If you are thinking of getting fillers, I highly recommend you read this first!
1- What is filler?
The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid, also referred to as HA, is responsible for giving skin a plump and hydrated look thanks to its ability to store moisture. Hyaluronic acid fillers are a gel-like substance that creates volume in the skin. Once injected, they begin to integrate into the substance of the skin, attracting water molecules and hydrating the surrounding tissue. Whilst other types of filler exist, they are less popular as they are non-reversible, being a major disadvantage because they can’t be dissolved in the event of complications.
2- What are they used for?
Fillers are used to treat facial lines and creases in order to reduce the signs of ageing, fillers can also be used to augment and enhance facial features such as creating sharper cheekbones, more defined jawlines and straighter noses.
3- What is the difference between fillers and Botulinum Injections (Botox®)?
They both reduce and treat signs of ageing but are very different from each other. Fillers are used to add volume and plump the skin, Botox® (which is a brand name for botulinum toxin) temporarily blocks nerve signals in the muscles where it’s injected to restrict movement and therefore smooth ‘expression lines’.
4- Where are fillers used?
Fillers are injected into different parts, depths of the skin and have different consistencies, all of this dictates the results that will be achieved. Deep injections usually use firm fillers and creates volume and shape to the face, mid-depth injections usually use medium-firm fillers and reduces the appearance of creases, superficial injections into the dermis using soft fillers help smooth out wrinkles, plump and hydrate the skin.
5- What are the results?
I often come across clients that dread the thought of looking “fake”. It’s important to understand that your interest must dictate the results, therefore if you don’t want “fish lips” for instance, you will not have them! It’s important to spend time with your practitioner to make sure they fully understand your goals. It is practically impossible to “over-do” fillers in a single cautious treatment. Things can go wrong when people keep adding filler over numerous sessions until their results look disproportionate and unnatural.
The results following a filler treatment vary from person to person . It is normal for there to be some swelling and possibly even some bruising for a few days after facial fillers but generally you will see an immediate difference in volume and shape of the treated area. The results tend to improve as the swelling settles and the filler begins to sit more naturally in the skin. This may take around two weeks.
6- Do your research!
For those who know me, know I don’t get tired of saying: Do your research! Ask to see before and after pictures, you want to see consistency and always remember, cheap treatments mean you are not getting a good quality treatment and cheap products are being used. Make sure you fully research your practitioner before committing to a dermal filler treatment and make sure you discuss how realistic your results will be. Ask what product will be used and the reasons for the product choice, how much will be injected, the technique of injection (needle or cannula?), how long the results are likely to last and if there are any risks and side effects. A good practitioner should also be able to discuss alternative treatment options with you.
Another very important thing to consider is: Can your practitioner treat filler complications? Are they able to dissolve your filler if needed and will they charge you for this?
Make sure you are fully at ease with your chosen clinic. Sometimes seemingly awkward questions about qualifications, training and experience are good ways of sussing out if your practitioner is someone who is able to put you at ease.
7- I’m sure you heard this before: Less is more!
I can hear my mum saying this to me, and like may things, when it comes to fillers, less is usually more. When done correctly, it shouldn’t feel as though they are there. I love the subtle and natural look.
Hyaluronic acid fillers integrate with the skin and form part of the natural architecture of the skin. This process takes approximately one month. Once integrated, you will not be able to feel that there is filler in the skin, it will simply feel like your own skin – but plumper! It is always possible to add more filler later and you should never feel pressured to have more than what you are comfortable with.
8- How long do they last?
Please keep in mind that filler can take up to two weeks to fully settle. Hyaluronic acid fillers are naturally broken down by the skin. On average, this process takes 12 months but it does depend on the filler used and area treated. Areas with little muscular movement or tension such as the tear troughs, temples or jawline tend to last well; whereas areas with more movement or tension such as the lips, nose and cheeks will tend to last less.
9- Are there any risks over time?
As hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, it is accepted by our bodies as being natural – there is no evidence to suggest that long-term use is at all damaging.
Have more questions? Email me at naysbeauty@hotmail.com
