Frequently Asked questions about Dermal Fillers
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a soft injectable gel consisting of stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid. The gel is tissue-friendly and closely resembles the hyaluronic acid that exists naturally in the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent.
Dermal filler treatments are widely used in medical aesthetics to add volume, plump up and reduce the appearance of line and folds.
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What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the human body and is central to regulating cell growth and renewal. HA has impact on number of functions in the body, some of which are to bind water, lubricate the movable parts of the body such as muscles and joints and to maintain the elasticity of the skin
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Are dermal filler treatments safe?
There are a few issues and problems with hyaluronic acid fillers but these are in general very rare. These issues should be discussed with your aesthetic practitioner to ensure you know he or she is properly qualified and that you yourself won’t be added to a list of unsuccessful treatments and remain in safe hands.
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What is involved with dermal filler treatments?
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Before-
A detailed pre-treatment consultation is carried out, during this time you will discuss with the doctor the look you wish to achieve. We will advise you which treatments will be most effective at helping you achieve this. If you decide to proceed we will make a detailed recording of your medical history and conduct a careful examination of your face.
Following this, we will explain which dermal filler option is best for your requirements and how you can expect to look afterwards.
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During-
The dermal filler is gently injected into specific areas of your skin to reduce the depth of the skin crease. We will customise the exact depth and number of injections to give you the most natural result. Different dermal fillers can be used in different areas of your face to produce the most effective result.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes and the results are immediately visible. Patients can continue with their normal day after treatment.
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After -
You should leave the treated area alone for 48 hours to let it settle. We advise that you do not have a facial or similar treatment that may disturb the products or expose the newly-treated areas to strong sunlight for 2-3 days.
In the days after the treatment there may be some redness and minimal swelling, which normally settles in 1-2 days. Very occasionally patients can suffer some bruising at the injection site.
We see you for a review of your treatment two weeks later.
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How long do the effects of a dermal filler treatment last?
One of the great advantages of dermal filler treatment is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent. Duration depends on many factors, such as the area treated, individual’s skin type, skin condition lifestyle and age. Generally the effects can last between 6-12 months.
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Does dermal filler treatment need pain relief?
Some clients may experience the treatment as a mild discomfort. The lips are extremely sensitive and as such cause most discomfort. Ranges of dermal fillers containing local anaesthetic are available which ease any discomfort.
We use anesthetic creams prior to treatment, which will ease any discomfort.
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Are there any risks with dermal fillers?
Product related reactions are rare. There are some injection related reactions which may occur after any injection including redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising or tenderness at the injection site.
After lip enhancement, some swelling is likely for a short period.
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BOTULINUM TOXIN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How do Botulinum Toxin injections work?
Botulinum Toxin treatments relax the injected muscles, therefore reducing movement. This reduced movement prevents creasing of the skin, hence reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Botox treatments work only on the specific muscles injected, leaving surrounding muscles to function as usual maintaining normal facial expression.
Botox also works as a preventative treatment. If the skin is unable to crease, wrinkles are not able to develop. Over time the benefits of this treatment become more impressive.
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How safe is it?
You may have heard some myths about Botulinum Toxin treatments but it is actually a very safe treatment.
It has been used in medical procedures for over 30 years. Botox has successfully been used for cosmetic treatments. With treatments of the forehead there is a small risk; (about 1%); of developing a drooping eyelid or eyebrow but the effects of the treatment are never permanent and any unwanted effects usually last a few days to a few weeks only. Because of it’s low risk, it is the most popular aesthetic treatment in the world.
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How long does the procedure take?
The injections only take around 15-30 minutes. However a thorough consultation will be carried out beforehand during this time we will ask about your medical history and discuss you desires and expectations with reference to cosmetic treatments.
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How long is the recovery time?
Following the treatment there may be minimal redness. Bruising is uncommon. Most patients continue with their normal day without anybody noticing.
It is important not to massage or rub the areas after treatment so we advise you not to have a facial or do vigorous exercise. We also recommend that you remain upright for 3-4 hours after your treatment.
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How effective are the injections?
The effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin treatments can vary from person to person, that is why your treatment should be tailored specifically for you. A skilled practitioner should be able to adjust your treatment to produce the results you desire. In clinical trials by Allergan, nearly 90% of clients surveyed rated the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their brows as moderate to better one month after treatment.
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Are there any side effects of Botulinum Toxin treatments?
Side effects are rare. It is one of the safest cosmetic procedures available. There is the possibility, however, of the treatment being dispersed into an adjacent muscle which can cause a temporary weakness such as drooping of the eyelid. These effects are temporary, lasting a few weeks at most. All possible side effects should be discussed with you during consultation prior to any treatment.
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How quickly will I see the results?
While some clients report an almost instant improvement, there should be a noticeable improvement to the lines on your face within 5 days to 2 weeks.
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How long do the effects last?
Results will vary from person to person, due to:
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personal muscle structure
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which area has been treated
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the quality of the Botulinum Toxin injected.
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However, the results can last up to 3 months for facial procedures and longer for other areas.
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