Many of us are on the lookout for ways to keep our skin looking great, and ideally to rejuvenate those areas that suffer from unwanted signs of ageing.
We are often our own harshest critics, and noticing the appearance of new wrinkles, sagging skin, or hollowness in the cheeks can be challenging to come to terms with. This is especially when we feel we have aged suddenly or prematurely thanks to external stresses and the demands of modern life.
While the market is brimming with miracle moisturisers and supposed skincare ‘secrets’, all too often, we are left disappointed by the results.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, offer a well-established opportunity for aesthetic renewal. Whether you’ve lost definition, gained one of two extra lines, or simply feel your face is lacking the youthful look you expect to see in the mirror each morning.
Remember that ‘ageing gracefully’ does not have to mean giving genetics a free rein over your appearance. And rather than drastically altering or restructuring your looks, as you can get with more invasive procedures, dermal fillers merely replicate the collagen that begins to diminish as we pass our mid-twenties. This makes them an excellent treatment option for men and women looking for subtle, though highly effective, improvements.
So, if you’re wondering if this is the right anti-ageing treatment for you, read on to find out what dermal fillers really are – and how to find the right treatment for your face.
Before Your Treatment
Whether it’s your first time looking for an anti-ageing treatment, or you’ve had a treatment before, there are a few things worth knowing ahead of your consultation.
What is in Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are growing ever more popular and, as a result, there is an incredibly wide range of injectable fillers for the face on the market today.
If you’ve done some research, you may know they contain – calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), polyalkylimide, polylactic acid, or PMMA, to achieve a smoother, plumper look in the face.
But one of the most popular choices for many patients and doctors are hyaluronic acid injections.
Hyaluronic Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gel-like substance naturally produced and used throughout the body. However, it is most commonly found within your skin.
While it plays many vital roles – such as promoting healing and keeping your connective tissue healthy. It’s also essential to aiding skin elasticity, and to encourage the body’s production of collagen.
It’s the same ingredient used in our dermal filler injections, as it rejuvenates the face with moisture, and creates a smoother, firmer quality in the skin.
Hyaluronic fillers are incredibly effective at correcting a range of skin ageing issues. From marionette and nasolabial lines, to tear troughs, acne scars, and lost definition around the lips.
They are also biocompatible, which means a minimal chance of side effects. And it helps to keep skin hydrated and smooth, and encourages the body to produce collagen, and fight visible signs of ageing.
What is the Difference Between Anti Wrinkle Injections and Fillers?
Anti wrinkle injections and fillers are both considered minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures and both are typically used to limit signs of ageing. But they offer very different results.
When anti wrinkle toxin is injected into the face, it limits the movement of the muscle in that particular area; ‘dynamic wrinkles’. These are wrinkles caused by certain facial expressions such as frowning or smiling and can be softened or reduced by temporarily stopping movement in those areas of the face. For this reason, anti wrinkle injections will not have any effect on the wrinkles caused by a natural ‘sagging’ or loss of plumpness in the lower face, or hollowing around the eyes.
Dermal fillers work by replacing lost collagen — and, as a result, create a ‘plumper’, fuller look around the targeted areas of the face. They are perfect for smoothing the wrinkles that naturally form as your body’s own reserves of collagen are lost over time.
Anti wrinkle injections typically last between three and six months, and dermal fillers can last as long as eighteen months, although this does depend on the individual.
For both treatments, continued use can produce longer-lasting effects. Anti wrinkle toxin can gradually shrink the muscles it’s injected into preventing excessive pulling on the skin, and dermal fillers can encourage the body to produce collagen naturally.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
For many men and women, skin ageing begins in their mid-twenties- the first areas to demonstrate age are typically the forehead, and around the eyes. ‘Motor lines’, caused by certain facial expressions, are a common occurrence as we leave our adolescent years behind.
Several factors can impact the severity of wrinkles and the loss of plumpness and elasticity in the skin. Things like sun exposure, smoking, genetics and even the position we sleep in – all have ramifications for our appearance, mainly as we grow older.
Some people add anti-ageing products into their skincare regime the day they hit twenty-five, others choose to invest in dermal fillers as they approach their 30’s. Dermal fillers are a great way to replace the collagen that is naturally lost with age, and encourage the body to continue producing it.
And although many younger patients are turning to dermal fillers, they remain an excellent choice for those who are more mature, too. In fact, anyone who’d like to smooth unwanted lines and reintroduce a more youthful fullness into their face, without drastically altering their appearance, makes for a suitable candidate for dermal fillers.
Of course, ageing is a unique process for all of us, and what each patient sees, and requires will differ significantly. Consulting with an experienced doctor will help you to pinpoint the specific areas that would benefit from a boost of collagen, and how the best results can be achieved for you.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
While dermal fillers are typically priced by the syringe, the exact cost will vary based on the product used, and where you are getting the procedure done.
We only use market-leading products for our dermal fillers. We will discuss the best course of treatment with you during your consultation.
We offer our patients a bespoke service, and try not to price on a ‘one size fits all’ basis. If you’d like to receive a personalised quote, simply email us some pictures of the area you’d like to treat, and we will design the best treatment plan for you.
During Your Treatment
It’s entirely natural to feel a little apprehensive before (and during) your treatment. Many people dislike the thought of needles, while others worry that the fact they have ‘had work done’ will be too conspicuous. While these feelings are entirely normal, with the right practitioner, they always prove to be unfounded.
Here’s a little more on what to expect when you arrive for your treatment, you can also read our first-timers guide for more information.
In What Areas Can Dermal Fillers Be Used?
Our age can become apparent in many different ways;
- A gradual loss of volume in the cheeks and eyes.
