Preparing for Dermal Fillers
Before your dermal filler injections, you’ll have a thorough consultation with one of our experts. We will discuss your goals, assess your facial structure, create a treatment plan, and tell you what to expect and how to prepare.
There are a few things that patients should do to prepare themselves for the procedure. You should avoid any supplements or substances that increase your risk of bruising and bleeding, including blood-thinning medications and alcohol.
We typically recommend stopping the use of medications like aspirin and certain supplements like fish oil for at least a week before the treatment, and you should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your injections. We may also recommend avoiding dental work for two weeks before your procedure.
Depending on your skincare routine, your provider may suggest stopping certain products or treatments that might irritate your skin for a week or two. You may need to avoid retinol products, exfoliants, and tweezing. Be sure to protect your skin from sun exposure before and after your dermal filler injections.
It is also important for patients to discuss any medical conditions they have or medications they are taking during their consultation. This includes any allergies, skin infections, or autoimmune disorders. You should also inform your provider if you have had any previous facial treatments, including Botox® or dermal fillers.
Dermal Filler Procedure
During the dermal filler procedure, your provider will clean the area to be treated and apply a topical anesthetic or numbing cream if needed. Many dermal fillers include lidocaine to minimize discomfort.
Your chosen filler will then be injected into the targeted areas with multiple small injections using a small needle, and your provider may massage the area gently for even distribution. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to complete, depending on the number of areas being treated.
What to Expect After Dermal Fillers
After dermal filler injections, patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising around the injection site. This is normal and should subside within a few days. We’ll instruct you on applying ice to the treated area to help reduce swelling and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
Dermal fillers don’t require any downtime, but It is important to avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treated area for at least 24 hours after the procedure. You should also avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas, or any other activities that could increase blood flow to the face for at least 48 hours after your treatment.
Dermal Filler Results
One of the benefits of dermal fillers is that they offer fast results. With most dermal fillers, you’ll see immediate results that improve as any swelling or bruising fades over the next few days. Your exact outcome will depend on which dermal filler you receive.
Juvederm®
These popular HA fillers create volume with a gel-like formula while boosting your skin’s hydration with hyaluronic acid. Different Juvederm® formulas can be used for cheek augmentation, smoothing out wrinkles, plumping the lips, and more. Juvederm® provides immediate results that last approximately 6-18 months, depending on the formula and treatment area.
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is made with calcium hydroxylapatite and helps improve collagen production. Because of this, full Radiesse® results develop gradually and may last longer than those of HA fillers. You’ll see immediate benefits that improve over time and typically last a year or more.
Belotero Balance®
Like Juvederm®, Belotero® fillers are made with hyaluronic acid that hydrates your skin. They’re ideal for delicate areas like under the eyes. Belotero® results are immediate and last approximately six months.
Bellafil®
This collagen-based filler is one of the longest-lasting and is ideal for smoothing out lines and acne scars. Results of Bellafil® are immediate and often last five years or more.
