FAQs

Please see our most commonly asked questions below

What kind of results can be achieved?

Although the results from full face rejuvenation are transformative, we still want patients to look like themselves. People often comment they look like an enhanced version of themselves and nobody has noticed what they have had done but have commented they look good. Every clinic has a different philosophy and at No Filter Clinic we focus on enhancing what you have and working with your anatomy. We don’t believe in making people unrecognisable.

Who is this treatment suitable and not suitable for?

This treatment is brilliant for anyone who is considering treatments in multiple areas of the face or if you feel unsure about what exactly you need and would be open to a whole face approach. This treatment may not be suitable for patients with severe volume loss or significant loss of skin elasticity as the filler may not sit well. This treatment may be coined non surgical face lift but if there is excess skin then it is usually best to get surgery. If you are carrying a lot of excess weight on your face then it may not be suitable for you to get filler as it may make your face appear larger which is not desirable. It is best to come for a consultation to discuss further. If you have a history of anaphylaxis or allergy to wasp stings, fillers may not be suitable for you. This is because you are likely to be allergic to the filler dissolving enzyme. We always have to ensure we are able to dissolve the filler in an emergency (see below for risks and side effects).

How long does it last?

On average, structural areas such as cheeks, jawline, chin, temples and noses last for 12-18 months. Lips and nose to mouth lines last 6-12 months. Tear trough filler is somewhere in between at 9-12 months. However, this is an average time and for some people, the filler may dissolve more quickly because of their metabolism and for some people it may last longer. We find that with subsequent treatments, the results often last longer. After the first 2 sessions, you may find you do not need to come back for a couple of years. Please remember, most people need lower amounts of filler in subsequent sessions.

What is the recovery/downtime?

The results from this treatment can be seen instantly and there is always some swelling and bruising initially. Lips, chins and temples have the most downtime and swelling can take 2-3 weeks to fully subside. The other areas settle in a few days. It is also normal to have subtle bumps and irregularities when you first get fillers done, most of this is swelling and will resolve. We do not recommend massage after fillers as it will make the swelling worse and you may flatten out the result and potentially cause migration. It is normal for your face to feel tight and restricted. Please give it 2-3 weeks to settle. We advise you not to wear makeup for the first 4 hours and avoid intense exercise for the first 5 days. Please see the after care section for more details.

What are the side effects and risks?

Like all medical treatments, there are side effects and risks. Swelling and bruising are to be expected, as is some discomfort. The swelling can be significant for a small number of people and it can take up to 3 weeks for full healing. If your face was assymetrical to begin with, it can be difficult to achieve perfect symmetry. It is also normal to have subtle bumps and irregularities when you first get fillers done: most of this is swelling and will resolve. It is important to follow the aftercare to minimise migration risk and ensure the results last as long as possible. If you have a history of cold sores, any needles to the face can trigger a breakout, so please inform us in advance if you have had any cold sores in the past year.

There is a very small risk of filler entering a blood vessel and blocking off the blood supply to the skin. This is called a vascular occlusion. As a medical clinic, we have all the equipment and enzymes available to reverse this and dissolve the filler. It is a condition that either happens during the appointment or in the first 48 hours after. We give extensive aftercare advice and are available to get in touch within this period to dissolve it. We have also reviewed every single treatment we carry out in clinic to modify the techniques to minimise the risk.

How painful is the treatment?

Numbing cream is not always needed (apart from lip fillers and Profhilo) as the fillers have local anaesthetic within them. However, if you are apprehensive about pain or have a low threshold to pain, please ensure you take 1g of Paracetamol 1 hour before the procedure and inform the clinician so we can use numbing cream.

Duration

Full face balancing takes around 60 mins and we normally recommend you book two consultation appointments for this. At No Filter Clinic we take our time assessing patients thoroughly, both at rest and with facial expressions so we can ensure the results integrate seamlessly with your features and your muscle movements. Our priority is to also ensure the treatment is safe and carried out to the highest standard.

No. of sessions

We are usually able to achieve the desired result in one session but we sometimes recommend patients split it into two. We never like to inject more than what we think is suitable for your face and anatomy as this leads to a risk of it looking fake or migrating to other areas as there is only so much the skin can stretch. If you need further volume in one specific area we normally recommend you come back after 1 month for a second treatment.

How will I look straight after?

You will be able to see the results of the filler immediately. It can sometimes look a little bit more than the final result due to swelling. This will subside within 2 weeks. Most people who get full face balancing treatment are able to work and socialise after a few hours when the redness has settled. Lips take a longer time to settle so we recommend you avoid any special occasions within a week of treatment.

How is it done?

