Demystifying ingredients, clarifying how to apply products and revealing everything you’ve always wanted to know about skin types; Eliza Explains will help you become a beauty pro.
I was never somebody who thought I would get fillers. The idea did not really appeal to me and although I placed zero judgement on anybody who did, I never saw it for myself.
However, I’m now two years down the line from my first fillers appointment and I’m not sure I’d ever go back. You see, my confidence feels sky high when I have that extra little boost, and I feel happy and comfortable with my decision.
Fillers tend to divide a room. On one side are those who love them and faithfully book in, and at the other are those who would never go near them. To each their own; it is a very personal decision and one that should be looked upon without judgement from either side.
If you do choose to go down this route however, you should be armed with all the facts, which is where Eliza Explains comes in. As the franchise that aims to demystify beauty ingredients, treatments and terms, fillers is an essential area to cover.
Keep reading to discover what you need to know about getting the procedure done and meet Dr Christine Hall, a doctor who administers injectables from Dr Wassim TakTouk’s beautiful London clinic (which is where I go for my fillers, with either Dr Christine or Dr Wassim himself).
What are fillers made from?
Most dermal fillers these days are made from good old trusty hyaluronic acid – you know, that ultra-hydrating stuff everybody goes on about in skincare.
“Hyaluronic is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that keeps us looking youthful,” explains Dr Christine.
“It is an antioxidant that attracts water and stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which results in skin that is plump, hydrated and elastic.”
So why are fillers made from the ingredient?
“As we age, our hyaluronic acid content declines and as a result we lose volume in key areas of the face, meaning skin becomes drier and we develop lines and wrinkles.”
Fillers therefore help to bring back some of this volume, which leads nicely on to my next point…
How do fillers work?
“Dermal fillers work by replacing lost volume,” sums up Dr Christine.
“They create contours and smooth the skin so that fine lines are softened, features can be restored or enhanced, and certain features can be disguised or corrected.”
“When done well, they will subtly restore and enhance your appearance in a way that will see friends and family commenting that you look fresh, restored, well rested – but they shouldn’t be able to put their finger on why.”
Where can you get fillers done?
The range of places you can have fillers done these days is huge, and perhaps a little unexpected. Case in point: my own experience.
When I first went to the TakTouk clinic for my appointment, I was attending for a lip filler consultation. I had no idea I would leave having had a ‘profile balancing’ fillers session, which meant I had some filler injected into my top lip, as well as in my chin (which – real talk – I didn’t even know was a thing) to make me feel happier with my profile.
Dr Christine notes that the main places you can have fillers done are “lips, jawlines, chin, temples, nose, marionette lines, smokers’ lines, fine lines and wrinkles, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and tear troughs.” Phew…
The most important thing is to go to a practitioner who can honestly and knowledgeably guide you, which we’ll discuss in more depth later.
“It is a myth to think fillers are suitable for everyone – they aren’t and it is our job as practitioners to be able to judge this and tell people this,” says Dr Christine.
Do fillers hurt?
“I do not personally think they hurt but of course they can feel uncomfortable. Everyone’s tolerance of pain is different and the site where you are placing the filler also plays a part,” says Dr Christine.
“A lot of fillers now contain a local anaesthetic which starts numbing soon after the product is injected, so the initial injection can pinch but then the area goes numb for a short period of time. For this reason, the use of numbing creams is usually not required as it makes very little difference.”
I have had my fillers done both with and without numbing cream, and neither have caused great pain. Of course you can feel the filler (the sensation when it goes into your chin is WILD), but it is certainly not unbearable. Just bring some squeezy balls (some clinics even provide their own!).
How much do fillers cost?
One of the most common queries about fillers is the pricing, because this can certainly become an expensive habit. However, it’s something that’s definitely worth saving up for if you choose to go forward with a procedure.
More expensive doesn’t always equal better, but you pay for product, expertise and peace of mind, and should always pick an experienced practitioner rather than choosing somebody just because of a cheap price point.
In general, fillers tend to cost between £395 and £795, according to Dr Christine.
“The price varies depending on things like the complexity of the area being treated and the experience of the injector, but also the product. In our clinic, we charge from £595 per syringe and use the Teoxane filler range that features Resilient Hyaluronic Acid. This moves and bends alongside your natural facial expressions, but has the ability to return to its original shape to give the most natural results possible.”
How long do fillers last?
The answer to this question is largely dependant on the area you get them done in.
Lips, for example, tend to break down between 3-6 months in, largely because this is an area that moves heavily. The chin, however, can last between 9-12 months because it’s much more of a ‘still’ area.
Other things that can affect how quickly filler breaks down are lifestyle choices (for example, those who exercise lots can find filler breaks down more quickly), and the rate at which your metabolism works.
How much downtime do fillers require?
Fillers appointments tend to take no more than an hour in total, which includes a consultation and the procedure itself.
Afterwards, you may experience bruising and swelling, but it really depends on the area and amount of filler you’ve had put in (as well as how prone you are to bruising).
I’ve seen some dark bruising from time to time, but when I go for minor touch ups, I rarely tend to experience anything at all.
“Risks of bruising and swelling are increased by alcohol and heat so we advise our patients against saunas, heavy exercise and alcohol for 24 hours post procedure,” says Dr Christine.
“Your practitioner will be able to give you advice on your aftercare and a more accurate idea of what downtime you may expect after your treatment.”
Where can you find a place to get fillers done?
So you’ve decided you want fillers – now what?
Knowing where to start can be a little overwhelming, but it’s worthwhile to spend some time doing your own research, which could be online and even on social media.
“Find a practitioner who creates results that you like,” says Dr Christine. “Every practitioner is different – we have different styles, use different products and have different personalities. It is important that you find someone that understands you and who you can trust.”
You may also want to speak to family and friends who may have personal recommendations, which can go far.
Also find out what kind of filler the clinic or practitioner you go to is using. “There are so many different dermal fillers on the market and the sale and even the use of fillers remains unregulated in the UK,” says Dr Christine.
Likewise, the entire industry is largely unregulated in general, so you must be confident with your choice.
“Fillers do not come without risk so you want to know that you are in the safest possible hands with someone that has a solid background in anatomy.”
Dr Christine adds: “So, whilst you could get them done in many places for very cheap prices, you should be looking for a clinic where hygiene and clinical standards are high and the practitioner is experienced and only uses highest quality medical-grade products.”
Still not sure where to start? Take a look on the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) or the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) to see which doctors meet certain standards.
Alternatively, Dr Christine and Dr Wassim recommend heading over to the Teoxane website, which can connect you with a list of approved and qualified practitioners who use Teoxane fillers.
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