Filler Injections

There are different fillers for different areas/depths/problems, but generally if I use it will be a hyaluronic acid filler or a product called Radiesse, depending on what your concern is and what I will be treating. I may suggest n alternative treatment to filler as I am using less and less.

Most fillers now come with an anaesthetic already mixed in for comfort, and most people find the procedure only mildly uncomfortable.

Fillers are generally thought of as safe products to use when injected correctly although increasing evidence is emerging regarding longer term swelling and inflammation and filler residue remaining in the skin for many years.

UK law allows anyone to call themselves an 'aesthetician' and inject fillers and consequently there is an alarmingly high rate of significant side effects - these are usually due to grossly under qualified 'aestheticians' injecting.

A good question to ask: Can my injector treat any complications that might arise?

Dr Ben Coyle is one of the most experienced UK aesthetic doctors and is also a prehospital emergency doctor (as well as a GP) so you really are in safe hands!

Fillers are injections and so bruising can occur after treatment. You may also find you get some swelling in the first few days afterwards.

Occasionally there may be some lumpiness or uneven results, but this is usually injector dependent. Very rarely inflammatory nodules can form and infections may occur, but again these are very rare and often injector and technique dependent. Similarly fillers have ben show n to swell over time and we now know they reside in the skin for many many years and are pro-inflammatory, with mild low grade ongoing inflammation resulting in many cases - this is why I rarely use now.

There is a very rare but possible side effect of vascular occlusion with fillers - generally in experienced hands this is vanishingly rare but can still happen - this will be discussed at your consultation. In the unlikely event that this happens, treatment can be given to dissolve the filler and/or to re-establish circulation.

There may be some bruising evident immediately or appearing later - it will settle. You may find you have some numbness from the anaesthetic so if it affects your mouth, take care eating and drinking (especially hot drinks) until it has resolved after an hour or so.

You may have some mild swelling that can last for a few days - I usually say it is the sort only those who know you really well will notice, so it is mild and not disfiguring.

Do not massage the treated area, rub it, press it for at least a week - light pressure is fine but avoid facials and heavy rubbing for at least two weeks.

You can return to normal life immediately following treatment.

Be aware fillers do not dissolve as previously thought - in fact they can remain in the skin for many years and there is often accompanying evidence of low level inflammation. Fillers as a result are becoming less sought after.