We initially undertake a thorough assessment of your whole face to see if it is suitable for you and explain the extent of the result you are likely to achieve. We then disinfect the area and mark out the areas for treatment. We use different types and densities of filler depending on the areas being treated. We use either a needle or cannula to inject the filler depending on which achieves the best and safest result. When injected with the needle it has to sit on the bone. A cannula is a blunt tip instrument that looks like a needle but is not; it causes less bruising and swelling. It is inserted through a hole created by a needle. Often we use a combination of both. At No Filter Clinic we believe in building up results slowly as the difference of a few millimetres can change the final look. So there may be numerous needle entry points but the discomfort is very manageable as the filler has local anaesthetic within it which numbs the area.

Can it be reversed?

At No Filter Clinic London we only use fully reversible fillers. This is because they are safer than permanent fillers and we can dissolve them in the case of an emergency and if for whatever reason you are not happy with the result. This gives fillers a significant advantage over surgery as they are not permanent. This does not mean you should get fillers just to try them out as the dissolving is not a simple procedure. You should only get fillers done if you have researched them thoroughly, feel comfortable getting the procedure done and are happy accepting the small risks and side effects which are all manageable. If you have a history of anaphylaxis or allergy to wasp stings, fillers may not be suitable for you. This is because you are likely to be allergic to the filler dissolving enzyme (Hyaluronidase). We always have to ensure we are able to dissolve the filler in an emergency (see risks and side effects).

What is the aftercare?

We send a thorough aftercare email to all our patients but please find a summary below.

What to do after treatment

Get some Arnica tablets from any pharmacy as this helps with bruising and swelling. Please do not wear make-up for 4 hours after treatment. In the evening of the treatment, you may gently wash your face and use your regular wash and lotions. Please skip any retinols or acids for the first night. Remain upright either sitting or standing for as long as possible and sleep with 3 pillows at night whilst there is swelling and oedema present. Do not sleep with pressure on the face and try to sleep on your back for 1 week.

If you are uncomfortable with the swelling, please take Loratadine/Cetirizine (normally used for hayfever) to help decrease this. If there is excessive swelling you may contact the clinic to obtain a prescription for steroids to help resolve your inflammation more quickly; prescription drugs are not appropriate if the degree is swelling is within normal parameters. Aside from this, there is, unfortunately, no quicker way to resolve swelling as it is a normal bodily reaction to trauma. Wash your face very carefully, applying no pressure to areas treated for 4 weeks.

What NOT to do after treatment

- No strenuous exercise or gardening for at least 1 week.
- Do not massage the area treated for the first 4 weeks following treatment.
- No facials or waxing for the first 2 weeks.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication for 24 hours after treatment as this may increase bruising. You may take paracetamol or codeine if you are uncomfortable.
- Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours after receiving treatment. This increases the risk of bruising.
- Do not have a sauna, hot tub or go in a tanning booth for 2 weeks after treatment.
- Do not have radiofrequency, IPL, laser or any other heat treatments near the treated area for 2 weeks.

How many mls do I need?

This will vary from patient to patient depending on how much volume needs to be added. You will be advised in your consultation of how much filler will need to be applied to help you reach your desired result.

Which fillers do you use?

We use all the premium brands available. We use a mixture of Teoxane, Stylage, Restylane and Juvederm depending on the patient and their individual needs. We only ever used hyaluronic acid-based fillers as they are fully reversible. This is essential for your safety.

How do I prepare before the appt?

Before your Appointment

1. Please stop using topical Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acids, Salicylic Acid and Tretinoin 5 days before your treatment. This will minimise pain and bruising. However, if you have been using these for a long time and your skin is likely to flare up without them, you do not need to stop them. If you are on Roaccutane, please get in touch before your appointment so we can discuss it and give individual advice.

2. Please stop using any Vitamin E supplements and Ibuprofen/Neurofen 5 days before your treatment. Please do not stop using any Aspirin (or any other medication) prescribed by your GP.

4. Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours before and after the procedure.

5. Make sure you eat something before your appointment and are well hydrated. This prevents feeling lightheaded during the procedure.

6. It is advisable to take 1 g of Paracetamol (2 tablets) 30 mins - 1 hour before your appointment as it will significantly reduce any discomfort during the procedure.

7. Please attend the appointment alone. There is limited space in the clinic and anybody with you will be asked to wait outside the building.

8. Please come to the appointment with makeup removed and minimal jewellery.

9. Please note, we are not able to carry out any Dermal Filler treatments if you are due to fly in the next 3 days. This is because of the small risk of vascular occlusion in the first 48 hours. Wrinkle relaxing injections, Profhilo and Aqualyx are fine.

How does the pricing work?

There are different pricing structures. Please see price list for more information.