Our aesthetic expert, Dr Rose Kogie-Henshall answers many questions and concerns you may have about Dermal Fillers.
Why do people seek aesthetic treatments like Dermal Fillers?
Some people seek aesthetic treatment following illness, weight loss, ageing and stress all of which affect facial contours. These lead to flattening of cheeks, hollowing of the temples, a tired appearance under the eyes as well as lines and wrinkles. The physical changes can complicate the psychological impact of the causative events; leading to low mood.
In these situations, the aesthetic treatments are of therapeutic value. For other people, the expression the face projects in the mirror or to others is not necessarily what they are feeling internal. Aesthetic treatments help in softening the expressed emotion, leading to increased confidence, which improves their emotional and social well-being.
- To seek help for signs of ageing or skin problems such as acne or pigmentation
- When the skin sags following illness or weight loss
- When the face no longer looks its best after a life-changing experience and stress
READ MORE ABOUT DERMAL FILLERS
What are Dermal Fillers?
A non-surgical aesthetic treatment injected to preserve or restore facial contours. The most popular dermal fillers are those that imitate a natural constituent of the body called hyaluronic acid, which despite its name is responsible for the youthful firmness of our skin and facial contours.
What are the risks and complications associated with Dermal Fillers?
Complication rates are very low. Some people with certain medical conditions should not be treated with dermal fillers. Any risks such as or bruising is very rare and is mitigated by technique and other clinical processes.
How is the procedure performed?
A filler is injected into the skin with special needles. The procedure is performed in good light, in sterile conditions, by a skilled practitioner. On completion, creams are provided to protect the area treated along with aftercare advice such as sun care.
How long is the recovery period?
On very rare occasions there may be some minor discomfort in the treated area for a day or so. Most people carry on with their daily life activities and there is no need for painkillers.
How will the skin look over time? How long does the procedure last?
Occasionally there can be some minor redness in the injection area for about an hour, with normal appearance returning rapidly. The procedure itself lasts about 30 minutes, but the preparation varies depending on the individual patient. The results last anywhere between nine and eighteen months depending on the individual and area treated.
What options are available for dissatisfied clients?
Dermal filler treatment is a rare fusion of medicine and art where the results are subjective to the two beholders; the patient and the doctor. Patient dissatisfaction may be due to a number of factors including unmet expectations or unexpected results. In the few such cases, these can be resolved by a further treatment or for those who wish it, the filler can be dissolved to return to the appearance before treatment.