HA is a natural gel-like substance with high concentrations found in the eyes, joints and skin. 

HA fills the gaps between the collagen and elastin fibres which contour the face.

It acts as a cushion against damage (knocks, environmental damage, pollution etc), provides nutrients to our cells,  and attracts and binds to water so plumping the skin.  HA is broken down quickly by the body, and as we age, it is replaced more slowly leading to an overall deficit. This causes facial sagging, shadows, wrinkles and folds. 

When injected into the appropriate skin layer, HA fillers act either to smooth (i.e. replace lost volume), or to contour an area where bone density has been lost over time e.g. cheeks/jawline. The type and amount of HA filler used will be selected specifically for you, so will vary significantly between individuals.

Is HA Filler treatment safe?

Yes, they are relatively safe when administered by a registered healthcare professional with appropriate aesthetic training, though these treatments do come with risks. You should expect some minor side effects e.g.  bruising, redness and inflammation (swelling) during and/or immediately after treatment. These usually settle within hours, or a couple of days, though some bruises may take up to a couple of weeks.

Complications 

include varying severities of allergic reactions. These may be immediate (anaphylaxis-the most severe, which is rare) or less severe allergic signs may present over the following hours or days. 

Additional later complications include (but are not limited to) infections; allergies including lumps, and very rarely blocked vessels which if ignored may lead to scarring. These rarer complications are discussed in detail in your consultation, so you can decide if you would like to proceed.

Follow up and continued communication with us is essential, so we can give appropriate action and advise to manage the issue e.g. antibiotics;  anti-inflammatory medication or steroids, or even reversal if indicated. 

You must follow ALL advice given by your practitioner to minimise some risks occurring, and you should ALWAYS protect your face from UV damage (not only when the sun shines but everyday) by applying sun protection factors (SPF) of 30 or 50. Remember: your lips are sensitive and particularly susceptible to inflammation after lip enhancement, so care and advise with holidays must be heeded.

What happens during HA Filler treatment?

Before treatment:

A detailed consultation with your prescribing healthcare professional will ensure you are suitable for treatment. A facial examination and treatment options are discussed, along with the ageing process/conditions relevant to your own situation. This enables us to identify the most appropriate treatment for YOUR own unique circumstances, requirements and budgetary constraints. Consideration of existing medications, allergies and medical conditions is essential with full medical consent obtained, after discussing all risks and benefits of treatment. An appointment date will be given, or treatment administered.

On treatment day:

Your skin may be cosmetically cleansed (to remove makeup) and medically cleansed (for infection minimisation) prior to treatment. A topical anaesthetic cream may be applied and your facial markings done. A needle, cannula or combination of both instruments are used to administer  treatment as safely as possible, with only minimal or no discomfort usually reported.

After treatment:

An aftercare cream and advice is given and a review appointment given. This enables Beau Toxskin Ltd to consider the effects of, and your satisfaction with, your HA Filler treatment. This review is included in your treatment cost, but if additional HA Fillers are required, they will incur an appropriate additional charge (see our prices).

How long does HA Filler treatment take to do?

The treatment may take up to an hour to administer (including time for the topical anaesthetic cream to work), and you are able to return to work/your usual activities immediately after treatment (including driving). Some people prefer to try a small treatment and then embark upon 'a journey' over time to obtain the desired outcome. To maintain the look, treatment should be maintained in accordance with the ongoing natural ageing process. 

Does HA Filler treatment hurt?

There is usually minimal discomfort associated with this treatment. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied prior to treatment (where suitable) Lidocaine (local anaesthetic) is also mixed in with the filler itself, so with a numbing effect as treatment progresses. If you are allergic to lidocaine, it is important you discuss this during your consultation. Post procedure advise is given regarding management of any discomfort you may have, along with advise for when and how contact us for further help, review or information.

How long does HA Filler treatment last?

Only researched, approved, temporary and reversible HA Filler products are used by Beau Toxskin Ltd. The effects of treatment are immediately seen though maximum effects are seen 5-14 days post injection, when the HA Filler is integrated well with your tissues and swelling  resolved. It is important that you maintain good hydration levels after treatment. The average duration of products used is between 3-4 months or 6-15 months (depending on individual circumstance and lifestyle choices, as well as the type of filler used). The duration of treatment you can expect will be discussed at your consultation once a specific treatment plan and product suitable to you has been identified.

What should I avoid before and after HA Filler treatment?

Alcohol should be avoided prior to and immediately after treatment. 

Certain blood thinning medications should be avoided if possible but the relevance of this will be discussed in your consultation and appropriate advice given for your particular circumstances. Those wearing makeup, will have it removed prior to treatment, and it is preferable to avoid reapplication for a few hours post treatment to reduce the risk of infection after injections. If reapplication is essential, please ensure you have a new (unused) mineral makeup and clean brush with you. Detailed advice specific to your case will be discussed in your consultation.

How often can I have HA Filler treatment?

This treatment is not permanent so the effects wear off, while the ageing process also continues. Treatments in the same area, can be added to  after a couple of weeks if indicated.

Can everyone have HA Filler treatment?

HA Filler treatment is a relatively safe treatment in the right practitioner hands, but is not suitable for everyone.

HA Filler Treatment should be avoided if you:

• Have an allergy to the product or its parts or to lidocaine (These should be disclosed confidentially with your practitioner at consultation as more suitable alternative treatments may be available); or you have a history of multiple severe allergies
  
• are pregnant or breastfeeding;
  
• you have had a previous allergic reaction to HA Fillers  

Caution is required

• in those with blood clotting disorders such as Haemophilia and Von Willebrand’s Disease; those requiring anti-coagulation therapy e.g. heparin, warfarin, aspirin;
  
• if using natural blood thinners e.g. Gingko Balboa, St John’s Wort and Vitamin E, garlic.
  
• if you have an active infection at the time treatment was expected (treatment can be rescheduled)
• if you have an uncontrolled systemic condition
• if you are immunosuppressed

Please note: Beau Toxskin Ltd does not provide aesthetic BTA treatment to those under the age of 21 years so photographic proof of age may be required prior to accepting you for treatment.