Frequently Asked Question’s
Dermal fillers FAQ’s
What are dermal fillers?
The most popular dermal fillers used today are made of a material using hyaluronic acid based products, such as those in the Juvéderm range manufactured by Allergan. These hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are non-permanent, meaning that they are reabsorbed into the body over time.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in body tissues, and it has been used safely in general medical applications for several decades.
How do dermal fillers work?
Throughout the ageing process we lose some of the skin’s ‘building blocks’ such as collagen and fat, which are the materials that prevent to skin becoming loose and saggy, allowing fine lines and wrinkles to appear. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more visible lines and wrinkles start to appear. The facial bones and fat pads begin to shrink accelerating the creation of folds and deep wrinkles.
The dermal filler acts as a replacement for the lost fat and helps to restore our skin to its former youthful appearance.
The material is carefully injected into different layers of the skin depending on the type of filler selected and the patient’s needs. Dermal fillers are available in different thicknesses and viscosity that match to the patients needs. The thicker products are generally reserved for deep folds or wrinkles, whilst smoother product is used to plump out fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the benefits of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are not permanent, so as our faces and perceptions of beauty may change overtime, patients can reassess their needs.
At Simply Cosmetic we only use Juvéderm fillers, which are FDA approved for their safety and effectively. There is a range of Juvéderm Fillers to use for varying applications. For example, thicker material such as Voluma are used to add volume to sunken cheeks and less defined chins, to reshaping the tip of a person’s nose, and the Juvéderm Ultra range comes in varying thicknesses, allowing greater precision, and are long-lasting.
Dermal fillers are often the preferred treatment to cosmetic surgery because of the risks associated with general anaesthetics and cosmetic surgery and their cost effectiveness. Results are instant: patients can see how much they like the treatment as it progresses and can request for a more dramatic effect if they desire at the time of treatment.
What does the dermal filler procedure involve?
The first step in the process is to arrange a consultation with nurse practitioner who has specifically been trained in the use of dermal fillers.
At consultation the practitioner will take details of patient medical history, current medication and complete a care plan, having discussed the patient’s requirements and expectations. The practitioner will then be in a position to advise treatment options and make individual treatment recommendations.
At the consultation patients will be provided with cost of investment for the treatment options provided. The practitioner will provide the risks associated with injectable treatments in writing. Patients can then reflect on what has been said and be given written treatment information.
Treatments generally take between 30 – 45 minutes. A topical anaesthetic cream will be applied prior to appointment to maximise patient comfort during the procedure. The Juvéderm product, unlike the majority of fillers on the market, has local anaesthetic in the solutions, making the treatment more comfortable. After having the injection, the practitioner will give patients aftercare advice and information.
How common are dermal filler treatments?
Hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm, are the 2nd most popular cosmetic treatment. Last year there was over 1.2 million treatments in the USA alone. Comparable figures are not available in UK, however there is evidence to support the theory that the usage per population is similar. The reason for their popularity can be attributed to the minimal side effects and effectiveness of treatment. The other main reasons for their popularity is that many people are not ready or prepared to have cosmetic surgery but still want an effective and long lasting treatment.
What areas can dermal fillers treat?
Typical areas that can be treated are:
Nasolabial lines or folds, which run from each corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
Smile lines appearing on the cheeks.
Lip plumping is an extremely popular request by growing number of women purely looking to enhance their natural appearance, as opposed to an anti-ageing solution.
Cheek Volumising can create improved definition of the face that is lost over the years through the ageing process, giving sunken or flat cheeks. As we get older our facial bones shrink causing skin folds to appear. Building up our cheek bones using dermal fillers such as Juvéderm or Sculptra is an effective way of combating these imperfections.
Deep forehead wrinkles, frown and crow’s feet can be treated using dermal fillers, however many patients with fine wrinkles are best treated using Botox. Wrinkled hands are often the most likely visible sign of ageing and difficult to conceal. Juvéderm Hydrate revitalises hands for a more youthful appearance. Juvéderm Hydrate is not a dermal filler or volumiser, but a treatment specifically designed to improve skin hydration and elasticity in the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. It effectively replenishes depleted levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin to restore a natural, healthy glow.
Where should you go to have dermal fillers?
As injections involve breaking the skin and inserting foreign substances to a patient’s face or body, patients should always seek to have their consultation and medical treatment with a fully qualified clinician. Experienced clinicians, such as those at Skin Medical, have a wealth of knowledge on the facial and other muscles giving them experience on how best to perform treatments specific to the patient’s needs.
Everyone’s face is different and a ‘one size fits all approach’ is not going to give individual patients the optimum outcome and pleasing aesthetic result.
Who should perform dermal fillers?
