What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers used at Aesthetics Medical are a soft injectable gel consisting of stabilised, non-animal Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is a sugar molecule that exists naturally in the body but as we age we lose our HA. Administered correctly by a medical professional, dermal fillers can subtly smooth, soften, contour and tone the skin; restore youthful plumpness and enhance and define your features, by boosting the skin’s natural supply of HA. Dermal fillers are tissue-friendly and closely resemble the HA that exists naturally in the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent. 

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What dermal filler product is used at Aesthetics Medical?

Only premium dermal fillers are used at Aesthetics Medical which are purchased through UK based pharmacies. Depending on the treatment area, a Teoxane or Juvederm (Allergan) HA based dermal filler is selected for the treatment. All products are discussed during the consultation with the client to ensure the client is well informed and understands how the dermal fillers work. 

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Are there side effects?

With any dermal filler treatments, side effects can occur. The main side effects are mild pain during the treatment, then tenderness, bruising and swelling post treatment which may vary from client to client. Infection is a risk which highlights the importance of keeping the treated area clean and product free post treatment. 

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What should I avoid pre treatment?

The week prior to any dermal fillers including Profhilo, you should avoid Aspirin (unless required for medical reasons) and ibuprofen. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 48 hours prior to any injections as these all can exacerbate bruising, swelling and bleeding. Topical retinol's should also be stopped 48 hours prior and avoid any facial treatments 2 weeks pre and post procedure. Arnica, a natural supplement can be taken orally for 48 hours prior to the appointment to minimise any bruising.

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What should I do post treatment?

Avoid intense exercise, rubbing the area, and keep the treated area clean and free of products to minimise the risk of infection. Avoid sunbed's, sauna's and hot tubs for two weeks post treatment. It is also important to avoid alcohol, aspirin and ibuprofen for 48 hours post treatment to minimise the risk of further bruising. Arnica gel/cream in addition to oral supplements can be taken and/or applied to the injection site to help with healing. 

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Cold Sores

If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another outbreak of cold sores. Unfortunately, if you have a cold sore present the treatment won't be able to go ahead. Please let your nurse practitioner know if you are prone.

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Who should avoid dermal fillers?

Client's who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. 

Neurological Disorders

Specific Auto Immune Conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis) 

Allergies to Lidocaine or Hyaluronic Acid

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Vascular Occlusions

A rare but very serious complication care occur when using dermal fillers called a Vascular Occlusion (VO). A VO can occur when the dermal filler compresses a blood vessel or is directly injected into a blood vessel. It may be a complete occlusion or partial occlusion, resulting in a diminished blood supply to the treated area. The two primary diagnostic symptoms of vascular occlusion are pain and changes in skin colour. Immediate, severe pain and an acute onset of colour changes e.g. blanching and/or white spots/blotches are an indication of an arterial occlusion. If this occurs it is an emergency and must be dealt with by contacting your practitioner immediately. If you are unable to get hold of your practitioner you must go to your nearest A&E where they will need to dissolve the filler with Hyaluronidase (Hyalase). 

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At Aesthetics Medical, Samantha an intensive care nurse practitioner, is trained to deal with such complications and is also a member of the Aesthetics Complications Expert (ACE) group.

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Covid 19 Vaccinations

If you haven't checked out the latest information regarding COVID 19 vaccinations on the website already, its important to note that it has been advised that a client is NOT to have any dermal fillers two weeks prior to their vaccine/infection or three weeks post vaccine/infection.