6 Things To Know Before Considering Facial Fillers
Elle
September 2020
Beauty and skincare journalist Isabel Edwards-Brown from Elle interviews two cosmetic doctors, including our very own Johanna Ward, on everything you need to know about fillers.
She covers crucial aspects that patients should know before opting for a dermal filler treatment, including how fillers work and the results they achieve. Six key points are covered in detail:
Successful filler work should be invisible
To start, the article addresses the common “misconception” that dermal fillers automatically generate a “fake appearance.” Although there may be bad examples of fillers creating an exaggerated or contrived look, it doesn’t have to be this way. When a patient selects a reputable clinic, the results will uplift and enhance the face in an entirely natural-looking way.
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t exist
Another key point of note is that dermal filler treatments should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and features. “Every patient is different,” and it’s the job of a skilled practitioner to treat targeted areas to maintain and restore “the harmony of your natural face shape.”
Some patients may require work on their jawline or chin, while others would benefit from having multiple areas targeted to enhance their looks. Each situation is unique, and every treatment regime should be too.
Research on dermal fillers is essential
Dr Johanna Ward from The Cosmetic Skin Clinic then emphasises the importance of researching the reputation of filler clinics to pick one that will give you exceptional results without any complications. Dr Ward comments:
“The Medical Aesthetic Industry is poorly regulated, so it’s vital that you do your homework. Seek out a clinic that uses registered doctors and nurses and that prioritises patient safety. Look online for reviews from other patients, too. This should give you a good idea of how the clinic performs, from a patient’s perspective.”
Not all fillers are the same
The quality of the dermal filler itself is also an important factor to take into account. High-quality hyaluronic acid fillers from the renowned Juvéderm brand are a safe choice thanks to their “good safety profile” and “long-lasting, natural-looking results.” The results of the Juvéderm range can last between 12-18 months, or up to 24 months with the brand’s thicker Volux filler, used to restore volume in the chin and jawline area.
Committing to a follow-up appointment is essential
To achieve the airbrushed results that fillers are famed for, it is essential to maintain regular follow-ups with your treatment clinician so they can access how fillers are performing over time, and where you may need any additional boosting treatments. Dr Ward elaborates:
“We generally suggest that patients visit their practitioner every six months to assess how their fillers are performing, and so they can advise on if or when they may need to be repeated to maintain optimum results.”
The amount of downtime can vary
The amount of downtime needed after receiving a filler treatment naturally varies from patient to patient, with some experiencing mild side effects like bruising and swelling. Dr Ward advises her patients to take supplements both before and after the treatment to minimise any potential impacts:
“I advise all of my patients to avoid alcohol, ibuprofen, aspirin and Omega 3 supplements for 1-2 days before their treatment,” says Ward. “For patients who bruise easily, I also recommend taking oral arnica tablets for five days prior to treatment.”
By taking these smart steps, the amount of downtime can be reduced, and in all cases, patients will notice the flattering visible effects of fillers “immediately.”
For more information about dermal filler treatments, explore our fillers page, or call our London and Buckinghamshire clinics on 0330 057 5425.
