Skin clinic Archives - Harrow Dental Practice Blog

How To Remove Facial Winkles Safely And Effectively?

We all know that facial wrinkles and creases can make one look older. However, a recent research study has shown that people with facial wrinkles are perceived as less attractive and less trustworthy than those with fresh, wrinkle-free skin. So, regardless of the underlying cause, facial wrinkles are an aesthetic problem that can negatively affect one’s personality and appearance. That is why, British women spent over £1.15 billion on facial skincare and rejuvenation.

But how can one get rid of facial wrinkles safely and effectively? You may ask. We will answer this question in this blog. So, read on to learn more about facial wrinkle treatment options.

What Is Botox, And How Does It Work To Reduce Wrinkles?

According to the NHS, Botox is a non-invasive cosmetic option. The procedure involves injecting a mild dose of botulinum toxin into the skin. The toxin causes local muscle relaxation, resulting in the smoothening of creases and wrinkles.

How Does Botox Get Rid Of Wrinkles So Efficiently?

Contrary to surgical skin rejuvenation options, botox therapy is non-invasive and quite effective. This is because the botulinum toxin results in the relaxation of the muscles in the region where it is injected. As a result, the skin is relaxed and the wrinkles and creases in the area are smoothed out. This is why Botox has become one of the most popular facial cosmetic treatment options worldwide. According to statistics, over 7.3 million Botox injections were administered worldwide in 2022 alone.

How Can I Get Rid Of Fine Lines On My Forehead?

There are many non-surgical cosmetic treatment options available to correct forehead lines. Botox therapy has the potential to smooth out fine lines on the forehead and restore one’s optimal facial aesthetics. Besides, dermal fillers can also be used to get rid of wrinkles and creases on the forehead and other areas.

How To Get Rid Of The Wrinkles On My Eyelids?

Wrinkles around the eyelids, also called crow’s feet or canthal lines, resulting in an aged appearance. However, they don’t necessarily appear due to old age; they can also appear due to the influence of various facial expressions such as grief, chronic pain, and laughter. Due to their obvious effect on one’s facial appearance, people around the world seek treatment for this condition to look younger and more attractive.

Crow’s feet can be treated in various ways. For example, some dermatological treatment options include exfoliation and peptide creams and retinol. Alternatively, botox therapy could also be used to remove wrinkles around the eyelids effectively.

Is Botox The Temporary Wrinkle Solution?

Botox treatment involves injecting a mild dose of botulinum toxin under the skin. The toxin results in local relaxation of the muscles. As a result, creases and wrinkles are removed. However, this treatment option is not permanent and re-treatment may be needed after some time.

How Is Botox For The Forehead Administered?

Botox is administered in the form of an injection below the skin. This treatment is done to smooth out vertical lines between the eyes that make one look older and unattractive. The infection causes the muscles around the forehead to relax, thereby eliminating facial creases, lines, and wrinkles.

How To Extend The Life Of My Botox So I Can Get It Less Often?

The life of botox injections is dependent on various factors such as one’s diet and daily routine. The life of botox treatment can be extended by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and keeping oneself hydrated.

Is Botox Safe?

One of the main concerns of prospective cosmetic treatment patients is whether Botox therapy is safe. According to the University of Utah Health, Botox injections are considered safe. Furthermore, there are very minor risks associated with this treatment and most of them are transient.

What Are The Uses Of Botox Injections?

Botox comprises a mild toxin released by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. This toxin, when injected in mild doses, causes local muscle paralysis. This is utilised in facial cosmetics to remove facial wrinkles, creases, and lines. So, Botox therapy is used for a variety of non-surgical cosmetic treatments worldwide.

Can Botox Cause Cancer?

The idea that Botox could cancer is unsubstantiated and currently there is no evidence to link this type of treatment with the risk of cancer. Instead, a few studies have shown the positive role of botox injection in eliminating cancer cells. A research article stated that botox therapy could halt the growth of cancerous cells, thereby exhibiting anti-cancer properties. So, botox treatment is safe and does not carry the risk of cancer.

If you live in London and are looking for the best place for non-surgical facial and cosmetic treatment, your best option is Harrow Dental in Hornchurch. Whether you need general dental services for your family, or you require cosmetic treatment, we provide all services under one roof at affordable rates. We also take pride in having the most qualified and experienced dental professionals who will take good care of your entire family’s dental and aesthetic needs.

The secret behind our high-quality services is our top-notch dental team and the use of the best quality dental materials for treating our patients. So, if you are worried about your facial wrinkles or creases, or simply want cosmetic dental procedures such as bonding or veneers, let us help you. Book a free consultation with us today and let us take care of all your dental and cosmetic needs.