At Simply Cosmetic our nurse’s have over ten years’ experience in medical settings. It is most advisable to ensure your practitioner has several years’ experience in performing not only injectables for dermal fillers but also other procedures such as Sculptra as this shows that they have breadth of knowledge and experience, as well as a sound understanding of the facial anatomy and anti-ageing technology.
At Simply Cosmetic we consult with patients at every step of the procedure so that they are given every opportunity to influence how much filler and where they believe it is required. However, our practitioners will only perform procedures on patients where it is medically indicated that treatment is suitable.
What possible side effects can result from dermal fillers?
All dermal filler treatments have the risk of temporary bruising around the injection site, swollen facial features during the initial healing period and infection at injection site. These risks are higher when treatments are performed in unsterile environments and by inexperienced or unqualified practitioners.
The side effects and risks associated with dermal fillers will be discussed with the practitioner at consultation.
How painful are the dermal filler injections?
As a local topical anaesthetic cream is applied 20 -30 minutes before treatment and Juvéderm products themselves contain lidocaine which is a fast acting anaesthetic, the vast majority of patients find the injections tolerable with slight initial discomfort.
Discomfort levels maybe higher if patients opt for an inexperienced practitioner or use an inferior product.
Which dermal fillers do you recommend?
At Simply Cosmetic we will normally recommend Juvéderm products because of their safety record and clinical evidence of their effectiveness, supported by the fact they are FDA approved. Additionally, Juvéderm products include lidocaine which is an anaesthetic for patient’s comfort during treatment.
We would always recommend that patients use FDA-approved products as this ensures that they have undergone rigorous testing for their safety and effectiveness, and that patients are treated by fully qualified and experienced practitioners.
How long does the dermal fillers last?
Typically most fillers last around six to nine months, with the exact time depending on the area applied and the individual patient, as some patients’ bodies break down the fillers faster then others. Juvéderm Ultra lasts up to 1 year and Juvéderm Voluma, which is a volumising filler, typically lasts 18 months.
What is the typical cost of dermal fillers?
The cost of dermal fillers starts from £200. The exact cost of fillers for each patient will be determined at consultation as the practitioner will need to determine the most suitable filler and the number of areas being treated.
Anti-wrinkle injections FAQ’s
How does Botox treatment work?
Botulinum Toxin (Botox ®) when injected into a muscle temporarily relaxes the muscle by blocking nerve impulses. As the nerve impulses are blocked the muscle is temporarily unable to contract so that dynamic wrinkles are not formed. This gives the overlying facial skin a softer, smoother and more youthful appearance.
Is Botox treatment safe?
Botulinum Toxin as a muscle relaxant has an excellent safety record and a long record of use in medicine. It has been used successfully in adults and children in variety medical conditions over the last 20 years. It has been used cosmetically to treat facial wrinkles for about 15 years and has become one of the most popular and frequently used cosmetic treatments.
Who can have Botox?
Botox Treatment can be used for treating wrinkles in men and women, however men often need slightly higher doses than women.
It should not be used in…
People with infection at the proposed injection site. People who have previously had an allergic reaction to Botulinum toxin type A injections. People with muscle problems or chronic diseases affecting the muscles, such as Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton Lambert syndrome. Children under the age of 18 years. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
It should be used cautiously in…
(please let the practioner know if the following applies to you)
People at risk of bleeding as there is an increased risk of bruising post procedure. These include people who have blood clotting disorders such as Haemophilia, those who are taking treatments with anticoagulant medicines such as Warfarin, Heparin, Aspirin and Anti-Inflammatory medicines. Certain herbal remedies such as Gingiko Bilboa, St John’s Wort and Vitamin E People with excessive weakness or wasting in the muscle to be injected, such as those patients with history of Strokes or Bell’s Palsy People with Chronic Breathing difficulties
Does the injection hurt
Botox injections are relatively painless as the injections are performed using a very fine needle. Patients therefore and do not require any anaesthesia. The full treatment takes about 15-20 minutes to perform and you are able to drive and go to work the same day.
How Long Do The Effects Last?
It can take about 2-14 days to see the full effects after the initial treatment. The cosmetic effects can last up to six months but typically range from three to four months. Eventually most people require re treatment as the wrinkles reappear.
However in some treated areas (such as frown wrinkles), the wrinkles may return less severe after repeated treatments as the unconscious muscle contraction habit is broken. We offer all our patients a free two week follow up appointment to assess the effect of treatment and administer any top up treatments if necessary.
