More and more women and men are choosing dermal fillers for their subtle anti-ageing results or to enhance their facial features and while these treatments are deemed ‘minimally invasive’, a new report in The Times has highlighted the importance of doing your research.
TV star Leslie Ash also recently spoke about her disastrous trout pout experience 20 years ago which nearly ruined her career and gave her advice to any woman considering lip enhancement: “The only thing I’d say to people is: Do your homework.”
This is sage advice; dermal fillers have been an invaluable innovation in facial rejuvenation, but it is essential you are fully informed to avoid less than satisfactory results or even unplanned medical complications.
Permanent fillers can cause permanent problems
Leslie Ash initially claimed she’d merely had temporary collagen injected in her lips, but later admitted that it was actually a man-made plastic silicone which had spread into the muscles around the mouth and hardened. She has since tried steroid injections which softened her lips slightly, but the results are irreversible.
Although permanent or semi-permanent fillers may seem appealing as there’s no requirement for regular top-ups, they can’t adjust to any changes to your facial tissues that occur in the future. They can also result in quite serious complications which are difficult to treat.
Mr Juling Ong only uses temporary hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which are the gold standard of aesthetic injectables for volumising the face. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by your body and already found in your skin and cartilage. Typically, these fillers last between 6 and 12 months before the body naturally and safely absorbs them. However, even minimally invasive procedures such as filler injections have their risks, ranging from temporary bruising, swelling and redness, to raised bumps under the skin to more serious complications if the filler is injected incorrectly.
Practitioner choice is all important
Save Face, a register for medical professionals who provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, received 2,083 complaints relating to botched procedures in 2020, up from 217 in 2016.
Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine so must be performed by a suitably qualified medical professional, but dermal fillers are largely unregulated and so can be delivered by anyone and there are currently no legal restrictions concerning minimum levels of training.
Choosing a plastic surgeon with specialised training and a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, as well as the ability to deal with any complications, is the smartest and safest choice for anyone considering dermal fillers or muscle relaxing injections. A reputable plastic surgeon will also be a member of independent plastic surgery associations that will carry out regular safety audits of their members; Mr Juling Ong is a member of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).
Mr Ong will be able to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate based on your medical history, select the most appropriate product and dilution and determine the right amount to inject and the best place. He offers a bespoke treatment, tailored to your unique goals and specific facial anatomy. For more advice, call 020 7927 6528 to arrange a consultation.
