to rectify issues quickly enough. With competitive prices and upmarket salons, beauticians often seem like a convenient solution for aesthetic treatments. Think about it – you wouldn’t ask a car wash to fix your car, would you? The same analogy applies here.

Here at CJA Aesthetics, qualified doctor Dr Chris Airey provides dermal filler treatments using a selection of prestigious brands in a professional environment.

About CJA Aesthetics Clinics in Hampshire 

CJA Aesthetics is a leading Hampshire-based non-surgical aesthetic clinic. Owned and operated by qualified medical practitioner Dr Chris Airey, CJA Aesthetics operates from chartered luxury salons and spas in and around the areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Totton, Gosport, Winchester and Eversley.

Dr Chris Airey treats his clients with only the most prestigious brands, including Botox, Juvederm, Enerpeel and Teosyal. His latest package, The Total Rewind, offers a full non-surgical facelift through a combination of anti-ageing treatments, saving up to £1000 against the combined prices for each individual treatment.

 Call 07500 722925 to arrange your no-obligation, free consultation now.