How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

If you have wished your lips were plumber and smoother, you might have considered lip augmentation using fillers. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, fillers are medical treatments used to give a fuller and more prominent appearance to the lips and other facial structures like the cheeks, chin, and nasolabial folds. The primary purpose of dermal fillers is to fill wrinkles and add volume to deficient areas.

This article is for you if you are considering lip fillers to improve your smile and facial appearance. Continue reading to find everything you need to know about dermal fillers and how they can give you a charming and attractive smile.

How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

According to the National Health Service, the majority of lip fillers are not permanent. How long do lip fillers last depends on the type of filler being used in the skin clinic, their concentration, and the site at which they are injected. However, generally, they tend to last anywhere between six to eighteen months.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the hyaluronic acid-based fillers – like Vorbella and Restylane – typically last between four to twelve months,

Does Lip Filler Dissolve Naturally?

Whether lip fillers are made from natural or synthetic sources, they tend to dissolve naturally. However, their rate of degradation can be controlled to enhance their lifetime. That is why you may need to repeat the procedure after some time to continue enjoying a youthful and attractive appearance.

However, according to the US Food and Drug Administration say that certain dermal fillers are non-resorbable. These types of dermal fillers are not used in the lips. Instead, they are typically reserved for the cheek, acne scars and the nasolabial folds.

How To Make Lip Fillers Last Longer?

While virtually all lip fillers have a limited service life, there are ways in which you can make them last longer. Some of these include:

- Follow the Guidelines Following the manufacturer’s and your doctor’s recommendations regarding aftercare.
- Stick to the Shade – The more time you spend in the sun, the more quickly your lip fillers will dissolve. Therefore, you should try to remain in the shade as much as possible.
- Keep Track of Your Exercise Routine – No doubt exercise is good for your health. But research has shown that the increase in metabolic activity caused by physical activity and exercise can also make your lip fillers dissolve at a faster rate.
- Healthy Diet – make sure to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which will help keep your lips healthy and plumper.
- Avoid Stress – too much stress not only affects your physical and mental health, but it can also cause your lip fillers to dissolve at a faster rate.

What Are The Benefits Of Dermal Filler Treatments?

Still not sure whether dermal lip fillers are suitable for you? Here are some benefits of the dermal fillers that will help you in deciding in their favour:

Dermal lip fillers help improve your smile, giving a boost to your self-confidence.
No need to wait; you will immediate results with dermal fillers
There is recovery or downtime associated with dermal fillers
Dermal fillers do not carry any health hazard

Long-term Side-effects Of Lip Fillers?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), some of the commonly associated, mild side effects of lip fillers include:

Swelling
Redness over the affected area
Tenderness
Occasional bruising

The AAD also notes that if a filler injection is administered in a non-medical setting, it may lead to more serious adverse effects, such as:

Lumps or ridge formation
Over-filling
Allergic reaction – may prove life-threatening in rare cases
Discolouration of the skin
Severe swelling
Generalised infection

Do Lip Fillers Hurt With Numbing Cream?

The extent of numbing required for the administration of lip fillers depends on the site of injection. Typically, there is no need to administer anaesthesia in the hands, while a nerve block may be necessary for dermal lip fillers.

If you are concerned about the pain associated with dermal filler administration, your facial surgeon may apply a numbing cream to reduce the pain. As a result, you will only feel a slight pinch of the filler injection.

Sometimes, dermatologists also use ice cubes to numb the site of filler injection.

How Much Swelling Is Normal After Lip Fillers?

The non-invasive, injectable facial fillers are used for adding volume to the face, chin, lips and cheeks. While dermal fillers are safe for human use, their injection may cause some swelling and inflammation. If that happens to you after injection, don’t worry or stress over it.

The swelling occurs because the fillers bind with the water present inside the skin, making it appear plump and puffy. The swelling should go away in one or two weeks. In some cases, swelling may occur a few days after the filler injection. However, if the swelling persists for three to four weeks, it is a good idea to call your dentist and let them know of your situation.

If you wish to get rid of your facial wrinkles to enjoy a youthful, attractive and healthy appearance, dermal fillers are an excellent option. At Harrow Dental Practice, we offer all dental aesthetic and restorative services to our esteemed patients under one roof. Our experienced, board-certified facial aesthetics experts, Dr Bhandal and Dr Creta have a combined experience of more than twenty years in transforming flawed smiles into lively and youthful ones. So, what are you waiting for?

Book a consultation appointment with us today and begin your journey towards the smile of your dreams.

