What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal Filler is essentially Hyaluronic Acid (HA) which is a naturally occurring sugar molecule produced within our bodies. HA has many benefits such as keeping our skin plump and hydrated due to it’s ability to hold and retain up to 1000 times it’s weight in water.

As we age, much like collagen and elastin, the amount of HA we have starts to decline. This leads to a loss of facial volume and support. Dermal filler is therefore a fantastic treatment for adding structure and support to areas that may need it such as cheeks or lips. It’s great for giving your skin a boost of hydration in the areas treated. Dermal Fillers can help to enhance your beauty, prevent the signs of ageing and restore/rejuvenate areas where it’s administered.

Is it safe?
Most of the time, yes. However Dermal Fillers, like all medical procedures carry some risk. During your consultation, we will check your medical history, discuss the benefits, any potential adverse reactions and take you through the consent process. Once we both have all of the information, we can then explore if this treatment is right for you or not. We will support you either way. You need to be comfortable with your decision and if clients are ever hesitant or unsure, we will send them away to think it over first.

What is the difference between fillers?
All of the fillers we use are made of Hyaluronic Acid. There are different types and strengths of HA for different areas of the face. Cheek filler for an example, should not be used in the lips or under the eyes. Depending on the area being treated, some fillers will last longer than others and it’s very important to choose the right filler for a particular area to achieve beautiful and natural looking results. We have a range of fillers that we love, trust and are suitable to treat all possible concerns.

Who can be treated with Dermal Filler?
In general, anyone with a suitable area to treat who is not pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to any of the constituents of the product. A full medical history is taken at every consultation and prior to any treatment being performed.
Dermal Filler may not be suitable for you if you are prone to keloid scarring or have a history of Autoimmune disease. If you have recently been unwell in any way, had any type of surgery or dental procedure (including a hygienist visit) you will need to wait 4 weeks before your treatment to ensure any inflammatory process in the body has settled. This will reduce the risk of unwanted complications occurring. Please ask if you’re unsure.

What areas can be treated?
Most areas of the face and sometimes the body can be treated with filler. Areas include the temples, tear troughs (under eye circles), cheeks, nasolabial lines, marionette lines, accordion lines, lips to enhance or restore, jawline, chin augmentation, backs of hands, scar tissue and even earlobes!

What are the side effects?
Side effects can range from bruising through to more serious and permanent complications which are extremely rare. All possible risks involved with the procedure are discussed with you at length during your consultation.

How long does it last?
Fillers typically last anywhere between 8-18 months. This depends on the strength of the product used, the quality of your skin, the amount of product administered along with other factors such as lifestyle and the patient’s metabolic rate.

For some areas, Dermal Filler can be used in conjunction with anti-wrinkle Botox® injections, to not only achieve a better result but to also make the filler last longer.

How often should I have treatment?
Once the area being treated is at a place where you are happy with it (this may take a few sessions depending on the severity and your goals) to then maintain these results, treatments should be done yearly as a rough guide. This can vary from person to person.

Once you start do you have to keep going?
No, not at all. If you decide you don’t want to continue having filler treatments, results will wear off gradually and the treated area will go back to how it was prior. However, the treatment would have stimulated your own collagen so may even be slightly better. Clients often enjoy their filler results so much that they almost always want to continue but if for any reason you don’t want to or can’t, there is nothing to worry about.

Will I look worse once it’s worn off?
No, definitely not. We get asked this question often and the best way to explain it, is that when we have a treatment, we quickly get accustomed to our new refreshed look then when it wears off, it simply goes to back to what it was. This can sometimes make us think we look worse but it’s actually just that the treatment is no longer working.

I want to look natural and not overdone?
We pride ourselves on achieving natural results. Your face is our reputation! Most Lift Aesthetics clients are referred to us via word of mouth which we’re very grateful for. Our aim with facial aesthetics is to help you look and feel better. Our objective is to achieve this without it being obvious that a treatment has been performed – a “less is more” approach is key. The best result is one that has people telling you how well you look, not wondering if you’ve had something done.

Does it hurt?
It really depends on the area being treated and of course pain levels differ from person to person. Some clients will feel more discomfort than others however there are certain tools and techniques we can use to help minimise this as much as possible. These include local or topical anaesthetic (numbing cream), vibration and cooling the area.

Most clients tolerate the treatment well and some areas such as cheeks often don’t require any anaesthetic however lips are a more sensitive area so we like you to numb first where possible. You can purchase EMLA numbing cream (5g tube) from the pharmacy or ask your nurse for some before your appointment. 

Many dermal fillers also contain local anaesthetic, which makes the treatment even more comfortable.

Is “downtime” required following a treatment with Dermal Filler?
Some numbness may be felt for a couple of hours afterwards. Redness, swelling and/or bruising may be noticeable. While everything possible is done to avoid this, we always recommend that dermal filler be planned with respect to any upcoming engagements. We generally expect bruising and swelling to happen, if it doesn’t, great! but definitely be prepared incase.

