FAQs

Please see our most commonly asked questions below

What kind of results can be achieved?

Filler in the nasolabial folds will help to smoothen out the lines between the nose and the mouth. These lines can appear ageing and give people a sad appearance. With ageing, we start losing fat from our face. One of the first places to go is the malar fat pad in our cheeks. The fat gives volume to our cheeks and holds them up. As the cheek lose volume and sag, it can cause the smile lines from your nose to your mouth to become more pronounced. It also makes the tear trough line under your eye more pronounced. We also start losing collagen which gives our skin firmness and elasticity. This leads to easier formation of wrinkles and folds. We often use a combination of cheek and nasolabial fillers to give the best results. If you have good cheek volume then a direct approach in the nasolabial fold is sufficient. We do not recommend erasing this line completely as it can give an artificial look that may make your mouth area appear too full (think Simpsons cartoon). Erasing the line completely will also affect how your face moves so we do not recommend it. The main aim is to soften the line and slow down the ageing process by providing structural support under the crease so it does not get deep as rapidly as it otherwise would.

Who is this treatment suitable and not suitable for?

This treatment is best for mild to moderate nasolabial folds. If you have very heavy folds then you will get a very subtle result. In that case we recommend you do some skin tightening treatments with machine based treatments first. 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, filler in the nose to mouth lines will last for 6-12 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.

What is the recovery/downtime?

The recovery and downtime for this treatment is minimal. Most people can go to work and social events the same day. 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 advise you not to wear makeup for the first 4 hours and avoid intense exercise for the first 5 days. Please see the aftercare 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. 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 of it. 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?

There is very minimal pain for filler in nose to mouth lines. 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

The appointment is 30 minutes long but the treatment itself takes 10-15 mins. If you have filler in multiple areas, the appointment will be longer. 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. 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 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 this treatment immediately. You may have some mild swelling but this will subside within 2 weeks. You can attend events the same day but must follow the aftercare rules.

How is it done?

We initially undertake a thorough assessment of your whole face to see if the treatment is suitable for you and explain the extent of the results that are possible. We then disinfect the area and mark out the areas for injection. There are two techniques we use depending on each patient. We usually use a cannula which is a blunt tip instrument that looks like a needle. It is inserted through a hole created by a needle near the corner of the mouth so there is just one entry point. As it is blunt there is minimal bruising or swelling and it is also much safer for patients as there is lower risk of filler entering a blood vessel. If the line is very superficial with not much volume loss, we undertake a ‘fern’ technique which uses a very fine filler injected superficially just under the skin. This gives better results than the cannula technique.

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, or if for whatever reason you are not happy with the result. This gives fillers a significant advantage over surgery as they are not permanent. However, this does not mean you should get fillers just to try them out as dissolving them 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 to accept 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, 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. 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; prescriptions 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?

Most patients require 1 ml but some may require 2 mls.

Which fillers do you use?

We use all the premium brands available. We use a mixture of Teoxane, Stylage, Juvederm, Restylane and Aliaxin depending on the patient and their individual need. 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 medication used to treat persistent or cystic acne 5 days before your treatment. This will minimise pain and bruising. However, you do not need to stop if you have been using these for a long time and your skin is likely to flare up without them. If you are on prescription-grade cream to promote skin renewal and reduce breakouts, 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.

3. Laser treatments for the face, microneedling and chemical peels must be avoided 1 week before and after the treatment.

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. Taking 1 g of Paracetamol (2 tablets) 30 mins - 1 hour before your appointment is advisable 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.