What to expect when visiting an Aesthetic doctor for a Dermal Filler treatment
Advice for patients as to the norms of treating the skin with dermal fillers for wrinkles
Dermal fillers as we are all aware of are a superb tool for treating the ageing skin. We also know that there are many doctors trained to perform these aesthetic injections to the highest level taking product efficiency and safety into account for patient satisfaction. This however is not always the case.
Dr Clark at SAI sees many patients from other doctors for aesthetic correction from poor technique or poor product selection. That is why we are taking this educational standpoint to help patients evaluate their current aesthetic doctor. This is an attempt to help patients make the correct choices in the future.
Use these 4 evaluation criteria before undergoing any treatment with any doctor, even Dr Clark.
- Enquire about the approval status of the doctors’ preferred dermal filler
The choice of filler can greatly improve the result due to correct placement, but better dermal fillers also prolong the duration of the treatment. The key factor however with dermal filler choice is safety. Poor quality fillers increase the patient’s risk of infection, granuloma or allergic reaction.
Always make sure the dermal filler is opened in front of you and that the filler is FDA approved for your safety.
- Ask to see the doctor’s aesthetic training certificates
Dr Alastair Clark is a registered Restylane trainer.
Today there are many training courses available for doctors to improve their techniques. Dr Clark is a registered Restylane trainer and provides such courses in: beginner and advanced levels, as well as specialist courses to advance other doctors to his high standards.
Don’t accept any excuses. If you doctor cannot produce certificates to show he/she has undergone sufficient training then you are putting yourself at risk. Poor technique risk includes:
- Poor results
- Infections
- Tissue necrosis
- Bleeding and bruising
The more highly qualified doctors will be able to perform a wider range of dermal filler procedures and their technique will save you money in the long run.
- How are you assessed before each treatment?
No doctor should be injecting dermal fillers into infected or inflamed areas, and this needs to be checked
An aesthetic doctor is still a doctor and should evaluate you medically, psychologically and aesthetically.
The medical evaluation is in place to avoid excessive bruising or swelling typical in patients with hypertension, taking blood thinning medication or other anticoagulants. Medically speaking no doctor should be injecting dermal fillers into infected or inflamed areas, and this needs to be checked too. This is for your safety. Of course your doctor should also be checking for medical conditions that would present any health risk from undergoing the treatment.
Psychologically it is important that your expectations are realistic and this needs to be evaluated. Nobody should be undergoing dermal fillers for the wrong reasons. Pain threshold is also evaluated during this step, thus allowing your doctor to perform dental blocks or apply topical anaesthetic creams. Your comfort is of utmost importance during any dermal filler treatment.
Finally all good aesthetic doctors will evaluate your expected aesthetic outcomes. They will be asking questions like: Do you want to restore your old look or create a new look? An experienced aesthetic doctor will always evaluate you in the upright position as this will help evaluate symmetry and present your lines and wrinkles as they really are.
- You doctor should always take before and after photographs
Make sure you are photographed both before and after each procedure.
It is important to always have a reference point and photography offers both the doctor and patient an image of what each treatment has achieved. Without proof neither you nor the doctor can suggest any treatment has been successful or otherwise, or that expectations have been met.
Again the more experienced aesthetic doctors are aware of this crucial step. Make sure you are photographed both before and after each procedure.
If you are unsure, always act in with caution. Dermal fillers offer a proven and safe option for facial wrinkles but working with trained hands can take your next treatment to the next level. If you or any of your friends are undergoing any dermal filler treatments it is important that they read this, so please pass it on.
For any extra information on dermal fillers please visit our website www.sandtonaesthetics.co.za
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