Dr Lauren Evans MBChB (Gla) Dip Derm (RCPSG)
Aesthetics Practitioner & Associate at Advanced Dentistry, Hyndland
Awarded Best Aesthetics Doctor Practitioner for two years running - Scottish Aesthetics Excellence Awards '23, '24
Director of Education and Development & Advanced Trainer at Facial Aesthetic Courses
Previously an NHS Dermatology Specialty Doctor
DERMAL FILLERS
The type of Dermal Filler Lauren uses are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Lauren's most commonly used brand is Teoxane but she will choose which brand is most suited for you after your initial consultation.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our body. Approximately 56% of the body’s HA is found in the skin. HA protects the structures underlying the skin and also has a lubricating function. HA also has the benefit of being water-binding and therefore hydrating the skin. As we get older, the level of HA decreases in our skin, resulting in less volume and wrinkle formation.
How do HA Dermal Fillers work?
HA Dermal Fillers can be injected into or under the skin to replenish our own natural supply and add volume to the treated area. As HA is water-binding, it helps to hydrate the area and has also been shown to temporarily increase the collagen production in the skin, adding to the skin-firming effect. The initial results are immediately visible, but the full effect of treatment occurs over 2-3 weeks.
What can HA Dermal Fillers be used for?
HA Dermal Fillers can be used to smooth out nose-to-mouth lines, frown lines, fine lines around the lips, eyes and the folds at the corners of the mouth, as well as create a non-surgical lip enhancement, cheek enhancement or jawline shaping. It can also be used to improve the appearance of scars or dents on the face.
How long will the effects last?
The effects of HA Dermal Filler treatment are not permanent as over time the filler will slowly dissolve. How long they last will depend on what product is used, how much is used, the area being treated, the patient’s age, and the skin quality of the patient. Generally, patients should expect the effects to last nine months to a year. The effects of lip enhancement generally last six to eight months.
Side effects to treatment
Like all medicines, HA Dermal Fillers can produce unwanted effects.
In general, adverse reactions occur within the first few days following injection and are temporary. Most adverse events are of mild to moderate severity.
As expected for any injection procedure, pain/burning/stinging, swelling and/or bruising may be associated with the injection, but these should resolve within a few days. Injections to the lips may take longer to settle.
There is also a minimal risk of infection, vessel occlusion, granuloma, abscess formation and hypersensitive reaction.
Contraindications to treatment
Patients with a known hypersensitivity to HA or to lidocaine.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Patients with autoimmune conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Scleroderma.
Cautions to treatment
Patients who are prone to hypertrophic scarring.
Patients with infection at the proposed treatment site.
Patients on blood thinning medication (e.g. aspirin, warfarin).
Patients taking over-the-counter medication that can thin the blood or increase bruising (Omega-3, Vitamin E, Cod liver oil, Garlic, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba),
Advice prior to treatment
For seven days prior to treatment, avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, or ibuprofen-based medications, Omega-3, Vitamin E, Garlic, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba. If you are prescribed a blood thinning medication such as aspirin or an anticoagulant by your doctor for a cardiovascular condition, then please check with your doctor prior to stopping the medication.
For 24 hours prior to treatment, do not drink alcohol to avoid extra bruising.
On the day of treatment, arrive to the clinic with a clean face.
What to expect on the day
I will go through what your aims are for treatment and will explain to you what is appropriate and achievable, and a treatment plan will be agreed upon prior to treatment.
You will fill in a medical assessment questionnaire and complete a written consent form.
Local anaesthetic cream will be applied to the treatment area 15-20 minutes prior to treatment to maximise your comfort during the procedure.
Pre-and post-treatment photographs will be taken for your medical records.
Any make-up will be removed from treatment area with a baby wipe.
The area will be cleaned again with chlorhexidine solution.
Dermal filler will be injected into the skin. You may experience some stinging and tenderness during the injection.
Lauren will massage the treated area if necessary to smooth out the filler to the desired effect.
Post Procedure cream will be applied to the treated area following treatment.
You will be given a post-treatment advice sheet if required.
Lauren will let you know if any follow-up is required.
Appointment time is usually 30-45 minutes.
What to expect after treatment
There may be some redness, swelling or tenderness at the treatment site. Bruising may occur, especially for lip treatments, but this is usually short term and should subside within a few days.
After the swelling has gone down you may feel small lumps or bumps or a feeling of “fullness” at the treatment site. This should subside over a period of a couple of weeks, leaving you with a soft, natural-looking result.
The full effect of treatment is noticeable after about 2-3 weeks.