This week I’ve heard a number of sources expressing some concerns about dermal fillers. As most of these concerns were based on inaccurate information or simply a lack of proper education, I thought it was about time to address some of these concerns and separate the myths from the truths.
Firstly, the term dermal fillers can itself be misleading. I’ll admit, before I completed my training, the term dermal filler conjured up mental images of literally patching up the cracks with Polyfilla, a small trowel and then sanding off the excess.
I’m sure some of my prospective clients have similar thoughts, given the look on their faces at the mere mention of dermal fillers!
In reality, however, you’ll be glad to hear that the treatment itself is actually much more subtle and extremely precise when administered by a competent and experienced practitioner.
The areas of treatment vary according to the needs of the client and the desired outcomes. Just as every face is unique to an individual, so is each treatment used by each practitioner to achieve this.
Many clients simply want to look more refreshed, more youthful, more them, but maybe a them from before those frown lines were a permanent feature. By replacing some of the volume that we all naturally lose in the face with age, these outcomes can be safely and easily achieved.
Others want more obvious definition that may have been absent previously, such as a weak or recessed chin, loose jowls and undefined jawline, as well as correction of a misshapen nose with non-surgical rhinoplasty.
Facial contouring is becoming increasingly popular with many clients, with women wanting to feminise cheek bones and facial shape and men looking to attain a more masculine look with squaring and volumising of the mid-face and defining of the jawline. The outcomes can be fantastic given the right pair of hands and the right product.
Now here’s where we touch on another crucial point often overlooked what is the right product? Going back to our Polyfila analogy, just as there’s 101 products to sort out those household cracks and dents, so too is there a number of wonderful and varied types of products all under the umbrella of dermal fillers, with some designed for certain areas of the face or indeed, certain aesthetic outcomes. It’s simply not a case of one filler fits all.
Again, here’s where experienced practitioners, who know the products inside out, can use their knowledge and experience to advise on the right treatments with the right products to ensure a truly beautiful and natural result.
Regarding the actual process, dermal filler injections are usually given after application of a topical anaesthetic, and although it doesn’t remove the discomfort completely, it is significantly reduced. Many procedures are completed within 15-30 minutes, with the side effects mainly consisting of a little bruising as expected with injection sites and mild, localised discomfort.
It is important that your practitioner discuss any potential side effects and complications fully with you before any treatments commence, to ensure you are completely happy with, and fully informed about the procedures recommended.
You can expect the results to last anywhere between 3-18 months on average, depending on the product used and the areas treated.
So in short, don’t be scared to ask about dermal filler treatments. Most patients I treat are surprised by the ease of the treatments and the available range of cosmetic outcomes. A big bonus is that they can be used alongside other cosmetic treatments like Botox, skin peels, microdermabrasion etc, safely and effectively to enhance desired outcomes.
Please feel free to message me directly at info@drpaulelgey.com, if you have any burning questions or simply want advice about how I may assist in your treatment goals.