FAQ's

 

Answering your most commonly asked questions

 

FAQs – Fillers

What do Fillers contain?

Most fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) based, which is the body’s own natural skin plumper and so has an almost impossible risk of an allergic reaction. Thinner or less dense fillers are used for surface areas like lips and crow’s feet, and thicker ones are injected deeper, for example to plump cheeks.

How long will the results last?

The body reabsorbs HA lip fillers within around 6-9 months and HA facial fillers within around 9-12 months. The lasting effects are dependent on multiple factors, such as your age, metabolism, the amount of exercise you do regularly, the normal blood flow to the face and whether you smoke.

Other facial dermal fillers last longer because these areas are not as mobile as the mouth, and therefore fillers in these areas are not broken down quite so quickly. It is important to remember, everyone is different, and the lasting effect is not defined by the product.

What are the risks?

Whilst Emily has considerable injecting experience in administering filler treatments,  it is not something to take lightly.

Emily only uses the highest quality products and, is fully insured and qualified to carry out these procedures. Even though Emily is qualified to inject, advanced technique courses are undertaken regularly in order to keep her informed and up to date with the best possible practice. 

Reactions are incredibly rare as previously stated, and the products used are sterile gels that consist of cross linked, non-animal based hyaluronic acid, and have an exceptional safety profile; HA occurs naturally in your eye fluids, your joints and all over the human body and therefore it incredibly difficult to be allergic to it.

The HA products do contain Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic agent and therefore it is very important that you inform Emily if you suffer from any allergies. Emily Kerrison Aesthetics Limited only use temporary, non-permanent, HA fillers and does not advocate the use of permanent fillers. 

Will it hurt?

The discomfort you will experience is relatively minimal and will vary from person to person. We use a topical numbing cream for lips mainly and time is afforded for this to take effect before the procedure is carried out. Our filler products also contain a local anaesthetic agent known as lidocaine.

Nearly everyone seen for this procedure, say afterwards that they are  surprised at how remarkably pain-free it was. Emily is an expert with needles, incredibly gentle and will make sure the experience is as pleasant as possible for you.

Is there any downtime and what can I do to avoid this?

Filler injections can often make the lips swell up for a day or two, should not cause the same tell-tale swelling in other areas of the face. You may experience some bruising and although it cannot be guaranteed, there are also steps you can take to minimise this – this information can be found in our Filler Aftercare link.

FAQs – Anti Wrinkle Treatment

What are anti-wrinkle injections and how do they work?

Anti-wrinkle injections are used to create a fresher and more youthful appearance by temporarily relaxing the treated facial muscles on the forehead, vertically or horizontally in between the eyes, the crow’s feet or laughter lines around the eyes.

They can be used to correct a ‘gummy’ looking smile, on ‘bunny line’ wrinkles either side of the nose, in the chin to correct a dimpled appearance, in the Masseter muscles to slim the face.

It can even help with teeth grinding and in the platysmal bands (in the neck). This is also known as the ‘neck lift’.

Who performs the injections?

Anti-wrinkle injection procedures are safe, not painful and are quick to perform. 

They are considered medical techniques and therefore should be administered by a qualified and experienced medical professional. Emily is an experienced, qualified registered Nurse, so you can be sure of a highly professional and safe service.

What does the treatment entail?

There is an initial detailed consultation with Emily, who will listen to your concern and establish what effect you are trying to achieve. Emily will then perform a full facial assessment.

During this assessment, you will be asked to move the relevant areas of your face to ascertain facial expressions at rest and on movement. Emily will note any natural asymmetry and take photographs for your own private record portal. As every patient is different and not everyone wishes to achieve the same result, a treatment plan will be determined by Emily, based on individual requirements.

The necessary number of injections will depend on the areas to be treated, and each combined consultation and treatment lasts approximately 30 minutes.

How long until it starts working?

The response to the injections is not immediate, and it will usually take several days for the muscles to respond, with efficacy peaking at around 2-3 weeks. The effects are temporary and place the muscles into hibernation for approximately 3-4 months, depending on the area you wish to treat and how many times you have had it previously.

How long does the effect last for?

The effects are temporary and place the muscles into hibernation for approximately 3-4 months, depending on the area you wish to treat and how many times you have had it previously.

After this time repeat anti-wrinkle injections will be required to maintain its skin smoothing effects. Patients often report that indeed the effects last longer, after their first or second repeated treatments. Continued use can have a preventative effect. It is possible to develop a resistance to anti-wrinkle products, but this is extremely uncommon.

Will the injections only work for certain age ranges?

Whilst it is true that the more elasticity the skin has, the better the treatment will work, anti-wrinkle treatment can be utilised to smooth wrinkles in individuals from around 20 to 65 years of age.

