Interest in medical aesthetics grows by the day, and with it the number of question marks in people's minds. I have gathered the questions I hear most often from my patients into three main sections and prepared this article in a question-and-answer format. My aim is to share the essentials in a calm, informative tone rather than through elaborate promises. The answers below are for general information; I would like to note from the outset that every decision should be made through a consultation tailored to the individual: an assessment of your own needs.
"Asking the right question is the first step towards the right decision. A good consultation is as important as the procedure itself."
General Questions
What is medical aesthetics?
Medical aesthetics is a medical field in which the skin and facial contours are supported through non-surgical, injection- and device-based treatments. Botox, fillers, mesotherapy and similar treatments fall under this heading. What they have in common is that they must be performed by a physician and in line with medical standards. In other words, it is not a "beauty routine" but a medical process that requires planning and assessment.
How is it different from surgery?
Surgical procedures involve incisions, sutures and generally a longer recovery period; medical aesthetic treatments are mainly needle- and device-based. For this reason it is often possible to return to daily life shortly after most treatments. However, medical aesthetics does not meet every need; in cases of advanced sagging or where a structural change is required, surgery may be more appropriate. Which path suits you becomes clear through assessment.
At what age should you begin?
There is no single "right age"; it varies according to needs and goals. While some preventive treatments may come up at younger ages, restorative treatments generally come to the fore at later ages. What matters is not the number of years but the condition of the skin and the person's expectations. This distinction, too, can only be made through a face-to-face assessment.
Why is the pre-treatment consultation important?
The consultation is the stage at which your facial anatomy, skin structure, medical history and expectations are reviewed. Proper planning is established here; which treatment is necessary and which is unnecessary is determined at this point. A good consultation is also the way to form realistic expectations. Skipping this step directly affects satisfaction with the outcome.
About Botox and Fillers
Are Botox and filler the same thing?
No. Botox temporarily softens the movement of the mimic muscles, reducing dynamic lines; filler, generally with a hyaluronic acid content, adds volume and fullness to the area. The two treatments serve different purposes and are sometimes used together as part of the same plan. What decides which one is needed is your need and the physician's assessment.
Will Botox freeze my expression?
When applied at a measured dose and with the right technique, the aim of Botox is not to stop expression completely but only to soften the dynamic lines that have become pronounced. The effect of Botox begins on the 3rd–5th day after injection, the full effect usually settles on the 10th–14th day, and the duration of effect mostly varies between 3–6 months. Preserving a natural appearance depends on dose planning and on the physician's technique.
Is filler permanent?
The widely used hyaluronic acid-based fillers are not permanent; over time they are naturally absorbed by the body. After the treatment, swelling may be more noticeable within the first 24–48 hours, and the result usually takes 1–2 weeks to settle. The duration of effect varies with the area, the product and the individual. How long it lasts is a topic that should be discussed realistically during the consultation.
Which treatment is right for me?
There is no single general answer to this question, because the appropriate treatment is specific to each person. For the same concern, different plans may come up for different people. When facial analysis, skin condition and expectations are assessed together, the right path becomes clear. For this reason, the place for the question "which treatment is right for me?" is not the internet but the consultation.
Safety, Pain and Results
Are the procedures painful?
Most medical aesthetic treatments are made comfortable by applying an anaesthetic cream beforehand. Usually a mild stinging or pressure sensation is described; many patients tolerate the procedure with ease. The perception of pain can vary from person to person. Sharing any concerns about this with your physician before treatment helps you go through the process more comfortably.
What are the side effects?
As with any medical procedure, temporary side effects may occur: mild redness, swelling or, rarely, bruising at the injection site are among the most common. These signs usually subside within a short time. Having the treatment performed by a qualified physician, under suitable conditions, is the fundamental way to keep risks to a minimum. Following the post-treatment recommendations is also important during this process.
Do the results look natural?
A natural appearance is aimed for with a measured dose and the right technique; the goal is not to "change" you but to support a rested, balanced expression. Because an excessive dose or poor planning can disturb naturalness, the choice of physician is decisive here. The result varies from person to person and depends on the planning agreed in the consultation. The most important factor in naturalness is an approach that respects the integrity of your face.
Who is not suitable for treatment?
Treatment is generally not recommended in situations such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain chronic and neuromuscular conditions, or the presence of an active skin infection at the treatment area. Medications used and medical history also affect the assessment. For this reason, the suitability decision is made on an individual basis during the consultation. Not rushing the decision is part of a healthy process.
As you can see, the shared answer to many of the questions leads to the same place: the personal plan is determined in the consultation. If there is something you are wondering about, or if you would like to assess the treatment that suits you, you are welcome to contact the clinic. During the appointment I answer all of your questions calmly.