Please do not book your filler treatment less than 2-3 weeks before a big event. Even if you have had treatment before and haven’t bruised, that is not a guarantee that you won’t bruise this time.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my Dermal Filler appointment?
2 weeks prior to your appointment, avoid all blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medication as long as this is ok with your GP – please check if you’re unsure.

Medications and supplements such as Aspirin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oils, Ibuprofen and Voltaren have blood thinning effects and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.

Do not consume alcohol at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)

Do not have treatment if you have been unwell, had any dental visits, vaccines, minor surgery or any other procedures within the last 4 weeks leading up to your appointment. You should avoid where possible the above for 4 weeks after your treatment also. This is because if there is an inflammatory process happening in the body, it may increase the risk of complications. This is very rare but it’s worth following to be extra safe.

Taking bromelain (from a health food shop or by eating fresh pineapple) before and after your treatment may help to reduce swelling and inflammation.

What do I need to do following the treatment?
For the rest of the day following your treatment it is recommended that:

• Treated areas should not be touched.
  Make-up should not be applied for 12-24 hours. You can purchase a medical foundation from the clinic if you wish to have a foundation that you can use straight away and is suitable for covering bruises.
• Avoid anything that can make bruising more likely (such as alcohol, anti-inflammatory meds, exercise, and extreme heat).
• For 2 weeks afterwards avoid very hot or cold temperatures such as hot yoga, spas, saunas or direct sunlight. Ice can be used to help reduce swelling and bruising but do not keep it in the same spot for very long. Arnica can be applied or taken orally. Hirudoid cream applied to bruised areas may also help.
• Do not have filler within 2 weeks of an overseas holiday. Complications are very rare but if it were to happen then you need to be around so we can help you.

If you have any further questions regarding Dermal Filler, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What is Botox®?

Botox® is a purified protein derived from a naturally occurring bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. It works by blocking the nerve signal to the targeted muscle which decreases muscle contractibility, causing the muscle to relax. If the muscles are not able to fully contract, it will prevent lines from becoming as deep in the first place. It will also soften lines that are already present, providing a refreshed and more youthful appearance. As your treatment wears off, the function of the muscle slowly returns over a 3-4 month period. It’s at this time your next treatment is required to maintain your results.

Is it safe?
Yes, it is considered to be a relatively safe treatment. It does come with some risks as do all medical procedures and these will be discussed with you at your consultation to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Botox® has been around for about 40 years and has been through all of the rigorous testing of the FDA. It was first used for treating blepharospasm (eye twitches) and spasticity to help relax muscles, treat migraines etc and is approved for use in toddlers with cerebral palsy in much higher doses than what is required for cosmetic use.

Who can be treated with Botox®?
Botox® is suitable for anyone with dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear upon movement of the muscle – such as forehead lines from raising your eyebrows). You must be at least 18 years old. It is not suitable for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or anyone that has previously had an allergic reaction to the product.

There are some rare neurological conditions that are contraindicated in the use of Botox®. To ensure you are a suitable candidate, a full medical history is taken at every consultation and prior to any treatment.

If you have a line or wrinkle that is already present when your face is at rest then it’s important to know that Botox® will soften this but it may not disappear completely. This is why the best time to start treatment is before you see the lines settle in permanently. Prevention is key! However, this doesn’t mean that if you have wrinkles already that it’s too late. We’ve seen great results for clients with wrinkles already present too. Your nurse will advise you on what sort of results to expect from your treatment at your consultation.

What areas can be treated?

• Forehead
• Frown
• Eyes
• Brow lift
• Opening the eyes
• Nose creases ‘bunny lines’
• Gummy smile
• Lip lines
• Jaw slimming/facial shaping
• Neck lines and protruding neck bands
• Hyperhidrosis – Excessive axillary sweating
• MicroBotox®

What are the side effects?

Common:
Redness and swelling are the most common side effects and occur directly post treatment, lasting up to 20 minutes or so.

Less common:
Bruising is always a possibility whenever needles are involved however it is not very common with this treatment. We recommend all clients have any treatment at least 2 weeks prior to any event to give their results time to settle in and for any healing required to take place.

Rare:
Allergic reaction
Infection
Headache
Ptosis (which is a slight asymmetry close to where you’ve had your treatment). This is temporary and will resolve. It is often more noticeable to you as opposed to others.
To prevent this happening, it is important to not rub the treated areas afterwards as this may move the product into other muscles. Washing your face gently is fine. Medical make up can be worn straight away and is available for purchase in the clinic or from our online shop. For your own make up, please wait at least 4 hours afterwards.

Please avoid facials or massages for 48 hours and hard exercise for 24 hours.

All risks will be discussed with you at your consultation prior to any treatment.

How long does it last?
On average the effects can last between 3-4 months, with most people noticing lines reappearing after approximately 3 months. The treatment wears off gradually during this time and won’t stay at the same level all the way throughout. The longevity of your Botox® will depend on your muscle type and activity, your lifestyle, which product was used and how much was administered.

In some cases, the continued use of Botox® will result in the need for less frequent treatments. This is due to the fact that the nerve endings may eventually start to regrow at a slower pace. For this to happen, regular 3 monthly treatments are required initially and although this is the case for most people, this can vary between individuals.

Once you start do you have to keep going?
No, not at all. If you decide you don’t want to continue having Botox® treatments, your results will wear off gradually and the treated area will go back to how it was prior. Clients often enjoy their Botox® results so much that they almost always want to continue but if for any reason you don’t want to or can’t, there is nothing to worry about.

Will I look worse once it’s worn off?
No, definitely not. We get asked this question a lot and the best way to explain it, is that when we have a treatment, we quickly get accustomed to our new ‘refreshed’ look. When it wears off, it simply goes to back to what it originally was which can sometimes make us think we look worse but it’s actually just that the treatment is no longer working.

I want to look natural and not overdone, is this possible?
At Lift, we pride ourselves on achieving natural looking results and this is our preferred aesthetic. Frozen, overfilled lips and faces are not our thing. Your face is our reputation! We want to get it right just as much as you do. We are arguably some of the most experienced Cosmetic Injectors Wellington has to offer. We have tried and tested it all and have a pretty good eye for what works and what doesn’t. Most of our clients are referred to Lift Aesthetics via word of mouth which we are so grateful for. Our aim with facial aesthetics is to help you look and feel better and to achieve this without it being obvious that a treatment has been performed.

Does it hurt?
Most people tolerate the treatment really well. Each injection is very quick and the needles that are used are very fine and short. Some areas can be more sensitive than others and pain levels will vary from person to person however we will do our best to make you as comfortable as possible. First time clients are understandably the most nervous about having their treatment but are usually quite suprised at how quick and easy it was.

Is “downtime” required following treatment with Botox®?
Generally speaking – no. There may be some minor swelling and redness immediately following treatment which should start to diminish after approximately 20 minutes. Most people go back to their normal activities straight away.

What do I need to do following the treatment?
For the rest of the day, it is recommended that:

• Any treated areas are not to be touched.
• Make up should not be applied for at least 4 hours (unless medical make-up is used).
• Anything that can make bruising more likely, such as alcohol, exercise, and extreme heat should be avoided.

How long until I can see the results?
The results are not instantaneous, and everyone is different. You will probably start to notice a reduction in the lines upon movement after 5 – 7 days, with full effects being visible at approximately 2 weeks post treatment. Complimentary post treatment checkups are done for your first treatment and whenever deemed necessary for us to make sure all is well and that we are both happy. Occasionally adjustments are required and are only done after the 2-week mark to ensure it has reached full effect first.

If you have any further questions regarding Botulinum Toxin anti-wrinkle injections, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What is a fat dissolving treatment?
Fat dissolving is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a substance called deoxycholic acid into areas of unwanted fatty tissue. It can be used anywhere on the body however the most commonly injected area is the submental region also known as the double chin. This procedure destroys the unwanted fat cells and helps to contour the jawline or wherever it’s injected.

How does fat dissolver work?
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the treatment area, it works to destroy the fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body.

Who is a good candidate for fat dissolving?
Fat dissolving treatment is suitable for adults who have small unwanted pockets of excess fat. For example, fat that is causing a double chin or a sagging jawline. It can be used on most areas of the body. 

How is fat reduction performed?
Deoxycholic acid is administered through a series of small injections into the excess fat. The number of injections required varies depending on the size of the treatment area.

Is it painful?
The injections may cause some discomfort, but most patients find the procedure to be tolerable. Numbing cream may be applied along with some local anaesthetic. Many patients rate the pain 2-3 out of 10.

How long does it take?
The treatment session typically takes around 30-60 minutes.

How many sessions are required?
The number of treatment sessions required varies depending on the amount of fat being treated and the patient’s individual response to the treatment. Most patients require between 2-4 sessions.

How long does it take to see results?
The results are typically visible 4-8 weeks afterwards and treatments are usually timed 8 weeks apart.

Are there any side effects associated with fat dissolving treatments?
Some patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as nerve damage may occur. Any potential adverse effects will be discussed at your consultation and will also depend on what area is being treated. 

What should I do afterwards?
It is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours and avoid consuming alcohol or blood-thinning medications for a few days. Cold compresses may be applied to the treatment area to minimize swelling. Swelling can be excessive for the first 24-48 hours after treatment for some but not everyone.