Dermal fillers – demand is increasing, but make sure you choose a reputable provider

With the rise in reality TV shows over the past decade, we are used to seeing the transformation of very normal people into minor, and sometimes even major, celebrities. With this rise to fame often comes a desire to change, tweak and alter one’s appearance, and it is commonplace to see news articles showing before and after stories of familiar TV personalities.

A concern raised by the British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons (BAAPS) is that with the increased presence of social media comes mounting pressure to look like celebrity idols. With increased demand comes a rise in those who are able to meet this demand. While many of these providers are legitimate, some are not, so it is very important to understand the differences between trained and regulated professionals, and those who have spotted an opportunity to meet a new demand in the marketplace.

Rise in demand for dermal fillers

One procedure that has been growing in popularity is dermal fillers. These fillers are designed to help plump up the skin, leaving it looking smoother, younger and less wrinkly. The procedure is done with a series of injections, whereby the filler is inserted underneath the skin. Depending on the components that make up the dermal filler, these can last weeks, months or years.

The NHS warns “take time to find a reputable practitioner who is properly qualified and practices in a clean, safe and appropriate environment” and this is a sentiment echoed by BAAPS and by qualified cosmetic surgeons like Mr Park.

One such concern is that practitioners might allow younger people to have treatments such as this, when in fact best practice would be that this shouldn’t be allowed for the under 21s.

According to a report published recently by WhatClinic.com and highlighted by BAAPS, “42% of web traffic to lip augmentation pages were from visitors aged 18-24, with the clinics surveyed saying that while they unanimously would not provide lip filler to under 18s, most would provide fillers to under 21s.” Regulated professionals argue that despite a rise in enquiries and interest from the under 21s, this type of treatment should still be reserved for older patients.

Stick with the experts

A plastic surgeon that is a member of an organisation such as BAAPS like Mr Alan Park will have the surgical experience and knowledge to produce optimal results and ensure these mistakes won’t happen. In fact, Mr Park recently taught a maxillofacial cadaver course on fillers to surgical trainees and consultants from the UK and overseas. This degree of training is just not available to or accessed by aesthetic practitioners who will typically undertaken very basic training. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure such as dermal fillers, do your research thoroughly and make sure you’re speaking with a trusted practitioner.