It works best in patients who have lines caused by muscle pull, and preferably before the lines have become too deep and are there at rest, as opposed to wrinkles caused largely by the excess loose skin and or sun damage.

An individual consultation is the best way of ascertaining whether the treatment is suitable and beneficial for you.

Are anti-wrinkle injections the same as 'fillers'?

The short answer is no. Anti-wrinkle injections are injected into the muscle causing temporary paralysis of these muscles. Fillers are not as effective as anti-wrinkle injections in treating wrinkles in the upper third of the face but are used to improve volume loss, plump out the skin and enhance features naturally in the lower part of the face.

FAQs – AQUALYX®

What is Aqualyx ® and what is it used for?

Aqualyx ® is a minimally invasive fat dissolving treatment and is an alternative less invasive treatment than liposuction.

Aqualyx is a formulated compound solution and is injected into the targeted areas. The solution attaches to the fatty deposit and helps to break them down. The fat is then naturally excreted from the body over a period of 4 weeks.

Who is the treatment suitable for?

This treatment is suitable for patients who do not want the more invasive liposuction or laser lipo treatments, who do not have large amounts of fat to remove and who are over 18 years and under 60 years of age.

The treatment is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women or those with a pathological condition.

Is the treatment suitable for patients as a weight loss method?

No, Aqualyx ® and Aqualysis are aimed at reducing stubborn pockets of fat.

What are the side effects?

Minimal side effects have been reported globally since its introduction, but patients can expect a little skin irritation, bruising and oedema/swelling, which will ease after a few days.

What can I expect from having this treatment and how often will I need to have this treatment to see a result?

Timing of appointments will differ from patient to patient according to the area to be treated. Patients will generally need between 2-8 treatments, 4 weeks apart. Smaller areas often need fewer sessions than larger areas. Some patients may see results after 1 or 2 sessions. 

It is important to understand that results are not guaranteed and patients who do not see any improvement after their second session are not suitable for further treatments. Patient satisfaction is around 95%, but not all patients see substantial results. 

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment may feel slightly uncomfortable however, the solution is mixed with lidocaine, a local anaesthetic in order to help keep discomfort to a minimum.

FAQs – Gummy Smile Treatment

What does the 'Gummy Smile' Treatment do?

This treatment is quick, safe and effective and is used to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. Relaxing the muscle that runs along the side of the nose and finishes on the skin of lip, reduces the amount of gum that is shown when you smile.

This treatment can help to restore the natural proportions of your teeth and improve the look of a gummy smile. With this type of treatment, it depends on how much excess gum is showing as to the overall results achieved.

How does the 'Gummy Smile' Treatment work?

A small amount of Azzalure® will be injected at both sides of the junction of nostril and nose to mouth fold to weaken the muscles. Within the next 3-4 days, elevation of the upper lip will gradually become less, and your smile is transformed. Less gum will be seen with the full result being achieved two weeks after the treatment.

FAQs – Microsclerotherapy

Pre-Treatment Instructions:
  • Do not use self-tanning products for at least 2 weeks prior your session
  • Avoid sun exposure or sun beds to your legs I week prior your session
  • Avoid taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen for one week prior to your sclerotherapy session. If you are taking oral steroids, it is recommended to be discontinued two days before your sclerotherapy session.
  • Report any medication allergies to your medical practitioner prior to your sclerotherapy session.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, call the clinic
The day of your treatment:
  • Avoid using moisturiser or oil on your legs.
  • Do not shave your legs 24 hour prior to your session.
  • Remember to bring your compression stockings to your sclerotherapy session.
  • You may prefer to wear trousers as they will conceal the compression stockings.
  • Please wear flat or comfortable shoes so that you may walk comfortably after the procedure.
Post-Treatment Instructions:
  • After the sclerotherapy you will need to walk for 20 minutes. You will then be able to drive yourself home. You may resume your regular activities with the exception of running, jumping, swimming, weight lifting and strenuous activities for two weeks.
  • You will be instructed to wear your thigh high compression stockings continuously for a minimum of two more weeks during waking hours or as indicated by physician. During these 2 weeks you can remove your stockings at bedtime, but you will need to put the stockings back on while in bed Produced by Dr. Arturo Almeida before you get up for the day. Wear compression stockings: for 7 days continuously, then for 7 days during waking hours.
  • Avoid aspirin or Ibuprofen for 2 days following your sclerotherapy session. Thereafter, you may resume them.
  • Do not take hot baths or sit in a spa or sauna for 2 weeks following a sclerotherapy session. Showers are fine, but the water should be cooler than usual. The injection sites may be washed with a mild soap and towel dry. Showers are best taken in the evenings before bedtime since dilation of the superficial veins can occur after showering. A lying-down position while in bed is least likely to cause pooling of blood in the leg veins.
  • You are encouraged to walk a mile a day and to avoid excessive standing while motionless. Options to walking include cycling and light aerobics. You may flex and point your toes 10 times or so every 5 minutes while sitting to circulate blood through your legs by exercising your calf muscle venous pump.
  • Certain tissue changes may be experienced after sclerotherapy. Injected veins may become lumpy and hard for several months, but usually soften and resolve with time. Several injections are usually needed to shut down the tortuous, more significant, varicose veins. Bruising may occur around the injection site and can last days or weeks.
  • If you experience any signs or symptoms which are worrisome to you, you should contact the clinic. Side effects that are worrisome include fever and chills, expanding redness or swelling at injection site, formation of skin ulcers at injection site, and increasing pain localising to a varicose vein segment. While deep vein thrombosis is uncommon following sclerotherapy, the development of selling or tissue edema in the leg should prompt you to contact us immediately.

