I was 35 years old and have always felt content with my appearance, but like many women, I was curious about subtle enhancements. I consulted with Dr. Ami, who recommended dermal fillers in my cheeks, nasolabial folds, and nose. The goal was to create “apple cheeks” and achieve a more youthful, refreshed look. At the time, I had already received filler in my nasolabial folds just three months prior. I had naturally high cheekbones that didn’t require additional volume, and I later discovered — that my nose had significant cartilage loss from a previous septoplasty, something I was unaware of at the time. That's why the bump I had on my nose was getting more pronounced. I trusted the medical advice and proceeded with the injections. It was a decision that profoundly and negatively changed my life. Immediately, I looked overfilled, puffy, and significantly older. I went from appearing 10 years younger than my age to looking far beyond it. When the filler in my nose began to migrate, I had it dissolved. That’s when the nightmare truly began. Within weeks of dissolving the filler, I experienced severe systemic symptoms: a burning sensation in my muscles and skin, joint pain, cracking in my joints, and visible volume loss in my hands, feet, knees, and neck. My muscles began to atrophy despite consistent strength training, and my skin became thin, crepey, and almost translucent. It felt as though my body was aging by decades in a matter of weeks. Eventually, I learned about ASIA syndrome (Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants) through a support group for individuals affected by botched fillers and hyaluronidase damage. I discovered I was not alone — thousands of women were suffering from similar symptoms following filler dissolving procedures. What followed were years of relentless medical appointments across the UK and abroad, extensive testing, expensive treatments, lifestyle changes, and profound physical and emotional distress. I spent a small fortune unsuccessfully trying to reverse the damage. I was forced to take time off work and became socially isolated. Attempts to seek acknowledgment or help from SkinViva were initially dismissed. My symptoms were invalidated, my reviews deleted, and I was left feeling unheard and alone. Only recently did they listen to my story — but even then, no real solution was offered. Five years on, I still have residual filler in my face, despite signing a consent form stating it would last only 18 months. It is now migrating toward my eye, and there is no safe or guaranteed method to remove it. The only significant improvement I’ve experienced came from adopting a strict carnivore diet, which helped alleviate the burning sensations and joint pain. Before this, my life was full — I was ready to start a family and move forward with confidence. These treatments stole years from me. They robbed me of my health, my vitality, and my future plans. I missed my opportunity to have a family because I have been sick. Women face so many challenges as we age — from the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause, to the emotional toll of caring for aging parents and managing the demands of life. I didn’t need the added pain, trauma, and physical deterioration brought on by these injections! I now firmly believe that most women do not need aesthetic treatments in their 30s. The signs of aging — such as laxity and skin thinning — emerge much later, and dermal fillers are not the solution. In many cases, they can cause more harm than good. This experience has been devastating. I’m sharing my story in the hope that it can prevent others from making the same mistake. Please be cautious, do your research, and listen to your instincts. No cosmetic enhancement is worth risking your health and quality of life.

Fantastic Experience – Highly Recommend! I had the pleasure of meeting Rupert, the owner, and he was extremely friendly and transparent. He didn’t try to push any services I didn’t ask for, which I really appreciated. Rupert is also highly knowledgeable and experienced, with a real eye for facial aesthetics, you can tell you're in expert hands. The reception staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful, making the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be visiting again for sure!

Professional staff talk you through procedure and made you feel at ease

Dr Rupert was very honest with me during my consultation and didn’t shy away from telling me what was possible and what wasn’t, I found this reassuring as he wasn’t pushy and could probably tell I was nervous. I went away more knowledgeable regarding different treatments and I am going to watch some videos on the Viva Skin YouTube channel to further educate myself before hopefully being back soon for my first treatment. Thank you

I was nervous to go to an aesthetic clinic but my wrinkles are getting worse so I looked online to find via and I'm so glad I did, I had a great experience and can't wait to go back! If you're nervous I really recommend them very kind professional and super knowledgeable.

My lip filer has healed and WOW thank you so much Dr Severine! Lovely clinic and great staff.

