Ask Claire

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Teosyal contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring product in the body that causes plumpness and volume. Our bodies make it and break it down again everyday. As we age, we break it down faster than we make it, causing loss in volume (think ageing lips). The products we use as fillers are therefore a naturally-occurring substance in the body that is cross-linked to prevent your body from breaking it down straight away. However, your body will eventually break it down, meaning it is not permanent.

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What is the process for dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are medical devices and not a prescription medicine. We first meet with you for a consultation to discuss what it is you want to achieve. When we are happy to go ahead and have discussed which products to use and which techniques best suit your needs, we can start treatment.

 

You will sign consent and fill out a medical history. I will then take clinical photos and apply a numbing cream that stays on for 20-30 minutes. We cleanse the skin and use an anti septic pre-injection wipe to make sure everything is clean.

 

We will take plenty of time to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The lips are massaged after we are done to make sure there are no lumps or bumps, and antibacterial cream is applied. After photos are then taken. 

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Are there any risks to fillers?

In short, yes - there are risks with all medical aesthetic treatments. These risks are explained to you in full during the consent and consultation process. This is a reason why you should ONLY go to a medically trained professional for these treatments. These risks should not be taken lightly. Risks are made smaller by my in-depth knowledge of how to reduce and prevent them, and also, more importantly, my in-depth knowledge of what to do in the unlikely event something were to go wrong. It is one of the reasons I only work from a clinical environment. Being from a dental background means that I have very good knowledge of the anatomy and all the blood and nerve supplies to the head and neck. This therefore lowers the risks even further still. Rest assured you are in safe hands with me.

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Do dermal fillers hurt?

Having dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Teosyal require numerous injection sites. Without some form of local anesthesia this may be uncomfortable. However, I do everything I can to make the treatment experience as comfortable and pain free as possible. I allow plenty of time for treatment so we can keep the numbing cream on as long as we can to work its magic. And other patients will tell you (as will I, as I do my own treatments), that the numbing cream is amazing. Some of the products also contain anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel too much pain.

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How long will the fillers last?

Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal and other filler products vary in longevity. New technology behind the Juvederm Vycross range claim to make the filler product last one year to 18 months in some cases. Expect to want a top up every 3 to 6 months or 6 to 12 months, depending on which product is used and on which site. In some rare cases a person may break down the filler products very quickly.

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How old do I need to be?

The minimum age for treatment is legally 18 years old. However, at consultation we will assess if the treatment is suitable for you or not. Both parties need to feel comfortable having the treatment. 

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What is the aftercare for dermal fillers?

• There is a risk of bruising and swelling with dermal fillers. To reduce the risk of bruising do not drink alcohol in the days leading up to your treatment and for a few days after. 

• It is suggested you don't do exercise after treatment.

• The night that the treatment is carried out, sleep raised with extra pillows so you are not laid flat.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Apply ice on and off all day and the days after treatment until swelling has subsided.

• It is advised not to go into extreme heat or cold within one to two weeks of treatment.

• Sunbeds are not recommended within a week of treatment.