Frequently Asked Questions - Appointments

A bruise occurs when a little blood vessel is broken/punctured. With injectable treatments such as dermal filler and anti-wrinkle, bruising is always a risk, as we cannot determine where all of these vessels are. This risk varies depending on patient factors and the treatment itself. We take steps to minimise this risk in clinic, though we can never guarantee there no bruising. 

Things to do to minimise risk:

• For 48 hours before and after treatment avoid alcohol, NSAID medication (aspirin, ibuprofen etc), St Johns Wort, vitamin E, fish oils
• Avoid strenuous exercise/extremes of heat such as sauna/steam room for 1-2 days, avoid direct sunlight for at least 1-2 weeks
• Do not fly for 2 weeks after treatment
• Use arnica cream and/or tablets before and after treatment

I always recommend booking treatments at least 2 weeks before a big event such as a wedding or holiday - though earlier if possible!

Again this varies between different patients and different treatments. Generally, all treatments are completely manageable, and described by most as 'uncomfortable'. The majority of injectable treatments do not take long to do and I check how you are throughout. With delicate areas such as the lips or undereye area, we use numbing cream before the procedure to help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. With some treatments, such as dermal filler and Radiesse, the product contains a numbing agent, and so makes the procedure more comfortable as we go.

Anti-wrinkle: 2-14 days for movement to reduce fully

Dermal filler: Immediate!

Radiesse: Immediate filling effects, ongoing benefits to overlying supporting skin over months

Profhilo: around 4 weeks after full treatment course

Polynucleotides: around 3 weeks after full treatment course

Redensity skin booster: around 3 weeks after full treatment course

Microneedling: The following day, with maximum benefits after a course of 3 or 6 treatments

Chemical peels: The following day, with maximum benefits after a course of 6 treatments

Anti-wrinkle: 3-6 months. Movement will gradually increase from around 6-8 weeks, full movement typically returns within 3-6 months. This will last longer with regular treatments, and so we recommend 3-4 monthly treatments initially.

Dermal filler: 6-18 months depending on the individual and the area. Some patients break down filler quicker than others. More dynamic areas such as around the lips may last 6-12 months as the filler is generally broken down more quickly with movement. Areas that move less such as cheeks typically get longer, around 9-18 months.

Radiesse: around 9-18 months.

Profhilo: Around 3 months. Initial 2-3 treatments at 4 weekly intervals recommended, followed by regular 3 monthly treatments.

Polynucleotides: 3-6 months. Initial 3 treatments at 3 weekly intervals recommended, followed by regular 3-6 monthly treatments tailored to desired results.

Redensity skin booster: 6+ months. For best results initial 3 treatments at 3 weekly intervals is recommended, followed by regular 3-6 monthly treatments. This can be used as a standalone treatment to enhance skin quality and give skin a beautiful 'glow'.

Microneedling: Several months to a year. A course of 6 sessions or two courses of 3 sessions is recommended each year to maintain benefits.

Chemical peels: Up to 6 months. Course of 6 sessions each year is recommended to maintain benefits.

Most injectable treatments including dermal filler and anti-wrinkle treatments are contra-indicated in pregnancy and breast feeding - meaning you SHOULD NOT have these treatments. Microneedling and chemical peels should not be performed when pregnant or breast feeding. 

ZO skin products are NOT SAFE if pregnant or breast feeding.

The reason for this is we do not have the clinical evidence to support that these treatments are safe to perform on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, meaning the potential risks to mum and baby are not known.

Some skin treatments are safe, this can be discussed at a consultation.

This advice varies slightly depending on treatment, and full aftercare guidance will be sent to you after your appointment. Generally, the following will be advised:

• Ensure you are well hydrated.
• Avoid make-up and touching the treated area for 24 hours.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, extensive sun/heat exposure 48 hours after treatment. These may cause temporary redness/swelling/itching at injection site and increase risk of bruising. 
• Avoid alcohol and medication that can thin the blood for 48 hours before and after treatment to minimise risk of bruising (see question on bruising). If pain killers are required paracetamol is the preferred choice.
• Avoid sunbathing and extremes of heat for 14 days as this has been shown to increase and prolong swelling.
• Stay upright as much as possible.
• After skin treatments use a gentle cleanser for a few days and an SPF 30-50.

For anti-wrinkle appointments we do a review at 2-3 weeks for your first few appointments to assess the treatment and tweak if necessary. After a few treatments this is not required, though if you wish to book one you can do so. For other treatments there is no need for a routine review.

Coldsores are very common - when someone has had one coldsore they are often prone to having another at some point. If you have had a coldsore we will prescribe a course of antiviral treatment to complete as a preventative measure if you are having treatment around the lip area. This is because trauma to the lip can induce the coldsore virus to be activated and cause difficult complications if this happens at the time of treatment.

If you have a coldsore at the time of treatment we cannot do any treatment around the area until after it has fully healed.