What is facial aesthetics?
Facial aesthetics is a group of non-surgical treatments that refresh the face by softening lines and wrinkles, restoring lost volume and improving the quality of the skin. Unlike cosmetic surgery, these treatments do not usually involve surgical incisions or a general anaesthetic. Recovery varies depending on the treatment, and many people can return to their usual activities shortly afterwards.
The most common options are dermal fillers, which add volume to areas such as the lips, cheeks and under-eyes, and skin rejuvenation treatments, which improve tone, texture and hydration. Every plan should begin with a consultation, where a clinician assesses your face and explains which approach, if any, suits you. At iCare Dental, we offer facial aesthetics in East London from our clinic in Royal Docks, E16.
What concerns can facial aesthetics help with?
Facial aesthetics can help with the most common signs of ageing and with features people would like to balance or enhance. The right option depends on the cause of the concern, which is why a face-to-face assessment matters.
| Concern | Common approach | Typical result duration |
| Thin or uneven lips | Hyaluronic acid lip filler | As recommended by your dentist, based on your individual oral health needs. |
| Flat or hollow cheeks | Cheek filler to restore volume and lift | As recommended by your dentist, based on your individual oral health needs. |
| Tired-looking under-eyes | Under-eye (tear trough) filler, if suitable | As recommended by your dentist, based on your individual oral health needs. |
| Dull, dehydrated or uneven skin | Skin rejuvenation treatment | A course of sessions, then maintenance |
| Forehead lines, crow’s feet | Discussed at consultation; your clinician will explain whether treatment is suitable and what options may be available. | Depends on the treatment recommended |
Durations are typical ranges and vary with the product used, the area treated and your metabolism.
How do dermal fillers work?
Dermal fillers work by placing a soft gel, usually made of hyaluronic acid, beneath the skin to add volume, smooth folds and define features. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body already produces to keep skin hydrated and plump, so it integrates naturally with your tissues.
Over time, your body gradually breaks the filler down, which is why results are temporary. Hyaluronic acid fillers may be dissolved by a suitably qualified clinician when clinically appropriate. Whether this is possible depends on the product used and the individual circumstances.
Is facial aesthetics safe? Who can perform it?
Facial aesthetic treatments can involve risks and should only be considered following an assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Your clinician should explain the potential benefits, risks and aftercare before treatment. Like any procedure that involves injections, they carry some risks, so who treats you matters as much as the treatment itself.
Common, short-lived side effects include swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising at the injection site. Less common issues include lumps, asymmetry and infection. Rare but serious complications, such as filler blocking a blood vessel, need to be recognised and treated immediately by a practitioner with the training and products to do so.
In the UK, the law has been slow to catch up with the popularity of these treatments. Since 2021 it has been illegal to give these treatments to under-18s in England, and the government has announced plans for a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Until that is fully in place, choosing a regulated healthcare professional is the most reliable way to protect yourself.
Why choose a dentist for facial aesthetics?
Dentists are well suited to facial aesthetics because their training includes detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the face, including the muscles, nerves and blood vessels beneath the skin. They give injections in and around the mouth every day, and they are trained to handle medical emergencies.
- Regulated: dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council, which sets professional standards and investigates concerns.
- Clinical setting: treatment takes place in a CQC-registered clinic with proper hygiene and emergency protocols.
- A whole-face assessment: a dentist understands how your teeth, lips and facial proportions work together, which is why facial aesthetics often complements cosmetic dentistry or a smile makeover.cosmetic dentistrysmile makeover
What happens at a facial aesthetics consultation?
A facial aesthetics consultation is a face-to-face appointment where a clinician assesses your face, discusses your goals and explains your options, risks and aftercare before any treatment is agreed.
Step 1 – Your goals and medical history
You’ll talk about what you’d like to change and why. The clinician will ask about your health, medication, allergies and any previous aesthetic treatments, as some conditions and medicines affect whether treatment is suitable.
Step 2 – Facial assessment
The clinician looks at your facial structure, skin quality and how your face moves when you talk and smile. Photos are often taken so you can compare results later.