The best ways to reduce swelling after lip fillers

As more and more people begin their journey to plumper and fuller lips with lip filler injections we are finding that more people are asking about some of the side effects, specifically the best ways to reduce swelling after lip filler injections.

Lip fillers are great way to add volume and achieve a softer, fuller and perfectly kissable lips, the use a small injection which places a small amount of hyaluronic acid into your lips. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in your body and so is perfectly safe and healthy to use.

There are however sometimes some side-effects to the lip injection treatment.

How much swelling is normal after lip fillers

After any invasive treatment, even if it is a small needle there is likely to be small amount of swelling afterwards. This should reduce very rapidly, often within hours.

For the full effect of the filler treatment become apparent you will need to wait approximately 3 or 5 days in order for any initial treatment swelling to completely subsided.

Lip filler swelling stages in days

After the first day the bulk of any swelling should have subsided.
By day 2 the initial swelling will have gone and you will start to see the full effects of the treatment.
By this day the bulk of any pain should have gone, the primary swelling from the injections will have subsided.
On the 4th day after treatment you can expect for all of the swelling to have gone and to see the full effect of treatment. All pain and tenderness should also have subsided by day 4

How to hide any swelling

Try these following tips to hide and reduce swelling:

Apply ice to the area to restrict blood flow, place it in a plastic bag to prevent getting wet and then wrapped the plastic bag in a tea towel to avoid direct ice contact with your lips.
Make sure you drink lots. Keeping fully hydrated allows your body to mobilise fluids, rather than store them in single places (swelling) staying hydrated keeps the flow of fluid around your body.
Avoid strenuous exercise and increasing your heart rate.
Rest and protect your lips. This means no hard kissing for 48 hours!
Avoid drinking through a straw for 2 days, this can also put pressure on your lips and exacerbate any swelling.

Do lip injections damage lips

If the injections are done professionally then no, they don’t damage the lips. The injections use a naturally occurring acid (hyaluronic acid) which is readily absorbed back into the body, with no common side-effects.

Swelling a few months after filler treatment

Swelling after a few months could be due to a few reasons:

Late onset inflammatory response to hyaluronic acid. This is a rare complication which can occur 4-5 months after treatment but in extremely rare cases up to 14 months after. This information is readily treatable with oral steroids.
Edema. This is where an excessive amount of fluid buildup in or around the cells or tissue of the body, it is a normal response and almost everyone will experience it. It is most commonly considered a minor complication and very rarely can become a serious or major complication. Typically 10-50% patients will have this type of swelling. Gentle massage of the area can help to reduce the swelling
Lip filler lumps. These are not a normal reaction and are usually caused by incorrect technique or by the practitioner is not using the correct lip filler product. small lumps can usually be removed by massaging the area, however if you have a larger lumps then it may be the sign of allergic reaction so visiting your practitioner again is advised.

Un-even swelling after lip fillers

Uneven swelling could be caused by any of the areas listed above but is most likely due to operator error. If your practitioner removes the needle from the lips whilst they are continuing to inject the hyaluronic acid it can mean that the filler is injected into the incorrect area, it can then lay in the outer areas of your lips and cause these un-even swellings.

Likewise, if the viscosity of the filler is too high and can’t be injected well enough into the chosen area this can also lead to an uneven amount of filler, uneven lips and bumps are a result.

This is why it’s incredibly important to select your practitioner carefully, ensuring they have adequate training, not only to do the injection in the first place but to help you with any problems later on.

Bruising after treatment

After any form of injectable treatment some mild bruising should be expected. It can be helpful to use a dark coloured lipstick in order to cover up any mild bruising on your lips after the injections, you should however wait for 24 hours before applying any make up.

When you go to bed that night, sleep with your head slightly raised if possible and avoid any undue pressure on your lips (including kissing) for 24 hours, this will then keep the bruising to a minimum.

A great tip is not to book your injectable treatment the day before you are going to an event, people often ask for their practitioner not a bruise them as they go into an event the next day, unfortunately any injectable treatment does come with a bruising risk. Always have your lip filler treatment approximately one week prior to any important event, this gives time for the bruising and any swelling to subside.

references:

Lip filler side-effects, precautions and contra indications

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890129/

late onset inflammatory response

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5889432/

Please note that this article should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or used for any home treatments.

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How long do lip fillers last?

It is very common that when people search for the dermal fillers or lip fillers that they have a range of questions they would like answered, in our latest blog post we seek to answer some of the most common questions and answers about dermal fillers and lip fillers, we finish with answering the question about how long dermal and lip fillers last for.

