INJECTABLES, EXPLAINED

WHAT ARE FILLERS?

They’re made of hyaluronic acid – yes, the same ingredient found in skincare and a substance that naturally ocurs in the skin. Once injected, the filler attracts water molecules, hydrating the surrounding tissue. The effects last for 12 to 18 months. Other types of filler exist, but, as they’re not reversible and can’t be dissolved in the event of complications, they’re less popular.

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s the same toxin that causes a lifethreatening type of food poisoning called botulism, which leads to paralysis. But cosmetic doctors use it in small doses to temporarily relax muscle movement in the face. The treatment takes around two minutes and the effects last for around three months.

HOW DO YOU FIND THE RIGHT PRACTITIONER?

Make sure you’re seeing a medically qualified registered professional – these include doctors, dentists and nurse prescribers. You can check their credentials at saveface.co.uk. Look at before and after photos to see if the results and style of injection are aligned with what you want, and seek recommendations from other patients. ‘You want to see someone who hasn’t lost their aesthetic eye,’ adds Dr Mahto.

‘If the doctor themselves looks like they’ve had too much work, then I would steer clear.’