Facial Rejuvenation

What is it?

Facial rejuvenation is not one treatment. It is the way I plan care for the whole face, looking at how its structure, volume and skin have changed and how those changes relate to one another.

In my experience, the area that bothers you is often the result of a change somewhere else.

A plan might include hyaluronic acid filler (I use Teoxane and Vivacy) to support structure or restore volume, collagen stimulation (Sculptra, Radiesse, Novuma, polynucleotides, subcision or laser), skin treatment, or nothing injectable at all.

Why I might recommend it

With time, bone gradually remodels, fat pads thin and shift, supporting ligaments loosen and skin makes less collagen. Together these can create hollows, shadows and a heavier lower face.

Small amounts of product in the right places usually look far more natural than larger amounts placed exactly where the problem appears.

Who it suits

• People who feel they look tired, or older than they feel, and aren’t sure why
• Patients who prefer a subtle, gradual approach and a long-term plan
• Anyone unhappy with treatment elsewhere who would like a considered second opinion

It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with a cold sore, infection or inflammation in the area, or if you have facial implants.

What I consider when deciding

How your face looks as you talk and smile. As part of assessing your whole face, I watch how it changes as you talk, smile and react. Filler placed in an area that moves a lot can look obvious when you are animated, even if it looks fine at rest, so this shapes where I would and would not place product.

Structure before volume. Where support has been lost, I usually address that first. A little support in the cheek, for example, can soften the under-eye and the lines beside the nose more naturally than filling those areas directly.

Proportion and balance. No face is perfectly symmetrical, nor should it be. I consider the relationship between the upper, middle and lower face, and I look at your profile, including the chin and jaw.

Anatomy and safety. As a dentist by training, facial anatomy has been at the centre of my work from the start. Where blood vessels run, how deep to place product, and whether a needle or a fine blunt cannula is safer all shape the plan.

What is already there. If you have had filler before, I need to know how much, where and when. Sometimes the right first step is to wait, or to remove it.

Skin quality. If the skin is thin or crepey, filler alone won’t give the result you want. I may suggest starting with skin.

Whether to treat at all. Sometimes the best treatment is no treatment at all, or less than you expected. I will always tell you honestly.

Your life. Events, what you’d like to invest and how you feel about gradual change all matter. Many plans are staged over several appointments.

What can realistically be achieved

Well-planned treatment can help you look more rested, soften shadows and hollows, and refine contours. It cannot lift significantly loose skin as surgery can, stop ageing, or make you look like someone else. If a surgical opinion would serve you better, I will say so.

Downtime

Most people return to normal activities the same day or the next. Swelling, bruising, small lumps and bumps and some asymmetry are normal and expected for around two weeks after treatment. You will be given written aftercare instructions. Please allow at least two weeks before an important event.

Results

Results are visible straight away, though swelling can mask them, and usually settle over two to four weeks. Hyaluronic acid filler typically lasts six to eighteen months, depending on the area, product and your metabolism. If a collagen-stimulating treatment is part of your plan, it works gradually over several months. A review appointment is available afterwards and is included in the cost if it is needed.

Risks and important considerations

Common effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary lumpiness. Less common risks include infection, delayed inflammatory reactions, product moving and asymmetry.

The most serious risk, though rare, is vascular occlusion, where filler blocks or compresses a blood vessel. This can damage the skin and, very rarely, affect sight. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved if a complication needs it. If you notice increasing pain, skin turning pale or dusky, or any change in vision, contact me immediately using the emergency number in your aftercare information.

Common questions

Will I look like I’ve had something done?

That is never my aim. I would rather you simply look well.

I don’t know what I need. Is that a problem?

Not at all. That is what the consultation is for. You tell me what bothers you, and I explain what I see.

Can you help with filler I’ve had elsewhere?

Yes. We assess what is there before deciding whether to add, leave or remove anything.

Can I combine this with other treatments?

Yes. Almost every treatment I offer works alongside the others. Choosing can feel overwhelming, so I’ll help you decide, based on your preferences, your comfort, the result you want and what you’d like to invest. Then I’ll plan the order and timing so each one can do its job.

Does it hurt?

Most fillers contain local anaesthetic, and many patients describe the treatment as uncomfortable rather than painful.

How often will I need treatment?

It depends on the treatment and on you. There is no fixed schedule: I will tell you if and when anything needs topping up.

Price

See the pricing page. Every plan is confirmed at consultation.