What is a dermal filler treatment

As we begin to age our face looks more wrinkled as our skin loses its elasticity. This can result in the lines and wrinkles in the parts of the face which move more often, typically around the mouth, eyes and nose.

This is as a result of the slowdown of collagen production in our bodies, which begins in our late 20s. Collagen is a protein which maintains the elasticity of the skin helping it to maintain its youthful looking appearance and bounce back into shape.

Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally recurring acid in your body, with the primary function of binding water to help retain moisture. When hyaluronic acid is injected it helps to reverse this process and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

What is the longest lasting dermal filler

It is quite natural for the effects of dermal filler treatment to fade overtime, this is because hyaluronic acid which is injected is naturally occurring in your body and therefore gets absorbed, unfortunately the lines and wrinkles then reappear.

All dermal filler treatments should always be looked upon as a temporary treatment for this reason.

Is botox a dermal filler

This is a question we get asked quite often but the answer is, no. Botox and dermal fillers are often confused as they are both used in facial rejuvenation techniques. Botox, otherwise known as botulinum toxin type A affects the nerves of the injection site, reducing their ability to move, and therefore cause wrinkles. Dermal fillers on the other hand, smooth the wrinkles out by injecting into them.

How to prepare for dermal fillers

There is little actual preparation required. However, we advise:

Consulting your doctor about stopping blood thinning tablets such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E or St John’s Wart. This can help to prevent bruising but please always consult a doctor beforehand and do not stop taking prescribed medications.
Do not drink any alcohol for 2 days prior to treatment.

How much swelling is normal after lip fillers

Minimal lip swelling after filler injections is quite normal, this is caused by a reaction to the injection needle. This will normally subside within a couple of days.

Can you drink alcohol after lip fillers

Of course you want your lip fillers to last the maximum amount of time so people often ask questions such as can you drink alcohol after lip fillers and if so, how quickly?

We recommend avoiding alcohol for at least 24 hours after you have had lip fillers. This just ensures that you are accurately able to follow all of our instructions about keeping your heart rate low and avoiding inversion exercise. People that have had too much alcohol tend to forget these instructions which can then impact the length of time that lip fillers last.

How long do lip fillers take to heal

You should find that the healing process is very quick. Normally within 48 hours, swelling and bruising begins to calm down and you should begin to notice the new beautiful shape of your lips.

Are dermal fillers painful

You will always be given a local anaesthetic over the treatment area. This is in the form of a numbing cream which is applied over the skin. This just numbs the skin prior to having the full local anaesthetic injections. Once these have been injected you will feel nothing at all and be completely comfortable.

Can dermal fillers go wrong

The images you see on social media of people with huge lips (just do a search for dermal fillers gone wrong) and swollen faces is usually for one of 3 reasons:

The clinician was not skilled when treating using dermal fillers
The patient requested this look and the clinician complied
The patient purchased the fillers online and tried to do it themselves

Unfortunately, the last option is becoming more common and people are trying dermal fillers themselves, this is highly dangerous and should be avoided. Most people will not have the understanding about the chemicals involved, so will not be able to tell if the fillers are doing the right job. If the fillers are purchased online, who is to say that what it says on the label is actually what it is in the vial?

The anatomy around your head, face and neck is also very complex with lots of blood vessels and nerves. It’s vital that the injections are placed in exactly the right place by someone that has had adequate training and knows what the results will be.

What happens when dermal fillers wear off

We will do everything within our power to ensure that your fillers last for as long as possible. We will also give you instructions on how to ensure fillers last as long as is possible. However, dermal fillers do wear off as the body absorbs the hyaluronic acid naturally.

When this happens you will find that the wrinkles slowly reappear and you will have to get booked backing for another treatment. This is typically anywhere from 6 months to 12 months after the initial treatment although some treatments last longer, up to 18 months.

How long do lip fillers last?

The various factors which govern how long a dermal filler lasts include:

The type of dermal filler. Some of them are absorbed into the body faster than others.
The site of the dermal filler treatment.
Your lifestyle. If you are particularly active then your increased heart rate and metabolism may mean that the hyaluronic acid get absorbed quicker.

How to make dermal fillers last longer

To ensure your lip fillers last the longest amount of time we recommend that immediately after treatment we recommend that you take no exercise aside for walking for 48 hours. This should keep your heart rate under 100. You should also not do any kind of inversion such as found with gymnastics or yoga for the same period of time, however, always follow the instructions of a doctor.

It’s also recommended that you will avoid squeezing or massaging the area for a few hours as this could change the location of the filler and therefore the result. Your clinician will have precisely placed the filler in exactly the right place, so it’s best to not massaged the area too much.

