Are dermal fillers the right option for you?

For those looking to counter the effects of ageing, there are lots of options available. Some will choose surgery, but for others, non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers could be a choice to consider. In writing this blog, we spoke to many medically qualified providers who shed some fantastic insight in to the subject of dermal fillers, including the medical staff who provide dermal fillers available at Transform.

There are three premium treatment options available; Sculptra, Restylane and Juvederm. Each has their differences and prospective patients will likely want to learn more about them, so here is a guide to what you can expect:.

What are the options?

Let’s start with Sculptra. This treatment offers the longest-lasting effects of up to two to three years, but also takes the most amount of time to achieve results (around six months). It is most effective for chin wrinkles, cheeks and nose-to-mouth lines. There is no downtime required following the treatment, although side effects can include swelling and bruising.

The filler is injected when there is a loss of volume, with three sessions taking place over a few months and the skin is volumised by the stimulation of natural collagen. The patient will need to massage their face several times each day to achieve this. Costs normally range from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds.

Restylane achieves more instant results and is most effective on wrinkles and lines in the lower face. It is injected in to these areas to fill and add volume, and it’s normal for the procedure to be conducted every nine to 12 months. It works by adding hyaluronic acid to the skin, something that is naturally produced but lost gradually as we age. Costs are normally around 300 to 400 pounds per syringe and minor side effects can include bruising.

A similar treatment is Juvederm, which is most effective on the jaw line, lips and cheeks. Again it provides instant results and zero downtime is necessary afterwards. As well as helping people to get smoother skin, it can also be used by those looking for fuller lips. Prices start at around 180 pounds per syringe, although brands such as Smile (beginning at 215 pounds) and Voluma (starting at 395 pounds) cost more. Bruising and swelling is possible afterwards.

All typically take around thirty to sixty minutes to complete.

Who can get dermal fillers?

In terms of who is suitable, all options are for over 18-year-olds only, although it depends on the individual as to which one will be right for them.

Are they safe?

There is no hard evidence to suggest any of these options are unsafe if performed in the right setting by medically qualified reputable experts.

What happens if something does go wrong?

This is a very important question: The Cosmedic Coach has researched this thoroughly with many cosmetic doctors and nurses and clinics, many of which do not offer any recourse to their patients in the event of a complication. The Keogh Review is encouraging more clinics and practitioners to adopt safer programmes of after care for patients in a bid to increase patient safety in the cosmetic interventions industry.

At The Cosmedic Coach we certainly welcome more clinics and professionals to adopt aftercare policies such as Transform Clinics who now offer a three-year aftercare programme to all patients. So if any complications do arise then hospital care, further treatment and nursing is provided free of charge. There is also a patient helpline number available 24/7.

How will I know I am choosing the right option?

Treatment plans are always formed on a personal basis, following a consultation with a medically-qualified practitioner. The expert will then help the individual to plan the best course of course of action. This could include a variety of different dermal fillers over time or in some cases a suggestion of a different option. For example, some people may find they are better off undergoing a facial peel , skin tightening or line and wrinkle smoothing in order to get the desired results.

The Cosmedic Coach believes that safety in beauty is crucial and those opting for treatments with Transform – whether dermal fillers or otherwise – may take reassurance from its Clear Charter, which supports this message. This lays out a set of patient promises and commitments that it implements at all stages of the process before, during and after. In order to ensure patient care is being carried out to the highest possible standard it has put together a Clear panel including Melinda Messenger, Dr Hilary Jones, staff and former patients who meet twice a year to discuss its effectiveness and new ideas.

Let’s hope to see similar charters being introduced elsewhere, and their promises fulfilled.

Have your say, we welcome your thoughts and feedback on the subject.