Skills Not Mills - Part 1

Okay, so the headline is a snappy play on words, but for all its cuteness, it actually belies a very critical topic in cosmetic medicine.

Undoubtedly, when patients first consult with me for an antiaging injectable such as a dermal filler, the most common question is “how much will 1ml of filler cost?” I can understand why this is the most frequently asked question for people considering filler; the cost per volume is generally the only benchmark people have to go on when comparing treatments. Luckily, ongoing education and experience tend to eventually guide patients that injectable treatments can’t be compared and commoditised like other things. Cosmetic medicine should never have a ‘vending machine’ feel to it. 

“Injectable treatments can’t be compared and commoditised like other things. Cosmetic medicine should never have a ‘vending machine’ feel to it.”

When I’m consulting to my patients – whether they’re seeing me for the first time or they’re a long-term client – I will start with a full-face assessment so as I understand what my patient wishes to achieve.

It’s a complex and intricate process to understand the area of concern, ensure that dermal filler is actually the right modality to treat that concern and the treatment will also do what the patient wants it to do within the desired timeframe. 

It’s important to note that facial balancing is not always achievable in one session. The process may take a few consultations over 9 to 12 months so as to accommodate healing and a settling of the treated area before moving onto the next phase of the treatment plan. And I also ensure my patients feel a financial comfortability in everything proposed.

Think in terms of a value that goes beyond the mill:

Whilst asking ‘how much is 1ml of filler’ may seem an obvious first question, I believe it’s quite misguided and generally intangible. Many patients new to anti-aging injectables may believe that 1ml is transformational. Similarly, it can be very hard to comprehend what 1ml actually equates to. I commonly use the analogy that it takes 6-7mls to fill a teaspoon and this can alarm people when they realise that 1ml is actually not very much!

And the issue gains further complexity when you understand that 1ml of dermal filler used on one patient may look entirely different for another patient. There are just so many variables depending on what the goal is, the existing facial structure, the condition of the skin and the list goes on. It’s nearly impossible to compare a quantity of filler on one patient to the next. 

DON’T FORGET TO READ PART 2 - PUBLISHING NEXT WEEK: