IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

So, you’ve decided you want to get Botox or dermal fillers, but this is something you’ve never done before. Although the process can seem intimidating, if you follow these simple questions when going for a consultation, you will be able to set your mind at ease and enjoy the benefits of the treatment you decide upon.

What am I expecting to be the result of the treatment?

Understanding what it is you want from the treatment and being realistic about the results is an essential part of the relationship with your aesthetician. If you are open and honest with what you hope to achieve from the first consultation, then your practitioner will be able to advise you in the best way possible on how to proceed.

Does your aesthetician have the relevant qualifications?

You should always check that your aesthetician is an accredited member of a professional body and that they have been trained and qualified in the relevant areas, such as Botox and dermal fillers. The Care Quality Commission and Save Face are two major ones.

How much of the treatment do I need to understand?

There are a variety of different types of dermal fillers, and your aesthetician should make you aware of the different options available. Dermal fillers are available in a wide array of different strengths with different levels of firmness and softness. Not one filler does everything, some may emphasize the chin or raise cheekbones, for example. A variety of treatments will be necessary for the most natural look, and your aesthetician will be able to advise you on which are appropriate.

Why have I decided to have treatment right now?

This is likely one of the first questions you will discuss with your aesthetician and is an important part of the process. To ensure your relationship is effective you should establish early on why you want treatments, and what specific areas you are looking to treat.

After one treatment will I decide I want something more?

We may not like to admit it, but aging is inevitable, and the effect this has on your face is, too. The signs of ageing continually present themselves, in different ways, such as pigmentation changes, wrinkles, thinning of tissues (fat, skin, muscle, and bone), and loss of elasticity. Each treatment can only address one such aspect and so it is common that you may feel that you want further treatments, to address other concerns.

How do I know the aesthetician is right for me?

When choosing which aesthetician to have treatments with you should make sure you either have a recommendation or that you can see you are happy with their previous work. Aestheticians should have testimonials available from previous patients that should let you get a feel for how the treatment went. You should make sure that the aesthetician is a registered aesthetics aesthetician and is fully qualified to deliver any treatments you want. You should also always have a consultation before any procedure, which will give you a chance to visit the aesthetician and decide whether they are right for you.

Will there be any side effects of my treatment?

Side effects of both botox and filler treatments are uncommon, but you should still ask your aesthetician to warn you of any that may occur. With botox, the most common side effect is bruising, which is caused by the injection itself, rather than the toxin. This is more likely to happen around the eyes, where there are a high number of blood vessels. The bruising should last no more than a week. If you are having treatment of fillers bruising is also possible, as is a pain at the injection site, or redness at the point of injection. Again, these should not last longer than a few days, to a week.

Will treatment will be a ‘magic fix’ for my problems?

It’s possible if you’re suffering from low self-esteem or depression that your desire for treatment is not coming from a healthy place. You may imagine that the treatment will solve all of your problems, but this isn’t the case. Therefore, the decision to have treatment should come from the right place and you should be sure it’s what you want, Am I sure what treatments I want? You may have seen the sorts of changes you want whilst browsing the internet or flicking through a magazine, but it’s important you consider if the treatments are right for you. Your aesthetician will be able to give you some honest advice about what the best options are for you, and this is an important part of the conversation you have at your consultation.

Am I sure what treatments I want?

You may have seen the sorts of changes you want whilst browsing the internet or flicking through a magazine, but it’s important you consider if the treatments are right for you. Your surgeon will be able to give you some honest advice about what the best options are for you, and this is an important part of the conversation you have at your consultation.

How often can I expect to repeat the treatments?

After your first injectable treatment you will probably find that you see noticeable results, however changing your overall appearance or skin health must be considered a long-term commitment, with regular maintenance treatments applied.
For Botox-style treatments, these follow-up treatments are often repeated after three or four months to achieve longer-term results. Dermal fillers will need to be repeated less often, between a six and twelve-month period.
With each treatment, you may find that the treatment required is on different areas of the face. This is because these areas can age at different rates, and so to achieve natural results your aesthetician may decide to vary the treatment.

Can the treatments be addictive?

From a medical perspective, all ingredients and chemicals used for cosmetic surgeries are non-addictive. However, following the procedure you will no doubt feel a sense of elation, and that the experience has made you feel better. Like going shopping or getting a new haircut, this is a buzz that you may want to repeat. If this is the case, make sure you ask yourself all of these questions again to ensure treatment is right for you.

If I stop my appointments will I look older?

There is a common misconception that stopping regular cosmetic treatments can do more harm than good, when this is not the case, at all. If you decide to stop after only a few treatments, then your face will look just as you did before. If you engage with a long-term set of procedures, for example over a two or three year period, then it is possible your skin will retain a younger look than before you started receiving treatments. This is because certain treatments can help to permanently rejuvenate your skin.