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Last weekend, I joined a few friends in Italy to celebrate a 40th birthday. Invariably, given that we're approaching middle age and what I do, conversation turned to aesthetic treatments.
The majority of the women on the trip had had some kind of aesthetic treatment, from Botox to laser hair removal, skin boosters to chemical peels. But were fearful of fillers...
A couple of them had noticed that whilst they were happy with the upper portion of their face - where they had had regular wrinkle-relaxing treatments, they were increasingly finding the lower part of their faces were not looking as youthful. Jowls, sagginess and laxity were common complaints.
I suggested fillers are often a suitable treatment for the sagging and laxity they were pointing out. Or the “cat’s bum mouth” one was complaining about.
“I’m against fillers” “Fillers aren’t for me” “I’m a bit frightened of fillers?!”
This was the general consensus.
They were suprised to learn that I had lip filler, liquid rhinoplasty and nasolabial (nose-to-mouth lines) filler and didn't look like I'd been pumped up like a balloon!
There are five main reasons people have (an irrational) fear of fillers.
Fear of needles or discomfort: Many people are reluctant to consider dermal filler treatments because they are worried about pain and potential discomfort during the procedure. The injections. The placement of the filler. The post-treatment swelling and potential for bruising, Even if they are good candidates, this can deter them from considering filler injections.
While the fear of needles or discomfort is understandable, practitioners have a range of ways to make your treatment comfortable.
The potential benefits of achieving desired cosmetic improvements and boosted self-confidence often outweigh the temporary discomfort associated with the treatment.
Cost considerations: Dermal filler treatments can be expensive. Particularly if the amount of filler needed to rebalance or rejuvenate the face is significant, as is often the case in older people with significant volume loss. Additionally, the ongoing costs of maintaining the results, as fillers metabolise, needs to be considered.
While the cost of dermal filler treatments can be a concern, it's important to recognise that they typically last a long time, often a year or more, making them great value! Moreover, most people report a huge boost to self esteem and confidence following filler treatments, making the investment worth it.
Fear of looking fake: Unfortunately, part of the poor reputation fillers have is due to the overfilled/weirdly plumped faces we see on TV and in real life. Fish lips. Pillow face. Waxy skin. The fact is, the best filler treatments are undetectable. The person who just looks refreshed, well and youthful compared to their chronological age has likely had some help. If you’re able to notice that someone has had filler, it’s not a sign of good work.
The fear of unnatural results is valid, particularly here in the UK where ANYONE can inject ANYONE! An experienced and qualified healthcare practitioner will consider your specific goals, facial anatomy, and personal preferences to create natural-looking results. With the right technique and appropriate product selection, dermal fillers can beautifully restore lost volume, soften deep lines, and subtly enhance facial features while maintaining a natural appearance.
Lack of information or misconceptions: A lack of understanding about dermal filler treatments or holding misconceptions can lead to reluctance to even consider them as a potential treatment option. Misinformation from unreliable sources, social media, or hearsay creates doubt and can make people sceptical about the safety, effectiveness, or potential side effects of fillers. You can check out our verified filler treatment guides here.
Addressing misconceptions and seeking accurate information about dermal fillers is vital to make an informed decision. Having a consultation with an experienced and qualified healthcare practitioner, who specialises in aesthetic treatments can help alleviate any concerns or misconceptions you have. During any consultation, they will provide detailed explanations about the procedure, potential side effects and risks, and expected outcomes, allowing you to make an educated choice based on reliable information.
Preference for natural ageing or alternative treatments: Some individuals embrace the natural ageing process and prefer to avoid cosmetic interventions altogether. Others may prefer alternative treatments, such as topical skincare or facial exercises. For these people, dermal fillers are deemed unnecessary.
While embracing natural ageing is a personal choice, it's essential to understand how fillers work. As we age, we lose fat pads, bones are reabsorbed and skin loses its elasticity. These structural changes can be reversed with careful and considered aesthetic treatments, if that floats your boat!
Dermal fillers can be used to replace the volume losses associated with fat loss and bone reabsorption, so rather than beautifying, the treatment rejuvenates without drastically altering your features. Here are some tips on choosing a practitioner who can deliver safe and natural dermal filler results:
1. Check their qualifications and credentials - healthcare practitioners have a duty of care and are accountable to their statutory bodies.
2. Take a look at their before and afters - this will give you a good idea on the kind of client they typically attract AND will help you determine whether they create the kind of result you'd be happy with.
3. Read their reviews - if the practitioner has a decent number of recent, rave reviews, it's a good sign that they are consistently delivering great results and care.
If you're looking for a safe and credible practitioner, there are hundred listed on Glowday.com
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