While skincare can go a long way in boosting radiance or treating a breakout, no cream can match the potent plumping powers of cosmetic injections. The most transformative of non-invasive treatments, injectables like Botox and fillers are doing what a serum simply can’t; getting underneath the skin’s surface to turn years back on your face.
Few know this better than Mallucci London’s team of aesthetic experts, each specialising in the full spectrum of injectables and facial rejuvenation. This includes our Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Jana Vogt, who has fast become the go-to expert in London for youthful-looking skin.
Here, she delivers your everything guide to cosmetic injectables, helping you understand what treatment is best for you, how to look after your skin post-needle, and how long results will last…
1. I’m considering cosmetic injections. Where do I start?
“You should always start with a consultation. This is a chance to discuss personal concerns, consider professional assessment and get recommendations that are bespoke to you.
“To improve wrinkles in the forehead or eye area, we usually recommend Botox, with optional filler to enhance cheeks, lips or the jawline. Those wanting to tackle Nasolabial / Marionette lines (lines that form from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth) may also prefer filler, as will anyone with dark circles. Here, we inject it into the lower eyelids to correct the tear trough. Meanwhile, for anyone with depleting collagen and elastin levels, we usually suggest a skin booster, Profhilo. It’s a good starter treatment that will have a lifting effect on the mid and lower face.”
2. Botox vs. fillers vs. Profhilo: Which injectable is right for me?
“Botox is a Neuromodulator, which means it alters the ability of your muscles to contract, so you won’t be able to crease the skin on your forehead, around your eyes or between your eyebrows too much. By injecting it in small doses, it not only prevents the formation of wrinkles, but also helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines. For an ultra-natural-looking effect, we also offer Baby Botox. Here, we reduce the dose even further for the subtlest finish.
“Meanwhile, fillers (such as Juvederm) are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally-occurring, water-binding molecule that deeply hydrates your skin, and plumps up wrinkles and fine lines. Unlike Botox, fillers won’t have any effect on the movement of your muscles, but can instead give definition to cheekbones, lips or jaw lines.
“Profhilo is an ultra pure hyaluronic acid injectable. In fact, it contains one of the highest concentrations of hydrating hyaluronic. However, what sets it apart from fillers is that it’s used to improve the overall skin, rather than being administered in targeted areas to sculpt and define.
“We would use Profhilo to boost collagen and elastin levels in your skin, therefore improving texture, reducing crepey skin and creating a tightening effect. This is perfect for the mid-lower face, neck, décolletage, and even areas of the body, like the upper arms, hands or knees. We recommend Profhilo for everyone over 30, as that is when our natural collagen and elastin production slows down significantly.”
3. Are fillers and Botox safe?
“Yes, but it’s really important to have your treatment carried out by someone who is experienced and well trained, respecting anatomy and individual sensitivity. At Mallucci London we only have doctors administering injectables. Complications can include asymmetry, droopy eyebrows or heavy eyelids which is usually due to too much Botox. Therefore, we inject safe, low doses and top up in follow-up appointments if needed. We do not recommend Botox or fillers if you are pregnant or breast feeding.”
4. What do I do before injections?
One week before
“Avoid blood thinning medications, like Aspirin and Ibuprofen. You also shouldn’t take supplements during this time, such as Multivitamins, St. John’s Wort, Gingko Bilboa, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E.”
Two days before
“Steer away from active topicals, including Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, or any ‘anti-ageing’ products. Instead, use simpler, gentler cleansers and creams that won’t irritate your skin. You should also avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, laser treatments or using hair removal cream on the area to be treated. Consider taking arnica, which is not required but will help to lessen any bruising.”
24 hours before
“Instructions here are simple; do not drink any alcoholic beverages.”
5. What should I do on the day of my appointment?
“Arrive at the office with a clean face – washed and without makeup, if possible. In order to maximise your comfort during the procedure, a topical anaesthetic may be applied. Our fillers do also contain a local numbing medication that develops effects during your injections.”
6. What do I do after fillers?
“Should you experience swelling, you can apply an ice pack and topical arnica. Arnica and bromelain tablets are both natural supplements that will help to reduce bruising. You can also take paracetamol if you’re experiencing any pain or have an antihistamine to reduce some of the swelling.
“Sometimes, you might see a visible bump where the filler was injected. You can massage this area, but only if recommended by your doctor. Otherwise, avoid itching or picking around the injection site, and only use a gentle cleanser on your skin. Makeup and sunscreen can both be applied.
7. What do I do after Botox?
“For the first four hours, try not to lie down. Then, in the first 24 hours, avoid strenuous exercise or placing your head down whilst the Botox settles. That means headstands, Pilates and Yoga are temporarily off limits. You should also stay away from alcohol, sunbathing or exposure to intense heat (like in a sauna or steam room), as well as scrubs and peels, which may irritate your skin.”
8. How long do injectables last?
“This will completely depend on the individual and lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure, exercise routine and metabolism. However, in general, Botox lasts around 3-4 months, filler lasts an average of 6-12 months (or up to 24). With Profhilo, we recommend coming back every three months, but you can also wait six months and have a double treatment instead.These timings will be discussed at consultation.
9. What areas can be treated with cosmetic injections?
“The most common areas we treat are the face and neck, but most areas of the body can be treated.”
10. What is the longest lasting injectable?
“That would be Juvederm Volux for cheeks and jawline. The results can last up to 24 months.”
If you would like to find out more about injectables at Mallucci London or book a consultation please complete our online request form.
Up next: Complement your newly plump complexion with our guide to city skin; because everyone in the capital deserves a pollution-fighting facial.
