By Dr. TRACY MOUNTFORD, MBBS MBCAM
Dermal fillers offer a fantastic solution for achieving beautifully airbrushed skin with minimal intervention. Despite concerns and misconceptions about their use, embracing fillers can lead to transformational benefits.
In this updated blog post, we explore actress and singer Dee Anderson’s experience as a filler first-timer at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, where she discovered the subtle, yet impactful changes achieved through dermal fillers. We’ll also reveal our top 8 tips for getting dermal filler too, so keep reading.
To filler or not to filler? That is the question.
In a podcast with renowned broadcaster Emma Gunavardhana, Dr. Tracy Mountford addressed the prevalent misconceptions and fears surrounding fillers. Negative media stories about poorly performed treatments have contributed to people’s worries about ending up with an exaggerated or overdone appearance. However, Dr. Mountford urges everyone to reconsider fillers by focusing on their transformational benefits:
“Nature is a wondrous thing, the balance of different facial features. We can enhance by injecting fillers in key areas of the face. We can alter contours, we can beautify, and we can enhance someone really subtly, and these subtleties are the key to making truly amazing differences.”
Understanding Dermal Fillers and their Benefits
Dermal fillers are deeply hydrating treatments that lift and recontour the face while restoring lost volume and softening skin texture. Contrary to negative media stories, fillers, when administered by experienced hands, can yield natural and impressive results.
Our top 8 tips for getting fillers for the first time
Getting dermal fillers for the first time can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to approach it with care and consideration. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first dermal filler treatment:
- Research and choose a qualified provider. Look for a practitioner who specialises in dermal fillers. Ensure they are certified and licensed to perform the procedure. You can check reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family.
- Schedule a consultation. During the consultation, discuss your goals and concerns openly, and listen to their recommendations. A skilled practitioner will explain the procedure, the type of fillers suitable for your needs, and any potential risks.
- Manage expectations. Dermal fillers can produce fantastic results, but they are not permanent. Understand that the effects will gradually wear off over time, typically lasting from several months to a year or more, depending on the type of filler used.
- Pre-treatment instructions. Follow any pre-treatment instructions provided by your practitioner. These might include avoiding certain medications or supplements that could increase the risk of bruising, such as aspirin or blood thinners.
- Communicate allergies and medical history. Be open and honest about any allergies, medical conditions, or previous cosmetic procedures you’ve had. This information is crucial for ensuring your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Plan for recovery. While dermal filler treatments are generally minimally invasive, some swelling, bruising, and redness may occur. Plan your schedule accordingly and avoid any significant events immediately after the procedure. Your provider may advise you on ways to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Stay hydrated and follow post-treatment care. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as it can help with the healing process. Follow any post-treatment care instructions provided by your practitioner to ensure the best results.
- Schedule a follow-up. Book a follow-up appointment with your practitioner to assess the results and address any concerns you may have.
Overcoming Apprehensions: Dee Anderson’s Journey
Actress, singer and treatment ‘newbie’ Dee Anderson, was apprehensive about using dermal fillers to enhance her looks. She sought an initial consultation with the experienced cosmetic nurse Sylvia Chrzanowska at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic. As the daughter of Thunderbirds creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and a celebrated performer, she’s been used to growing up in the spotlight and caring about the quality of her appearance. After carefully listening to Dee’s aesthetic goals, Sylvia devised a holistic plan to rejuvenate her entire face.
Dee’s Upper Face Fillers
Dee expressed her primary concern centred around her lower face, specifically the chin and jawline area. To address this, we implemented a strategic approach by initially targeting the upper half of her face, concentrating on the cheeks, temples, and lateral cheeks. Dr. Mountford refers to these areas as structural “coathangers” because they play a crucial role in providing the entire face with a smoothly contoured shape and mid-face lift, while also enhancing the lower face.
Dee’s Lower face fillers
The subsequent phase of Dee’s treatment was specifically focused on the chin and jawline to effectively reduce the visible signs of sagging and drooping caused by aging. This targeted approach resulted in a natural lift to both her lower face and upper neck, contributing to a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance.
Sylvia explains the reasons for this approach:
“A gradual loss of collagen and elastin can cause our skin to lose its firmness, resulting in creases and folds, particularly on the lower face. By injecting hyaluronic acid fillers strategically into this area, lost volume is restored, and a natural lift is generated.”
Immediate results
Using dermal fillers in both the upper and lower face, we achieved a balanced and harmonious result for Dee. Treating the entire face with fillers, rather than isolated areas, created a more natural look. Watch the video below to see Dee’s reaction as a first-time filler recipient and hear her thoughts on being a filler ‘first-timer.’
Fillers for a “First Timer” with Dee Anderson | The Cosmetic Skin Clinic
No pain, no downtime
We can achieve a balanced and natural look with minimal intervention and maximum impact. By treating the whole face with fillers instead of isolated areas, a harmonious and natural result was achieved. Dee was thrilled with the outcome, which provided a subtle yet transformative impact, leaving her feeling more confident.
Dee’s experience with dermal fillers showcased that minimal intervention could lead to maximum impact. The comfortable process at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic allowed her to leave with no bruising, swelling, or downtime, making it a favourable choice for individuals seeking subtle enhancements.
As a first-timer, Dee had her reservations. But the fantastic results and comfortable process made her shift her original thinking. Dee explained:
“Because I am a first-timer, I was a little apprehensive and nervous. I thought it would be really painful and uncomfortable, but it wasn’t! It was really easy, I hardly felt anything, and I’m absolutely thrilled. It has totally changed the way I feel. Already I can see a huge difference.”
The fact that she could leave the clinic with no bruising, swelling or downtime was a definite win for her:
“I was worried because I’m recording a television show in the morning, and I thought: ‘Oh my goodness, I hope I don’t bruise.’ But I can do it! And nobody would notice. They’ll just think I look amazing.”
Explaining the transformational impact of the treatment, she noted how the subtle filler tweak had a big result:
“Although it’s subtle, I’m looking now and thinking ‘Oh my, who is this young person?’ I feel more confident, and people are commenting saying: ‘you look fantastic!’ It’s been the most amazing experience and I would definitely have it again.”
“The art of really good aesthetic medicine in our opinion” is to perform “subtleties that have maximum impact,” and fillers will achieve this every time in experienced hands. When executed well, the results will always impress.
In summary
Dee Anderson’s first-time experience with dermal fillers highlights the positive impact of this treatment when performed by experienced professionals. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic’s approach to achieving optimal outcomes through incremental steps underscores the importance of subtlety in aesthetic medicine. Embracing dermal fillers can lead to beautifully enhanced and confident appearances, dispelling fears and misconceptions about this transformative procedure.
Find out more by booking a consultation with our experts or contact our London clinic or our Buckinghamshire clinic at 0330 057 5425.