FAQs – Rhinoplasty

What treatment do we offer for liquid rhinoplasty?

We inject a reversible hyaluronic acid dermal filler above the dorsal hump to fill above a bump to give the illusion of a straight nose, and sometimes under the columella (the base of the nose) to lift. We can also inject in and around the cartilage deformities of the nose, as appropriate to the individual patient and their individual needs. The overall effect is a smoother, stream-lined and smaller looking nose.

The nose never, ever looks bigger, and we are often asked this question. We never make the nose look larger, and indeed the contrary is true as a straight, smooth nose always looks smaller. However, we cannot do any work to the width of the tip of the nose. We can lift it slightly and sometimes add definition, to make it appear narrower.

What is the down time? Is it the same as surgery?

There is little to no downtime. It is very different to surgery. Immediately after the treatment, the nose is shiny and a little red, which is to be expected when there are needles involved. This settles within a couple of hours, and you can apply makeup safely after only an hour. It is highly unlikely anyone will be able to tell you have had work done. 

How long does the procedure take and how long does it last?

The injecting procedure itself takes only 15 minutes or so. The filler lasts approximately 12-18 months, although it varies according to the individual. 

Can you explain the procedure process for me?

Although it is compulsory and good medical practice to have a consultation for safety reasons, we are happy to perform consultations on the same day as the procedure, However, you are under no obligation to have treatment. The entire appointment is only about 30 minutes long.

Does it hurt and/or bruise?

Every patient is different, and most patients say the discomfort is minimal and barely noticeable. Bruising is not impossible, but only a small percentage of patients suffer from this because of the treatment. Most commonly, puffiness and tenderness is experienced for a couple of days. 

What are the possible side effects of this treatment?

You may experience minor lumpiness or bruising. The injections can be localised and temporary swelling and inflammation for a couple of days, the area is sensitive. 

FAQs – PRP (Protein Rich Plasma)

What is prp (protein rich plasma) and what are the applications of prp in aesthetic medicine?

The use of growth factors in aesthetic medicine, thanks to an injection technique, can cause an attenuation of wrinkles and an increase the thickness and brightness of the skin, making it appear younger and firmer, ensuring a genuinely natural revitalisation.

This treatment is particularly suitable for the rejuvenation of the face, hands, neck and chest, but can be used on many parts of the body.

What should be expected after treatment?

After treatment, you can immediately return to normal daily work and social activities. After each session, for a few days there is a slight swelling of the skin with a mild lifting effect. The results start to become visible after about 24 hours and will be progressively better after each successive treatment session.

The number of sessions varies from patient to patient and depends on the degree of skin aging. It is usually advised to undergo three sessions in the first year, with a space of at least a month between each one and after two sessions annually in order to maintain the desired effect. 

Are there any side effects to this treatment?

The platelet gel obtained is autologous, meaning that it derives from the patient and there is therefore no possibility of an allergic reaction or rejection. The treatment in fact consists of a shift of platelets to an area of the body that requires their activation, but where the body has not delivered the message. Furthermore, at no point of the treatment does the blood meet the external environment, making it impossible for any contamination with microorganisms or any toxic or dangerous substances. 

This procedure is not advised for any patient with an infectious disease, or a condition related to the immune system.

What is PRP (protein rich plasma) hair loss treatment?

PRP (Protein Rich Plasma) treatment for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment, where a person’s blood is drawn from a vein, processed, and then injected into the scalp.

Thinning hair and pattern balding can affect both men and women.

The PRP injections are designed to trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. This approach is sometimes combined with a prescribed medication of Pluryal Mesoline Hair or Antiox, formulas known to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles. These unique vegetal stem cell boosters activate hair growth, while vitamins, amino acids and hyaluronic acid improves the quality of the hair.

