Dermal Filler FAQs

What causes ageing?

Hormone changes, sun exposure, our diets, smoking and of course, time itself are the main factors that cause fine lines and wrinkles.  Our skin also becomes more fragile as it thins and losses its elasticity. This is caused by the loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid present naturally in our skin. In addition, the skin also loses fat stored beneath it in so called 'fat pads'. These are most obviously seen in the cheek and jowl areas. As we age, loss of the fat pads causes the face becomes thinner and creates a drooping effect. As a consequence, ageing causes the face looks less plump and the skin loses its youthful appearance.

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How do dermal fillers work?

Modern dermal fillers such as Juverderm Ultra are gel - like substances made of hyaluronic acid. This is a material naturally found within our own skin and as such they are taken up extremely well. The gels are made up millions of tiny bubbles that draw water to themselves when injected. Sitting below the skin layer in wrinkle fold, they plump the skin above, creating a stunning and natural smoothness to counteract the signs of ageing.

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Can dermal fillers be used in all skin types?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are appropriate for patients of all skin types. They are colourless gels that should are not visible under the skin.

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Do dermal filler treatments hurt?

iMany patients compare the sensation to a pin prick and many clinics do not offer any anaesthesia for the procedure. Dr Jake Sloane however ALWAYS numbs the areas with local anaesthetic cream prior to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. The cream takes approximately 20 minutes to become effective so please take this into consideration.

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Will I be able to feel the dermal filler once injected into my skin?

In the first few days after your treatment, the area may feel a little firm. This is completely NORMAL and will improve over several weeks. Very occasionally, small particles of the filler do clump together and can be felt under the skin. The area treated will be massaged to prevent this occurring and you will be shown how to do this yourself

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What if I don't like my results?

The key advantage of using hyaluronic acid fillers (compared to collagen) is that they are temporary. If you don't like the results they will diminish in time.

Patients are often very anxious in the first few days after a lip treatment in particular. It is expected and NORMAL that the lips will swell and can also be assymmetrical. If after a week or so, the lips are still uneven, a revision treatment can easily be performed. Please be aware that a seperate charge will be made for this although it is extremely rare.

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What should I do before a treatment?

Patients should not drink alcohol on the day of treatment. Apart from this, patients may come to their treatment as they are and there are no special instructions. Makeup must also be removed from the skin areas to be treated. If you prefer, this can be done immediately before your treatment.

- It is recommended that patients discontinue any NON-ESSENTIAL medications or dietary supplements that can cause thinning of the blood.

However, if you take any prescription medicines, you MUST seek advice from your GP before stopping these. No responsibility can be held for any adverse effects that occur if you stop these

The main medicines that make bruising more likely are listed below:

- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, etc)
- Fish oil supplements
- Vitamin E oils or tablets
- Gingko Biloba, ginseng or any other herbal remedies

Patients who take warfarin cannot be treated unfortunately.

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What can't I do after a treatment?

Patients can expect to resume their normal daily activities immediately after their treatment.

There are, however, a few simple instructions that MUST be followed after a filler treatment to gain the maximum cosmetic effects whist also helping to avoid the few potential side effects:

1) Very occasionally, tiny spots of the filler can be felt under the skin. You will be shown how to massage these areas easily to smooth the filler. You MUST do this with clean hands to prevent the risk of infection.

2) DO NOT use makeup on the areas treated until the redness or swelling has settled.

3) DO NOT participate in sports, exercise or vigorous activity until the following day or until any redness and brusing has settled

4) DO NOT use a sunbed or expose yourself to extreme cold until the redness and bruising has settled down. (For lip treatments however, ice application is recommended to reduce any swelling)

Failure to follow these SIGNIFICANTLY increases the chance of side effects.

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What are the potential side effects?

Common side effects include:
- Mild discomfort during the procedure and temporary redness, swelling or bruising. (Paracetamol can be taken quite safely after if desired)

Rare side effects:
- Skin infection
- Skin necrosis. This is EXTREMELY rare and is caused by infection and a poor blood supply to the skin

Patients are asked to sign a consent form to say that they will follow the aftercare instructions.

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Who should NOT receive treatments?

There are just a few but important conditions that are considered unsafe for the use of dermal fillers.

These include:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients trying for a baby or who are unsure if they are pregnant will also be refused treatments
- Any bleeding disorder
- Skin allergies affecting the face

Patients taking the following medicines should also NOT have filler treatments:
- A known allergy to local anaesthetics or fillers

You MUST declare the above or any other medical conditions known, as no responsibility can be held for undesired side effects.

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How often should I have treatments?

As a rough guide, dermal filler nasolabial (smile) line treatments can be done every 6 - 12 months to help maintain a consistent appearance.

Lip treatments tend to last for approximately 6 months. Fillers can be repeated within these time periods or after, once the effects have fully disappeared.

Patients are reminded that filler treatments form only part of maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance. Skincare regimes including exfoliation, cleansing, moisturising and sunscreens should be used in all men and women, regardless of age or race, on a daily basis. Smoking is by far the most common cause of wrinkles both in the upper and lower face.

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What should I do if I want to have a treatment?

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Patients are strongly encouraged to research the credentials of anyone carrying out aesthetic treatments. It cannot be stressed more that you must be treated by a doctor who is fully qualified, insured and is formally trained in the treatment offered.

Fiiler treatments must take into account a patients medical history first. Please do not compromise on your health simply for a cheaper option. There are known instances of doctors prescribing for nurses and beauticians who then treat patients off site at a different clinic. This practice is strongly discouraged and a doctor should both see and treat the patient themself.