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What are fillers? What are the benefits and are there any side effects? What will the appointment be like?

Here at AF Cosmetic Clinic, we are always asked about our filler (dermal filler) treatment. We thought it would be helpful for our clients to create a short FAQ highlighting everything you need to know about filler treatments.

What are fillers?

Fillers are a natural, gel-like substance which is injected into your face. Common areas include the lips, cheeks and nasolabial folds (“smile/laugh lines”). They fill out wrinkles and lines in the face and can add volume to specific areas too. This is what you commonly see with lip fillers, where lip volume is enhanced. They aim to reduce signs of ageing and add volume, leaving you with a younger and more vibrant look.

Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance which is found naturally in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is essential for skin moisture and helps the skin to feel and appear plump, hydrated and healthy. Injecting a small amount of hyaluronic acid into the skin will allow your cells to retain more water and stay hydrated. This process will restore plump and healthy appearance and can smooth out wrinkles and lines.

What are the benefits?

As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, two substances which create a youthful appearance. Fillers can aid this loss of collagen and elastin by restoring your skin to a plump and youthful state. Fillers can quickly remove the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, making you feel revitalised and youthful.

It is a straightforward and quick procedure, with no downtime and little risk. It is not a permanent treatment either, usually lasting between 6-18 months. This allows flexibility in the future and can be less daunting.

Are there any side effects?

There are some common side effects which can occur, but usually clear within 7 to 14 days. These include redness, swelling, pain, bruising and itching. There are few serious side effects, which are rare. These include infection, filler moving location, scarring and blocked blood vessels.

If you have any problems, it is important that you get back in touch with your practitioner who treated you. It is vital that before getting fillers, you read up and do your research to ensure you know what treatment you are receiving. It is crucial that you get treatment from certified clinicians too. At our clinic, Dr Fidal has over 19 years of surgical experience, ensuring that you will receive the highest standard of treatment.

What happens on appointment day?

So, what can you expect when you come for your appointment? Firstly, Dr Fidal will have two telephone consultations to find out what you’re aiming for and to address any questions or concerns. You will also discuss your medical history, the protocols and be offered a free face-to-face consultation.

When you arrive for your appointment, Dr Fidal will run through the health and safety checks once again and answer any questions, ensuring you feel comfortable and at ease. Photos will be taken of the treatment area.

Firstly, the treatment area will be cleaned, and a numbing cream will be applied, ensuring the procedure is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. Dr Fidal then injects the fillers with precision and care. Following this, the procedure is complete. Nice and easy, right? Dr Fidal will explain all the post-treatment care that you need to follow to ensure excellent results. You will then need to return 2 weeks later for a follow-up appointment, making sure you are happy with the results and addressing any issues. During this time, we encourage you to get in touch with the clinic if you have any questions or concerns.

We hope this article helped answer some questions about one of our most popular treatments. If you have any questions, comments or would like to book an appointment, please get in touch with us via our contact page.

Stay safe and keep smiling.

As we are fighting a pandemic, there will be some adjustments made to ensure the health and safety of both the clients and staff. You can read more about the changes here.