Question 1

What types of Dermal Filler procedures do we offer?

Accepted Answer

- Dermal filler to enhance your own lips by adding definition to the vermilion border and    increasing volume in the main body of the lip.
- Smokers lines and the perioral area to improve appearance and soften lines
- Marionette lines that run from corner of mouth to chin
- Nasolabial lines
- Cheek volumisation
- Skin redensification with specifically designed Redensity I which improves appearance of      fine lines, hydration and luminosity of skin.

Question 2

What is Hyaluronic acid (HA) & is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body. It is present in large amounts in the spaces between the skin cells, it provides moisture, firmness and suppleness to the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisture-binding ingredient. Because Hyaluronic acid binds so easily with water it is used in skin care products as a superior moisturizer. If applied regularly it will increase hydration and improve elasticity of the skin. Hyaluronic acid may also repair collagen, improve the appearance of scars, and reverse free radical damage. It is suitable for all skin types and is very safe as it is produced in our own bodies.

Question 3

What happens during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the area to be treated the anaesthetic will be either topical numbing cream which is applied for 10-15 minutes prior to the procedure, or a dental anaesthetic injected inside your mouth which provides a much deeper soft tissue anaesthesia and is particularly useful when treating the lip area.
 
The chosen hyaluronic acid solution is then injected into the target area.
 
The procedure often takes approximately 30 minutes, after which the area will be throoughly massaged to ensure even distribution.
 
There may be a small amount of bleeding, this is entirely normal as the skin is being pierced by a needle several times. The discomfort however is minimal due to the anaesthetic.
Most hyaluronic acids on the market also have a small amount of local anaesthetic inside as an extra benefit.

Question 4

How much filler will I need?

Accepted Answer

Sinem and Cathryn will assess each person individually and give you an idea on the amount of filler you will need to achieve the desired result. It may be that this is done over several visits to build it up in layers as the tissues may need time to settle and accommodate the extra material. This is particularly true for lips and very deep nasolabial lines.
It is also possible that the result you would like is either not achievable or not advisable, in which case Sinem and Cathryn will be very honest and frank and provide a treatment plan that is realistic and best suited to you.

Question 5

What are the risks involved with the treatment?

Accepted Answer

As with any procedure there are risks involved, but every precaution is taken to minimise these risks such as working with high quality tested products, using sterile/single use instruments, and working in a sanitized environment.
 
Post operative instructions should be followed by you to also minimise the risk of any infection after the procedure.
 
Bruising, redness, swelling and discomfort are all possible, and usually only last from one to a few days only.
 
Infrequently an infection can occur which may need treatment with antibiotics and steroids.
Occasionally the filler may cause lumps or nodules which may have to be dissolved using an enzyme hyaluronidase.
 
Treatment is not advised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Question 6

How long will swelling last?

Accepted Answer

The lip is a very sensitive and highly vascularised area and the swelling following treatments in this area can sometimes last longer than other areas, maybe even up to 7 days. During this time the lips can seem slightly uneven and the final result shouldn’t be judged until after this settling period.
 
If you have a history of coldsores there is a chance of the area becoming activated

Question 7

What is Redensity?

Accepted Answer

Redensity is a thin hyaluronic acid and is used specifically to rehydrate and retexturise the skin, it does not restore any lost volume but it is still administered via a needle and so the risks involved are similar to those listed above.
 
A small number of patients may experience raised nodules at the site of injection some hours following treatment. This is a normal reaction to the treatment and typically resolves within 5 days, on rare occasions it could last 7-14 days.

Question 8

Can anyone have dermal fillers?

Accepted Answer

A full medical history will be taken prior to any treatment as we need to ensure you are fit and well first.
There are some medical conditions that prevent treatment altogether and some which carry further risks.
 
- Pregnant/breastfeeding
- Allergies to any of the components or history of anaphylaxis to other products
- History of autoimmune disease (arthritis, thyroid disorder, lupus, multiple sclerosis,    ulcerative colitis)
- History of cold sores/acne

Question 9

Is the treatment painful?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the area injected and the type of anaesthetic used. Generally a dental block will provide a deeper level of anaesthesia than a topical cream but even with a cream there is little discomfort.
 
Most patients are surprised after a procedure at how painless it was.

Question 10

What is the recovery time post-procedure?

Accepted Answer

The recovery time is usually between 24-72 hours post-procedure. It is highly recommended that the client follows the post-procedure recommendations to avoid complications or infection.
 
The nasolabial area has very little down time and any redness or swelling subsides within 24-48 hours.
 
The lips are a more delicate area and are highly vascularised which means they are more prone to post procedure swelling and bruising. Despite this they have usually completely settled by day 7.

Question 11

How long will the results normally last for?

Accepted Answer

The results can be expected to last between 6-12 months.
Every person is individual and the length a filler will last will vary from person to person depending on genetics, metabolism and lifestyle.
It is also important to remember that you will also get accustomed to it and after time forget how you were pre-procedure and therefore think that the product has gone when in fact it hasn’t.

Question 12

Post procedure recommendations and advice

Accepted Answer

We take aftercare very seriously. We highly recommend the below recommendations are followed.
 
- Do Not Smoke for at least 24-36 hours (Smoking is not recommended post procedure)
- Avoid any Hot Drinks (Post Procedure) as this can affect the filler
- Avoid any alcohol consumption for 24 hours before treatment and 24 hours post procedure
- Avoid any exercise for 24 hours (Post Procedure)
- Avoid using any Make-up or Skin care products / Spray Tan / Direct sunlight, sun exposure  and do not use tanning beds
- Avoid any water on the lips. Use a facial cleansing wipe to clean face, avoiding the lip area
- Avoid touching or massaging the lips unless absolutely necessary
- Always stay hydrated
- Avoid chewing gum and kissing
- Use Arnica Cream TM after your treatment to help with any bruising or
 discomfort (If  required)
- Keep lips moisturized at all times. Use Aquaphor Cream TM or a good quality Lip balm
- If the client has a cold sore, take appropriate anti-viral medication (as soon as possible)
- Apply cool compresses to injected sites for five minutes up to (Four times a day) If Required
- Restrict facial movements  (Where possible) Up to 1-3 weeks post procedure
- Try to keep the head elevated while sleeping for the first (48 hours post procedure)
- Sleep in an upright position, face up, to help reduce any swelling (3-7 nights post  procedure)
- Avoid any dental appointments, facial appointments and chemical treatments (4 weeks  post procedure)
- Avoid excessive heat – swimming pools, sauna, steam rooms, hot showers for at least (48  hours post procedure)
- Paracetamol is advised to patients for post procedure discomfort (Ibuprofen should be  avoided)

SC Aesthetics treatment FAQs

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Training