Step 3 – Options, risks and a written plan
You’ll be told which treatments are suitable, what results are realistic, how long they last, the possible side effects and what aftercare involves. A good clinician will also tell you if a treatment isn’t right for you.
Step 4 – Time to decide
You should never feel pressured to go ahead on the day. A reputable clinic gives you time to think, answers follow-up questions and books a review appointment after any treatment.
What should you expect after treatment?
Many people can return to their usual activities shortly after dermal filler treatment, although recovery varies between individuals and treatments. Mild swelling, redness or bruising usually settles within a few days, although lips can stay swollen a little longer. Final results can take time to settle and vary depending on the treatment, area treated and individual response. Your clinician should explain what to expect.
- avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and hot baths
- avoid alcohol and touching or massaging the treated area
- sleep on your back if the cheeks or under-eyes were treated
- contact the clinic straight away if you notice severe pain, skin colour changes or swelling that is getting worse
How to choose a facial aesthetics practitioner
To choose a safe facial aesthetics practitioner, check that they are a regulated healthcare professional, that they work from a registered clinic and that they offer a proper consultation and aftercare. Ask these questions before you book:
- Are you registered with a professional body? (Dentists can be checked on the General Dental Council register.)
- Which product will you use, where does it come from and can it be dissolved?
- How many of these treatments do you carry out, and can I see examples of your work?
- What happens if I have a complication, and who do I contact out of hours?
- Is a review appointment included after treatment?
Red flags include treatment offered at parties or at home, no consultation, pressure to book with time-limited deals, a practitioner who can’t answer questions about complications, and products bought online.
Where can you get facial aesthetics in Royal Docks?
iCare Dental offers facial aesthetic treatments at Unit A2, Gateway Tower, 30 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London E16 1YL. The clinic is a short walk from Royal Victoria DLR and one stop from Canning Town, so it’s easy to reach from Custom House, Silvertown, Royal Wharf and Canary Wharf.
Treatments are carried out by our clinical team of GDC-registered dentists in a clinic registered with the Care Quality Commission. If you’re considering dermal fillers in Royal Docks or want to talk through your options, book a consultation online or call 0207 993 2595. Please confirm the current Royal Docks opening hours before publication and use the exact official opening hours.our clinical team Care Quality Commission dermal fillers in Royal Docks
Frequently asked questions about facial aesthetics
What is facial aesthetics?
Facial aesthetics is a group of non-surgical treatments that refresh the face by softening lines, restoring lost volume and improving skin quality. Common options include dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation, and every treatment should start with a face-to-face consultation with a qualified clinician.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers recommended by your dentist, based on your individual oral health needs.
, depending on the area treated, the product used and how quickly your body breaks it down. Lip fillers usually As recommended by your dentist, based on your individual oral health needs.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Dermal fillers can involve risks and should only be considered following an assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Your clinician should explain the potential benefits, risks and aftercare before treatment. Common side effects are mild swelling, redness and bruising. Rare complications, such as a blocked blood vessel, need a practitioner trained to recognise and manage them immediately.
Why do dentists offer facial aesthetics?
Dentists have detailed training in facial anatomy, including the muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the face, and give injections in the mouth and face every day. They are registered with the General Dental Council and work in CQC-registered clinics, which adds a layer of accountability.
Will I look “frozen” or overdone?
A skilled practitioner aims for subtle, natural-looking results that keep your normal expressions. A conservative approach and appropriate follow-up can help your clinician assess the result and discuss whether any further treatment is appropriate.
Can facial aesthetic treatments be reversed?
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers may be dissolved by a suitably qualified clinician when clinically appropriate. Whether this is possible depends on the product used and the individual circumstances. Choose a practitioner who can explain the options and manage complications.
Is there a minimum age for facial aesthetic treatments?
Yes. In England it is illegal to give cosmetic filler or similar cosmetic injectable treatments to anyone under 18, even with parental consent. A reputable clinic will check your age and may ask for ID before treatment.
