Having ‘work’ done, in other words, fillers and injectables, has become so commonplace now that you’ve probably thought about it. You probably even know somebody who has had some kind of work done. It’s just as common as having your nails done, or your eyebrows waxed. However; this is not a beauty treatment that you should go and have on a whim. It must be performed by absolute professionals with a medical background, and you need to be 100% sure that you want to do it before you go ahead. You have to do it for the right reasons.
Below, we’ll discuss what you should know if you’re thinking of having work done:
- Not Every Practitioner Is Created Equal
First of all, it’s important to know that not every practitioner is created equally. This is why you must do plenty of research beforehand. Your chosen practitioner should have a medical background: this means they should be a doctor, nurse, dentist, or similar. The industry is unregulated, so beauty therapists and even those who have simply undertaken a quick course can perform treatments. They will often have very cheap prices, but you shouldn’t visit them. Those without a medical background will be unable to treat you should something go wrong, as they cannot prescribe anything. Often times, they won’t even know what the issue is if you message them about a problem. This can result in the lips losing oxygen and actually dying if you have had your lips filled, for example.
Make sure of their credentials. Heading to a place like the Sculpture clinic is best. It doesn’t matter if a beautician or ‘aesthetic practitioner’ has great reviews. If they don’t have a medical background and a great portfolio, don’t go.
2. You Must Have A Consultation
Consultations are designed to give you an idea of what could be done to improve on the areas you’re worried about. You’ll get a realistic idea of the results to expect too, as everybody is unique. This is also to make sure you’re of sound mind, as some people can get addicted to treatments and having work done.
3. Don’t Go For Cheap ‘Deals’ Or ‘Packages’
You get what you pay for, so avoiding cheap ‘deals’ and ‘packages’ is often best. Many places, usually salons, will try to get people through the door using package deals. However, this is very dangerous. You’re being duped into believing you’re getting a good deal, when you might not even need some of the treatments in the package. Even if you get a set amount of filler to distribute wherever you like, it could be more than you need. You can end up leaving looking like a caricature of yourself.
4. Sometimes What You Think You Need, Isn’t Actually What You Need
You might think you need cheek injections to create cheekbones, when what you’d actually benefit from is masseter botox to slim down the muscles that chew your food and show off the definition beneath. You can go to your consultation and talk about what you want to achieve and what you think you may need, but be prepared to have something else suggested to you by the professional.
5. Do Your Own Research Beforehand
Do you know the difference between fillers and botox? If not, you should be doing your own research beforehand. Although during many consultation the practitioner will fill you in on what you should know, going with a good idea of what you’re getting yourself into is key. You should know the side effects of the treatment especially.
If you’re thinking of having fillers, you might also want to look at what sort of look you want to avoid. Even those with a medical background aren’t necessarily good at shaping lips and sculpting faces, so you need to make sure their portfolio is great too. When it comes to the lips, for instance, you should make sure that there is no filler migration present or lumps during the pictures. This means there should be no bumpy bits showing outside of the lips, and the lips should remain defined, with a defined cupid’s bow. Some places actually boast about specialising in overfilled, almost sausage-like lips, but knowing what to look for in good fillers will help you to avoid this. Good work will always make you appear more fresh and youthful, and will be virtually undetectable. You shouldn’t be trying to look like somebody else – just a fresher version of yourself!
6. You Must Be In The Right Frame Of Mind
The consultation is designed to ensure you’re in the right frame of mind, but you should also question why it is you want these things done. If it’s just for you, then great! However, you shouldn’t kid yourself – having your lips done won’t necessarily make you a famous model, help you to get a boyfriend, or get more followers on Instagram. Be realistic and do it for the right reasons.
7. This Is Something That Takes A Huge Financial Commitment
These treatments typically last anywhere from 3-9 months depending on what you have done. This means that if you want to keep having them done you’re going to be making a big financial commitment. Be prepared for this!
8. Following The Aftercare Advice is Crucial
Aftercare advice will vary depending on what you have done. However, you may need to avoid certain medications, exercise, and anything else that could interfere with the results. You’ll also want to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours. Touching the site of treatment is a huge no-no too!
9. It’ll Take A While For Your Treatments To Settle
You should expect to enjoy the full results of your treatments after a few weeks. The lips can take a good few weeks to settle, for example, and botox treatments are at their most effective 3 weeks in. Until then, you may need to deal with things like swelling and bruising.
What are you thinking of having done?
