Dermal filler is one of our most popular treatments, and we have compiled the top 10 frequently asked questions on dermal fillers.
1. What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are substances/gels injected beneath the skin’s surface to smooth wrinkles and add volume and contour. The products are composed of stabilised hyaluronic acid (HA), which occurs naturally in the skin cells. It works by drawing in water and augmenting the skin, thus reducing the wrinkle treated. It is by no means permanent and is totally biodegradable. Depending on the type of dermal fillers, results can last between one and two years.
Dermal fillers are very safe and have been used for over a decade. The most popular brand of dermal filler has sold over 20 million syringes.
2. What areas can dermal fillers be used for?
The face loses volume and contour when we age; the bones and the soft tissue dissolve and contribute to the appearance of sagging. Dermal fillers may be used to replace this volume loss and restore the structural support, giving the patient a more youthful appearance. The aim is to make a face more harmonious and rejuvenated.
For instance, the lips may be injected to improve their shape, size, symmetry and proportion. The cheeks may be injected to make a face more defined and attractive. An underdeveloped chin may be injected to make it appear more projected and proportionate. The nose may be injected to improve its shape and its contour.
3. What does the procedure entail, and is it painful?
It can be painful if a less skilled injector carries out the procedure.
Generally, basic dermal filler procedures require no anaesthetic as the dermal filler contains a local anaesthetic. It is straightforward, involving a few tiny injections directly into the skin, and takes between 15-30 minutes. Makeup can be applied immediately after the procedure, and you can return to work. The result can be seen immediately. Optimal results can be maintained over a long time through regular repeated treatments. The procedure varies from person to person depending on your requirements and the severity of the wrinkles that are being treated, in addition to the particular dermal filler being administered.
4. How soon will I see any result, and how long does it last?
Results are seen instantly after the treatment, although this gradually improves over the following 2-4 weeks. Results can last between 9-18 months, although optimal results can be maintained over a long period through repeated treatments. The longevity varies from person to person depending on your requirements, the severity of the wrinkles being treated, and the particular dermal filler being administered.
5. Are dermal fillers safe?
Yes. We use only products with a proven safety record. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin cells; thus, there is no risk of allergic reactions. Even people with food sensitivities can receive these fillers safely. The brands of dermal fillers we use are available in more than 90 countries. They have been used as an injectable cosmetic treatment for over two decades with an excellent safety record.
6. What are the key benefits of having my treatments at Essence Medical?
- We only use market-leading brands.
- We will not compromise on our standards and use the highest grade of dermal fillers for more dramatic results with better lift and tissue support.
- Consultation and treatment are personally undertaken by Dr Kieren Bong, who is an international speaker and trainer in advanced facial aesthetics procedures.
- Virtually pain-free treatment – Dr Kieren Bong is an experienced doctor who uses anaesthetics to numb the treated area for increased patient comfort.
- Dr Kieren Bong is well known for his methods of achieving beautiful yet incredibly natural cosmetic results with minimal pain, bruising and downtime.
- We provide excellent post-treatment care.
- Dr Kieren Bong is often featured in numerous national and international magazines and newspapers.
7. Are there any side effects?
Today’s dermal fillers have come a long way since the first generation of collagen injections. Advanced injection techniques, coupled with the use of micro-cannula (blunt needle) and improved product safety, means that significant side effects are extremely uncommon but may include:
- Injection-related reactions. These reactions may include redness at the injection site immediately after the treatment.
- Bruising: occasionally, bruising can occur. However, using a micro-cannula (blunt needle) dramatically reduces the risk of bruising.
- Contour irregularities can and do occasionally occur. Massaging can usually smooth out any ‘lumpiness’; however, the filler can be easily and rapidly dissolved if persistent.
- Infection – as with all injections, this procedure risks infection. The syringe is sterile and standard precautions associated with injectable materials are taken.
- Necrosis – one of the worst possible complications of dermal filler. Fortunately, this is extremely rare. It happens when the dermal filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, which subsequently blocks the blood supply to the skin/tissue in that area.
- Blindness – This is a very rare complication. There have been approximately 100 cases worldwide caused by injecting dermal filler into a blood vessel that connects with the artery that supplies blood and oxygen to the eye. There is no treatment so far for this that has been successful.
8. Are there any aftercare instructions?
After your treatment, we will again go through with you any aftercare advice to maximise your treatment benefits and avoid any undesirable side effects.
- You can resume normal activities, drive home, or return to work immediately after the treatment.
- As with any injection, there may be some slight redness immediately afterwards. Camouflage makeup may be applied.
- The results directly after the treatment should be seen as something other than the final results. This is because the results will gradually improve over the following 2 weeks.
- For 2 weeks after the treatment, you are advised to avoid extreme heat (sun bed or sunbathing) or intense cold.
9. How much does it cost?
Cost depends on the type of dermal filler, the amount of dermal filler required, and the areas of the face you wish to be treated (e.g. undereye hollow and cheeks). During the consultation, Dr Bong will formulate a treatment plan for you and advise the exact cost of your treatments. Our prices are competitive, and an international expert will perform your treatments. This is because we believe our patients deserve the utmost safety in our care and are committed to offering reliable, safe, and effective results. Prices start from around £300. Please refer to our price list.
10. How do I find a good cosmetic doctor for my dermal filler treatments?
The most important things to consider are:
- Is the injector qualified and experienced? In some countries, such as Australia, nurse injectors are not allowed to inject without the direct supervision of a doctor.
- Does the injector have the knowledge to identify signs of complications and act on them?
- Is it a clinic, or is the injector a ‘mobile injector’? If an injector goes to a beauty salon or other premises, it usually indicates that they do not have a full-time practice and may not be as skilled or experienced.
- Does the doctor share your aesthetic vision?
Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic is one of Scotland’s most established clinics, led by Dr Kieren Bong, one of Europe’s top cosmetic doctors. Dr Bong is an internationally sought-after trainer and key opinion leader and is well known for his artistry in achieving very natural and age-appropriate results.
For further information or to book a consultation for dermal fillers in Glasgow, please use our contact form, email us at: contact@essencemedical.co.uk or telephone 0141 894 9098.