Most dermal fillers will last at least six months some treatments such as Restylane can last from six months to a year.

Is there a link between the desire for Botox and Social Media use?

It’s a common sight to see people glued to their mobile phones, checking their Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook or any other social media feed.

But is there any harm to this? Is the way people are using social media affecting their desire to seek out botox, dermal filler or any other form of skin clinic treatment?

A report in the Guardian looked at the amount of cosmetic dental treatments conducted in the UK in 2016. The report said:

According to data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the number of cosmetic operations conducted last year fell 40% to a near-decade low from a record-breaking high in 2015.

And yet, at the same time, market research agency Mintel has found that up to 31% of 25 – 34 year-olds have had this form of treatment compared with just 21% compared to the whole nation.

So treatment with fillers and injectables are definitely on the increase, but is this down to social media use?

One extremely important point to note is that there are medical uses for botulinum toxin (Botox), including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and gummy smiles, we don’t know if the actual use of these treatments was taken into account in any of these studies, this could skew the figures if it was not.

a study undertaken by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics In June of 2017 came to the conclusion that:

New developments and marketing have made an increasing range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures – including botox, dermal fillers, implants, and skin lightening, as well as newer techniques such as ‘fat freezing’ and ‘vampire’ treatments – big business and widely accessible

In their study they reported that they were shocked by some of the evidence they saw, particularly of mobile phone apps focusing on gains targeting girls as young as nine, encouraging them to modify their faces with cosmetic surgery on the game.

Because of this they came to the conclusion that:

The Council believes it is unethical that there is nothing to stop completely unqualified people from providing risky procedures like dermal fillers. It says that anyone offering invasive cosmetic treatments should be trained and certified before being allowed to practise.

As we walk through this discussion about the use of social media marketing and Botox it would be good to take a quick look at what Botox is, how it may be used and who can use it.

What is Botox?

Botox is the most popular brand name for botulinum type C toxin. It’s a little like the headache tablet Anadin, Anadin is the brand but the actual drug used is aspirin. In the case of Botox, Botox is the brand and botulinum type C toxin is the active ingredient. Other brand names are also available.

Most commonly this type of treatment is used for antiwrinkle treatments around the face and neck although there are other uses including hyperhidrosis and treatment of a gummy smile.

The injections are divided to treat various skin conditions such as crow feet, Lines around the nasolabial folds, Frown lines and the treatment of lines and wrinkles.

They are often offered in conjunction with filler treatments, this is where a clinician will inject filler (hyaluronic acid) into the chosen area to plump out lips and/or deep folds.

Who can administer antiwrinkle injections?

At the moment in the UK there is a complete lack of legislation around the delivery of these type of injectables. Theoretically this means that anyone can administer the injections.

Scary!

There are many athletically trained dental and medical professionals which offer this service, think about it, particularly a dentist will have detailed knowledge of the nerves, muscles and blood vessels around the head, face and neck. This makes dentists ideally suited to administer this type of treatment.

Health Education England looked at the Education and scope of practice around this very issue, Saying that:

Patients are members of the public who elect to have cosmetic interventions should be able to expect to receive safe standards of treatment and care, with the opportunity to select proficient practitioners who have had the appropriate training to deliver high quality services.

In our opinion, only medically trained professionals could meet these highly exacting standards, particularly around the knowledge of injections, anatomy of the head face and neck and cross infection control.

The dos and don’ts of reading about Botox on social media

Don’t trust everything you read online, especially from beauty therapists who don’t have adequate medical training.
Learn about the science of ageing and do everything you can to slow the process down and look after your skin, as well as considering Botox. Particularly understand how your facial muscles work as exercises can really help.
Bruising afterwards is fairly common.
Be realistic about what you want to achieve and speak to your practitioner, letting them know your ideal results.
Know that not all social media photographs are genuine photographs, the temptation for more unethical providers to use airbrushing on fine lines to make celebrities look great is tremendous.

Is it safe to buy Botox and dermal fillers online?

The simple answer to this question is no. Botox injections via botulinum toxin are a prescription only medicines meaning they are regulated, however it is possible to buy Botox online!

Dermal fillers don’t have such regulation so the use of fillers by non-qualified professionals is far more prevalent than Botox. Dermal filler treatments can be just as harmful if not used by professional, some good things to think about are:

How much filler should be used?
Are fillers actually the right type of treatment?
What is in the filler being used?
Can you guarantee that what is on the package of the filler is actually what is contained?

Only by purchasing these types of treatments through medical or dental professionals can you be a short but the treatment you are receiving is the treatment you actually want!