Before undergoing any cosmetic treatment, it is crucial to have an open and informative discussion with a skilled practitioner. This dialogue not only helps to dispel myths but also ensures that your expectations align with the realistic outcomes of the procedure, ultimately leading to a safer and more satisfying aesthetic journey. If you’re considering getting a Dermal Filler treatment, you may have heard that it’s a painful procedure. During our DR DEBUNKS blog series, we will address this misconception and many others to help you gain a clearer understanding of the treatments we offer at The Lovely Clinic.
Why Are Dermal Fillers So Popular?
Dermal Fillers replenish lost volume, smoothing wrinkles and enhancing facial contours. Most Fillers are primarily composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance within the body that attracts and retains water. This provides a plumping effect to treated areas, resulting in reduced lines and wrinkles, more youthful facial proportions and a refreshed appearance. The most popular areas for Dermal Filler treatment include the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth to the chin) and under-eye hollows. Dermal Fillers offer an affordable and less risky alternative to surgery, with minimal downtime, making them the second most sought after non-surgical cosmetic treatment after Botox ®.
Reducing Discomfort
As with all injectables, you may feel a degree of discomfort when you undergo a Dermal Filler treatment, however, most patients do not describe the process as ‘painful’. At The Lovely Clinic, we try to reduce soreness at injection sites using several methods.
Numbing Agents
Many of the Dermal Fillers we use, including Juvéderm and Teosyal, contain a small amount of lidocaine – a numbing local anaesthetic. By making the skin temporarily less sensitive, soreness is reduced at injection sites and patients report significantly less pain.
Fine-Gauge Syringes & Cannulas
For treatment areas that require pinpoint precision, your practitioner will use a needle to inject your Filler. The fine needles we use have been designed to improve flow rate, thereby reducing injection force. If your Dermal Filler treatment will cover a larger surface area, cannulas are used. An initial entry needle is used to create an injection site, after which the cannula administers the Filler. Cannulas are blunt-tipped and bend, meaning they can reach larger areas with a fewer number of injection sites. As they are less sharp than needles, they are less likely to damage blood vessels, resulting in less bruising and less discomfort.
Practitioner Technique
All of the practitioners at The Lovely Clinic are highly trained and experienced. Their extensive knowledge of facial anatomy allows them to confidently inject to the correct depth and administer the right amount of Filler, which reduces the chance of developing side effects such as swelling and bruising.
Organic Substance
Hyaluronic acid is an organic substance produced by the body. It is broken down as part of the normal, natural turnover of the skin but this is not painful. In fact, you will have no idea that this process is taking place.
Aftercare
Redness, swelling and bruising may occur following your Dermal Filler treatment. Applying a cool compress to injection sites for ten minutes every hour will help to reduce discomfort and accelerate the healing process. You should avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption for 24 hours following treatment.
Booking A Dermal Filler Treatment At The Lovely Clinic
To book a treatment at The Lovely Clinic, call 0203 695 5400, email hello@thelovelyclinic.co.uk, or complete our online contact form. During your consultation, your practitioner will talk you through your procedure in detail, ensuring all of your questions have been answered. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to discover more about our clinic and stay tuned for more expert-led myth busters in our DR DEBUNKS blog series.