Dermal Fillers: Fact vs Myth

The Karma Clinic

Myth #1: All dermal filler brands are the same.

Fact
All dermal filler brands are not created equal. The core component of dermal filler is hyaluronic acid; a natural, water loving molecule that we all naturally have within our skin. However, they differ vastly in terms of longevity, texture and formulation.

Some brands invest heavily to ensure their formulations are biologically more accepted by the body, and are able to adapt to facial movement, thereby reducing the risk of potential side effects, and giving much more natural results.

It is important to ensure the filler being injected is from a reputable brand that is either FDA approved or CE marked. This signifies that the dermal filler complies with the rigorous health, safety and environmental protection standards set by regulatory bodies.

It is also worth noting that the dermal filler is obtained from a reputable source. There are many counterfeit goods on the market. All dermal fillers should be obtained from a reputable pharmacy. Don’t be afraid to ask your practitioner what dermal filler they are using, how they source it, and if it meets the criteria listed above.

Myth #2: Anyone can administer dermal fillers.

Fact
There are many ‘lay people’ who have started offering dermal fillers and other aesthetic procedures in recent years. Unfortunately, the industry is still largely unregulated. This is something we are hoping will see change in the coming years. However, at present this leaves customers understandably feeling confused as to who to choose as a trustworthy and reputable practitioner.

The truth is, it takes an experienced injector to give optimum treatment results, whilst also maintaining patient safety. Aesthetic nurses are regulated healthcare professionals, who must revalidate every 3 years to evidence that they have met the required number of practice hours, and have sought continued professional education and learning within their field of practice. They also must adhere to a strict professional code of conduct, which further helps you to feel confident and safe in their care.

Myth #3: Dermal fillers will make me look fake, overdone or unnatural.

Fact
You may have been put off dermal fillers having seen images or articles in the media of celebrities or others in the spotlight looking ‘fake’, overfilled and unnatural.

Dermal filler doesn’t need to look this way! The very best dermal filler work should be natural and undetectable to others. Many of our clients tell us that their friends or family might comment that they are looking well, refreshed, less tired, as if they have just come back from a relaxing holiday!

An experienced practitioner will have the skill and expertise required to place the dermal filler strategically to provide optimum treatment results, whilst still preserving a natural, enhanced appearance. Find a practitioner that will discuss and advise on which treatment/product placement is right for you, to help you achieve your treatment goals, whilst still maintaining a natural appearance.

Myth #4: Dermal fillers can replace a surgical facelift.

Fact
We offer a complete ‘non-surgical facelift’ option using only dermal fillers (and some wrinkle relaxing if desired), however dermal fillers cannot completely replace a traditional surgical facelift.

There are occasional incidences where the skin is just far too lax, and surgical intervention is required. There are however many ‘pros’ in considering dermal filler over surgical intervention in the first instance. It is much less invasive, and therefore carries considerably less risk. It is also completely reversible, so should you decide that you do not like the outcome, the dermal filler can be dissolved. Should you be unhappy with surgical treatment results, this would require revision surgery which again carries further risk.

You may be surprised just how much difference dermal fillers can make, even in those with moderate to severe skin laxity. It is always worth booking in for a consultation to seek some personalised, honest advice as to the best treatment options for you. We will always be honest in discussing expected treatment outcomes, and advise accordingly.

Myth #5: Fillers are made of toxic unsafe ingredients and are permanent and irreversible.

Fact
Long gone are the days of permanent or unsafe dermal filler products containing silicone and other unsafe materials.

Dermal fillers are now almost exclusively made out of pure hyaluronic acid. The beauty of this, is that it is highly biocompatible, meaning your body recognises it as we all have hyaluronic acid naturally occurring within our skin.

It is also completely reversible by using an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid should you not like the result, or wish to dissolve them for any reason. We often find that knowing this helps to reassure clients that may feel anxious or nervous about taking that first step in trying some dermal filler treatment.

Myth #6: Dermal Fillers are very painful.

Fact
Our aim is to try and make the treatment as comfortable as possible for you. There are of course some areas which are slightly more uncomfortable than others, but we do all we can to promote a positive, relaxed and comfortable experience.

We do this by providing a calm environment, that is not rushed, and takes into account the individual needs of each client, whether that’s supporting and encouraging a client with a needle phobia, or perhaps adapting and adjusting our treatment for someone that might be slightly more pain sensitive.

We allow ample time for use of a strong prescription strength topical numbing cream prior to treatment, and always ensure that a dermal filler we use contains a local anaesthetic agent. It is also worth finding a practitioner that can utilise different advanced injection techniques in order to help make the treatment as comfortable as possible for you, whilst still achieving optimum treatment outcomes.

Myth #7: Dermal filler will stretch my skin and once it wears off, my skin will be saggy and worse than it was before.

Fact
This is a really common misconception that we hear a lot! You absolutely will not be left looking worse than before should you decide to stop using dermal fillers. Over a period of time, the body very slowly and gradually breaks down the hyaluronic acid molecules. Once your body absorbs the filler over time, should you decide not to continue with future treatments, the skin will simply return to its previous condition.

If anything, the skin is likely to look better, as the hyaluronic acid will have boosted hydration levels and increased collagen production.

Myth #8: Dermal filler and Botox (Wrinkle relaxing injections) do the same thing.

Fact
When we see new clients for consultations that are completely new to injectables, they very often don’t understand the difference between these two injectable treatments.

Botox and dermal fillers are two completely different treatment options, that have two completely different modes of action. Put simply, dermal filler restores lost volume, which allows it to lift and enhance features. It can also be used to directly fill lines and wrinkles.

In contrast, Botox (wrinkle relaxing), relaxes the muscles that cause the lines and wrinkles to appear. This stops the skin from scrunching where the wrinkles form, thereby giving a smoother and fresher appearance.

As a general rule of thumb, dermal filler is used in the lower two thirds of the face, where lines, skin folds and jowls tend to be caused by volume loss, or to enhance features like lips.

Botox is generally used in the upper third of the face where the lines and wrinkles tend to be caused by muscle movement (however there are exceptions). Depending on your areas of concern and treatment goals, often a combination of the two gives the best results, as they both complement each other beautifully.

If you would like to find out more about this treatment, please call us on 01296 614 441, and book a Free Consultation with our Aesthetic Nurse Prescriber. 

Embrace Your Age Gracefully

In the UK, the pursuit of ageless beauty is a timeless endeavour. Wrinkles may be a natural part of life, but with the right knowledge, prevention, and treatment options like dermal fillers, you can embrace your age gracefully and confidently. At Karma Clinic, we’re here to guide you on this journey to radiant, youthful skin. Don’t wait; take the first step towards a more youthful you by booking a consultation with our skilled aesthetics nurses today.

Now that you’ve gained insights into the world of anti-wrinkle treatments, it’s time to take action. Start with a consultation at Karma Clinic, where our experienced aesthetics nurses will assess your needs and develop a personalised treatment plan. Take the first step toward timeless beauty today and book your consultation with us.