What does the treatment involve

Your blood in extracted, usually from the arm, and placed into a centrifuge (a machine that spins the blood extremely fast to separate its components, protein rich plasma and red blood cells).

The protein rich plasma is extracted into a syringe and injected into the targeted areas of the scalp using an intradermal injector.

Is the treatment painful?

Patients undergoing this treatment may experience mild pain at the injection site, scalp tenderness and swelling.

Are there any side effects?

Some patients may experience mild pain at the injection site, tenderness of the scalp, swelling, itching, temporary bleeding at the injection site and headache. 

How long does the procedure take?

Each session may take between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete.

How many treatments are needed?

Three treatments are required, 4-6 weeks apart, with a maintenance treatment being required every 6 months.

When can I expect to see that the treatment is working?

It may take between 3-5 months before you start noticing an improvement.  This varies from person to person, and if you have less hair loss, you may notice an early improvement.

FAQs – Red Vein Removal by ThermaVein®

What is ThermaVein® Treatment?

ThermaVein® offers the instant, safe and permanent treatment for red veins often referred to as thread veins or spider veins and medically referred to as “telangiectasia”. ThermaVein® is also used to treat milia (white spots), warts, veruccas, cherry angiomas or campbell de morgan spots.

ThermaVein® delivers a fast and effective walk-in walk-out total solution for the treatment of red veins and vascular blemishes.

Red veins are cosmetically unsightly and are too fine to be treated in the same way as larger veins. Our ThermaVein® thermo-coagulation device offers a complete solution, is a totally safe treatment, is clinically proven and is permanent. ThermaVein® cannot cause loss of pigmentation.

Can Thermavein® treat green or blue veins?

No, it is not recommended.

Is there any additional aftercare required?

No aftercare is required. A cooling gel will be applied straight after the treatment. Patients will experience localised redness in the treatment site, but this will subside within a few hours. There may be a red line where the treated vein was; this is most common in lower limbs. The redness is the vein wall being reabsorbed, and this may remain for a few days, but can be longer. There is the potential for small amount of crusting within 48-72 hours, this is normal and requires no additional aftercare. No bandages or additional precautions are necessary.

Skin tags will turn black around 24 hours post treatment. Warts and veruccas will likely become dry and crusty.

Patients may experience a small amount of swelling which should subside without issue.

Can the treated veins resurface?

No, once a successful treatment has been completed the treated vein cannot resurface as it will cease to exist. However, if a patient is prone to the condition, then other veins may appear in similar areas but never the same vein.

What happens to the veins after treatment?

The sealed vein wall will be naturally absorbed by the body.

How many treatments are needed?

Three treatments are required, 4-6 weeks apart, with a maintenance treatment being required every 6 months.

Will there be any bleeding?

Occasionally a small amount of bleeding is normal and a small amount of pressure applied to the area will cause it to subside.

How long does a treatment take?

A typical treatment should take no more than 15 minutes, immediately after this time the patient will see a significant improvement in their condition if not total eradication.

How many treatments will I require?

Many patients can be treated in just one session, depending on the extent of the condition. It would be unusual for a patient to require more than 3 sessions as the treatment is very effective.

What is the timeframe between treatments?

A minimum of 28 days between sessions, with 6 weeks being the optimum timeframe.

How long before the patient sees results?

Treatment of veins is instant; patients will see them disappear as they are treated.

For skin tags, warts and veruccas, these should break away anytime up to 2 weeks post treatment.

Will veins come back?

Once successfully treated – no. There is a wide range of underlying causes to the condition which may lead to new areas developing. If this happens a top up treatment will clear the condition. If there are concerns of recurrence, we generally advise a review with the patient 4-6 weeks after the treatment if possible.

Are there any known side effects?

Unlike with other treatments, there are no known side effects. The patient suffers no bruising, scarring or similar and there is no downtime.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients liken the sensation to a little pinching or hair being plucked or lower in terms of tolerance. When treating sensitive areas such as intranasal, there may be some eye watering.

How long is the recovery period?

ThermaVein® uses a very different technique and there is no downtime at all. Patients are able to walk out of the treatment and back into their lives unaffected.

Who can't have this treatment?

ThermaVein® contraindicates treatments in patients who: 

  • Are pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Epileptic
  • Suffer from infectious skin conditions
  • Have a pacemaker
  • Have fake tan product on the skin
What areas can be treated?

ThermaVein® can be used on any area of the body.

Can all skin complexions be treated?

Yes, the unit is safe to use on all skin types, but if any concerns are identified, a discreet patch test will be carried out first.

Will my skin burn?

This is a precision treatment, and we only target the vein and not the surrounding area which means there is no burning of the skin.