- Deepening lines along the forehead and nasolabial fold, (subtle creases around the mouth and nose).
- Loss of definition along the jawline.
These are all, everyday experiences for men and women as they grow older.
Since dermal fillers work by adding fullness from within, many of the effects of ageing can be improved by hyaluronic injections into the affected area. This will smooth the appearance of wrinkles and lines, hydrate the skin, and replace the collagen that has been naturally lost.
When you meet with your practitioner, they’ll be able to discuss treatment options with you. Take advantage of their experience, as they’ll be able to study your facial anatomy and find the right treatment plan for your features, and expectations.
Does it Hurt to Get Fillers in Your Face?
Dermal fillers are applied just beneath the skin with the use of a syringe. A good practitioner will take the extra time to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Numbing creams and ice packs can all be used before the fillers are applied to reduce any discomfort.
Some patients do feel a small scratch, but hyaluronic fillers contain a small amount of local anaesthetic, making each subsequent injection much less noticeable.
Are the Results Immediate?
Yes! Dermal Fillers can be a lunch-time procedure, and results will be noticeable as soon as you leave the couch. While there may be a touch of swelling (particularly in the case of lip fillers), and a small amount of bruising the following day, you will be able to see the outcome as soon as the treatment has finished.
After Your Treatment
Getting dermal fillers in London is incredibly straightforward, and as soon as your appointment has ended, you can go back to work, or home.
In the days following your procedure, any redness, swelling or bruising will clear up, and you will be left feeling (and looking) refreshed and invigorated.
Do Dermal Fillers Have Side Effects?
Aside from a little redness and swelling, it is doubtful that you’ll experience any side effects from dermal fillers. Any possible issues will be discussed with you before the treatment, but hyaluronic acid presents very minimal risks to your wellbeing if injected by an advanced highly trained practitioner. Your doctor will clearly go through the consent form prior to treatment to ensure you are happy with possible side effects and that your questions have all been answered.
Your Two-Week Review
Take advantage of any free follow-up appointments offered by your practitioner. Here, you will be able to discuss the final result with your doctor, after any swelling or bruising has gone away. It will be a great opportunity to check-in on your progress, ask further questions, and ensure that your treatment has given you the best results possible.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Hyaluronic injections are biodegradable, which means that they will eventually be absorbed by the body. Precisely how long they will last depends on several factors, such as the type of filler used, and the area being treated.
Typically, dermal fillers last for between six and eighteen months before patients return for another treatment. Any subsequent injections can encourage the body to create its own collagen naturally.
What Should You Look for in a Practitioner?
The anti-ageing industry is awash with practitioners, all of whom offer a wide range of treatments and procedures promising to transform the parts of our appearance that upset or displease us.
An increasing number of people are opting to invest in anti-ageing treatments to get instant, long-lasting results, rather than relying on their at-home skincare routine alone.
The downside? More and more unskilled practitioners are offering their services to unsuspecting patients, who end up feeling disappointed — or, worse, mortified with the results.
When it comes to your health and self-esteem, you should always invest a little extra time and research into finding the right practitioner for you. Consider these points before committing:
Check Their Credentials and Experience
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it requires the same professionalism, attention and expertise as any other part of your body. Finding a clinic with an experienced, doctor-led practice will ensure that you are receiving the top level of care.
Great Follow Up Care
One of the best indicators of a reputable practitioner is a high calibre of follow up care.
Not only does this demonstrate a strong dedication to each patient, but it will also show you which practices are committed to achieving the very best results. And ensure that their patients are given the time, support and attention that they need to feel confident in the procedures they are undergoing.
Dermal filler treatments in London are currently unregulated, and anyone unqualified can order syringes off the internet and offer their services to customers. Put your trust in the right place by looking for a rigorously trained practitioner who can guarantee a high level of support, from your consultation to your post-procedure review.
Reliable Sourcing
The market has become saturated with a wide variety of anti-ageing products and equipment. While many companies operate to strict regulations and standards, unfortunately, there are cheap and poorly manufactured products that could potentially damage your skin and harm your health.
Never visit a practitioner who does not invest in the very best pharmaceuticals; that way, you can be sure that you are only ever on the receiving end of products that have been created following rigorous standards for safety and hygiene.
Outstanding Results
Any practitioner worth their salt will have plenty of success stories to boast about, and taking a look at their Before and After gallery will give you an honest look into the ways their work takes shape.
Look for practitioners who prize subtlety over excess, and who enhance the distinctive beauty of their patients, rather than altering it. Every face is unique, and recognising that requires a great deal of skill and finesse.
We’ve all seen examples of poor or, at times, dangerous work performed by unqualified practitioners and for some, this can work as a deterrent for seeking treatment.
But client transformations needn’t be drastic. A practitioner dedicated to tailoring their approach to each and every patient they see will put you at ease and, most importantly, make sure that you are thrilled with the results of your treatment.
A Loyal Clientele
A fantastic website or advertising campaign can undoubtedly draw a crowd, but a returning client base is the best testament to a practitioner’s value.
Seeking anti-ageing treatments can be daunting for many first-timers; for others, fear or self-consciousness can cause them to delay their first consultation. But a loyal clientele is an excellent indicator of a competent and diligent practice.
Not only does it provide plenty of insight into the quality of their work, but it also demonstrates their ability to dispel first-time nerves, and keep patients inspired to return for treatments.
If you’re still not sure, read our six-point guide on how to choose the right aesthetics clinic.
Get in Touch
Whether you know what treatment you want, or have never undergone any anti-ageing treatments before, get in touch, and we’ll arrange a consultation at a time that suits you.
