5 questions you need to ask if you're thinking of having fillers or anti-wrinkle injections.
Are you thinking of delving into the world of Fillers or Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
Before you do, here are 5 questions you need to ask your Practitioner. According to our Dr Eccleston this is, ‘the most important part of any treatment is the consultation, so use it wisely’…
What qualifications do you have?
IDEAL ANSWER: A medical degree.
A doctor has spent years in medical school and is qualified to respond to any complications.
A beautician has no such training. Doctors study for years, understand patient psychology, are better able to understand the needs of their patients and manage their expectations.
Find a trained, qualified healthcare professional at BAAPS and BCAM.
They will be registered with the General Medical Council and undergo frequent refresher training. Patient safety will be paramount.
Is the result permanent?
IDEAL ANSWER: No.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are the benchmark for temporary fillers. HA is naturally found in the body, so there is little chance of an adverse reaction, and it can be metabolised and disposed of naturally.
With a permanent filler, the only way to get rid of it is to cut it out. HA can be dissolved with an injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase. It is, therefore, easier to correct any problems, and HA degrades naturally within the body.
What brands do you use?
IDEAL ANSWER: One that has been researched and tested over many years.
There are literally dozens of 'fillers' on the market in Europe.
In the USA, by comparison, there are perhaps half a dozen approved for use.
Always play safe and go with established, tried and tested brands such as the Juvederm dermal filler range.
Do not buy off the internet and do not self-inject!
What are the potential side effects?
IDEAL ANSWER: Side effects are almost always related to injection technique and product choice.
As all procedures which involve a needle going into the skin carry some form of risk, you have to trust your practitioner to do it correctly.
This is why it's so important to go to a trained professional.
If you are trained to put the product in, you should be able to correct any complications arising.
How often do you do these procedures?
IDEAL ANSWER: Hundreds of times, over many years.
A highly qualified Aesthetic Doctor has been treating many patients on a daily basis over many years, so they should know a thing or two about your treatment. By going to a qualified Aesthetic Doctor or Nurse you can be reassured that they are constantly refreshing their knowledge, attending conferences and maybe even training future Aesthetic Doctors.
Good treatment means that people won’t comment on what you’ve had done or even notice that you’ve had anything done. Only that you looked refreshed and revitalised.
Author: Dr David Eccleston
I’m Dr. David Eccleston and I am the Clinical Director of MediZen. I founded MediZen in 1999 alongside my wife Annie. I was one of the first doctors in the country to offer injectables and my experience has led me to be recognised as 'Aesthetic Doctor of the Year' and ‘Tatler's 'Man in the Midlands' for aesthetic injectables.
Dr. Eccleston has over 20 years of experience using Anti-Wrinkle Injections and other injectables, including dermal fillers. He developed an interest in Cosmetic Dermatology during 1993 while working as an NHS GP and then founded MediZen in 1999 alongside his wife, Annie. Every aesthetic practitioner at MediZen has been personally trained and approved by Dr. Eccleston, so you can be sure whoever you see at MediZen, you will receive the highest quality treatment.
Dr. Eccleston is one of the few medical practitioners in the UK to be a lead investigator in clinical trials on the use of all 3 of the UK licensed brands of Anti-Wrinkle Injections. He works closely with leading companies including Allergan, Galderma and Merz Pharmaceuticals.
To view more blogs by Dr David Eccleston please click here.