Are there any side effects
Most people find that the injections cause only mild local pain and tenderness. Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling at the injection site which usually subsides within 48 hours. Slight bruising is also possible. Side effects of these treatments are extremely rare. Occasionally, the treatment may relax nearby muscle groups causing temporary drooping of the eyebrow or eyelids. This may last for a few weeks but will resolve with time. As with any medicine an allergic reaction may occur, this is however quite rare. Conversely there may be some unintended benefits in some people such as easing of tension type headaches as the muscles in the forehead relax.
Botox has been used for over 20 years and does not appear to cause any negative long-term effects. Once administered, Botox typically leaves the body within 3-4 days, although, as with any medical procedure, it is important to seek advice from a qualified professional beforehand.
How often can I have treatments?
When the effect of the Botox injection wears off the wrinkles will always return to their pre-treatment state. Treatments can be repeated at a minimum of three monthly intervals, but the effects may last longer for some individuals, especially if they have had previous treatments to the same area.
Will I still have expression in my face?
Botox treatments are designed to smooth dynamic wrinkles in the forehead and around eyes, they do not affect your facial expression. The final result can be tailored to each patient and can be discussed at the initial free consultation.
What After Care Advice Should I Follow?
Try to contract the treated muscle areas for up to four hours after treatment, by frowning and lifting eyebrows to allow the toxin to reach all of the treated muscle.
Avoid rubbing or touching the injected areas and avoid having facials and massage for 48 hours this is to ensure that the treatment remains at the site of injection.
Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol-based products on the area treated for 48 hours.
If bruising develops the you can apply Arnica cream.
Paracetamol can be taken for mild pain post procedure.
Eyelash Extensions FAQ’s
What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are not the same as strip lashes. They are semi-permanent, synthetic lashes that are glued to your natural lashes through the use of lash adhesive. They are placed on individually, either on each lash or every other lash, depending on the look you are going for.
How is it different from a eyelash lift?
A eyelash lift doesn’t use synthetic lashes, it is the augmentation of your natural lashes. A perming solution is used to lift and curl your lashes, making them appear longer and more shapely. You can also get a tint to make your lashes darker, giving a faux mascara look.
How do I prepare for eyelash extensions?
Before your appointment, make sure that there is no eye makeup or excess product such as moisturiser around your eye area. The area should be as clean as possible.
If your go-to mascara is waterproof, you should avoid this a couple of days before your lash extensions. Otherwise, this may interfere with the application.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t come to the appointment wearing contact lenses as these cannot be in place during the treatment. This is because it will make it harder in the event that anything gets in your eye during the treatment.
Can I wear contact lenses with eyelash extensions?
Yes, once the lashes have been applied, you can wear contact lenses again. However, if you notice any irritation when wearing the contact lenses, we recommend getting them professionally removed as it might not be the best option for you.
What are Russian eyelash Extensions?
They are a lightweight, fluttery type of lash extension with flexible, buildable options. Russian Lashes are more voluminous than a classic set as your therapist will apply a few synthetic lashes to each of your natural lashes.
What are infills?
Your lashes will Infills are the re-application of lashes in areas that may have experienced lash fall-out or gaps. They are recommended to keep your lashes looking full and fierce, avoiding looking ‘gappy’.
How often should I get infills?
As humans, we have between 90-120 natural lashes on our upper lash line. However, these will shed daily, an average of 2-5 lashes. We recommend booking an appointment for infills every 2-3 weeks.
Can I wear mascara with eyelash extensions?
You don’t need to wear mascara with lash extensions, as they basically act as mascara anyway. With extensions, your lashes will look fuller, darker and longer.
We recommend avoiding mascara altogether, especially with the more natural, lighter lashes as this will add weight to the lashes and give a higher risk of them falling out.
If you do decide to wear mascara, make sure you use oil-free makeup remover and be gentle, otherwise it may cause lashes to fall out. You must not use any oil-based products around your lashes, as this may break down the adhesive that keeps the lashes intact.
Avoid waterproof mascara completely as this can ruin your lash extensions and will be very hard to get off, resulting in lashes falling out prematurely.
How do I look after my lash extensions?
Don’t pick at them – Picking at your eyelashes may weaken them and even make them fall out. This will result in bald patches along your lashline, and an infill would be necessary to restore them.
Brush your eyelashes every morning and night – Use a clean spoolie brush to brush through your lash extensions. This will keep them in order and looking neat. It can also break down any pollen or dust on the lashes which can lead to infection.
Sleep on your back on the first night – Sleeping on your back is recommended for the first night as your eyelashes are more susceptible to bending or misshaping if you sleep on your front or your side.
Avoid steam rooms, sunbeds and saunas for at least 48 hours – Moisture should be avoided in the first 24 hours as it won’t allow the adhesive to dry fully. Places such as steam rooms, sunbeds and saunas can bring on sweat which may loosen the lashes. With that said, vigorous exercise should be avoided before the lashes have dried.