At our Windsor clinic we specialise in dermal fillers, an injectable treatment that is designed to smooth out lines on the face. This provides natural and long-lasting results for a more youthful appearance. If you are considering this popular procedure for the first time but are not sure what to expect, here’s a guide to help you feel confident and well prepared.
Initial consultation
When you first get in touch with us, we will book you in for an initial consultation with an experienced clinician to assess your skin type and determine that the treatment will be safe and suitable for you. They will also discuss your expectations of the treatment and what it can realistically achieve, and answer any questions you may have.
There are various types of dermal filler available. At our clinic, we use hyaluronic gel dermal fillers, one of the safest and most effective types. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, and plays a key role in the suppleness and hydration of the skin. It’s very rare for anyone to have an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid.
The consultant will discuss your goals and any specific areas of concern you want to address. For example, dermal fillers can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead, add volume to the cheeks, smooth the chin, define the jawline, and plump up the lips.
Preparing for the treatment
Once your personalised treatment plan is in place, the consultant will book an appointment, which will typically last for around 30 minutes. Before the procedure begins, they will thoroughly cleanse your face of makeup and dirt, and mark out the area that will be injected.
The treatment is not considered to be painful, but the clinician will usually apply a numbing gel to the area to minimise any discomfort.
The procedure
Dermal fillers are delivered by injections of fine needles beneath the surface of the skin. This procedure will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated. The clinician may gently massage the area to ensure that the filler is evenly distributed and will have a natural appearance.
The results of the treatment should be immediately visible, but the full effects may take two to four weeks to materialise. The results should last between one and two years, but it is possible that you may want to have maintenance procedures to keep your skin and face looking as you wish it to.
After care
After the procedure, your consultant will provide you with specific instructions to help you maintain the benefits. Initially, you may experience some discomfort, redness, swelling, itching or bruising at the injection site. This should subside within a week or two. You can reduce the effects by applying a cold compress to your face.
You may also be advised to avoid strenuous activity, alcoholic drinks, using products containing retinoids or vitamin C, and to avoid touching the treated area for up to 48 hours after the injections.
The results will typically last from one to two years, and you may have follow-up appointments if required. The effects may reduce faster in areas that are subject to a lot of movement, such as the lips and mouth, whereas around the eyes or cheeks they may last for longer.
Lifestyle habits can also play a role in how long your fillers will last. Excessive sun exposure, smoking, poor hydration and nutrition, and highly intensive exercise can all cause the fillers to break down more quickly. Therefore it is important to always use SPFs, avoid smoking, and eat a healthy well-balanced diet.