Love viva just had cheek filter today-incredible results and super clean clinic.

Super friendly and professional treatment today for bikini line.

Had lumi eyes today with Dr. Tony, I can't believe how great the treatment was! Thank you viva.

Shoutout to Dr Rupert for always being the best in the business at filter, as a man it's hard to find natural results.

Had a lip filler consultation today and I was blown aways with the service and team. The front desk girls are so nice and welcoming. Thank you Andrea!

Dr Rupert and his team are the best in UK, I've been having treatment at viva for 11 years and can't recommend them enough. I've had fillers with both Rupert and Severine and equally great.

Had an excellent first lip filler here today can't recommend Vikki enough, She was gentle and very professional. Can't wait see my results.

This review relates to Viva in Chelsea (Kings Road). This clinic is not bothered about customers - just money. I tried to cancel 48 hours in advance & they charged me full cancellation fee stating their policy is 3 days. I wasn’t ill 3 days before my appointment. How is 48 hours not enough notice when I sent them both an email & a text. In regards to initial treatment they asked me to leave them a review for a 10% discount. I completed the review and then they said , I couldn’t have the discount !! They are pushy, upselling but the nail in the coffin for me is charging me for a cancellation even though I gave them 48 hours notice - I should have gone and gave them all flu to save myself being charged. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID. They don’t care about their customers.

I’ll echo what others have said in that this clinic is completely unethical in how they handle clients. If you go in for one thing they will try to make you spend thousands, by giving you insecurities about your face that you never previously had. It all starts with an unnecessary questionnaire, where they ask you about every aspect of your face in an effort to question everything. Then the Dr will essentially not do the thing you’ve actually asked for, explain why it won’t work and will instead upsell lots and lots of other treatments and products. He’ll then save the follow up session to actually do the thing you wanted in the first place. I have an amazing doctor now, who is an aesthetician and she’s all about subtle facial balancing and tiny amounts and I’m so happy with the outcome. Dr Rupert tried to push 9ml of filler on me. I dread to think what a full and pillowy face I would have today if I’d followed his suggestions.

I went to the Fulham location and it was an amazing experience 10/10. The nurse Vikki was incredibly kind and gave a thorough consultation and this was the most flattering lip filler I’ve ever gotten. I’ve been to lots of other places but this one is my favorite. I brought my friend and she got a lip flip for her first procedure and also loved it. The girls who worked at the front counter were also so funny and kind, and the whole experience was so enjoyable. I definitely will go back and would refer this clinic to anyone looking for fillers.

This is not a good product. They claim to be organic but all their products are just watered down. Dont let their ethical stance fool you, its a marketing ploy. This is just a poorly made product. If you want organic skin care options there are dozens of better products on the market

I booked an appointment for a specific area to be treated and instead was given an entire, extremely expensive treatment plan for my whole face. My concerns weren’t listened to, with the doctor hijacking the appointment, playing on insecurities that I didn’t have prior to the visit based on answers from the form that you are asked to fill in beforehand. I was told it wasn’t worth going ahead with just the area I wanted treated and should really only consider the plan to treat the entire face.

A second appointment is made, seemingly as a sort of insurance to ensure you come back for the remainder of treatment, yet worst of all, after the first appointment, the area I wanted treated wasn’t and I didn’t look any different (except for my face looking a bit rounder maybe). Paying such a huge amount of money, I’d except to leave feeling great, but instead felt incredibly disappointed. I also wasn’t given a breakdown of what treatment I had done in that first appointment, so have no idea how many ml’s were used, or where. The pushy upselling also included the doctor trying to flog a skincare package, despite having no issues with my skin and not raising this as a concern. There are far better, more affordable injectors out there that won’t leave you feeling pressured and regretful.

Amazing experience from the first call with sarca to the first meeting with rurpert and all the team. The treatment with Vicky was amazing. Not only for her expertise, but her warm welcome. I would never go anywhere else. Thank you x

Dr Rupert has amazing skills and explains all in an easy way. He has a sense of the artistry and inspires total confidence. Highly recommended.