Preparing for Dermal Fillers: Things to Know and Expect

Dermal filler injections are great at erasing fine lines and wrinkles and increasing volume in different parts of the face. A facial filler treatment doesn’t require plastic surgery, so it’s safer and more convenient for most people. But for first-time patients, there are some things to know first to prepare better for the procedure.

So how should patients prepare for their dermal filler treatments? Before the cosmetic procedure, patients should educate themselves about dermal fillers, look for a reputable provider, set up a schedule that works for them, clear some of their appointments, and follow the before and after instructions by the provider.

How to Prepare for Dermal Fillers

Like Botox cosmetic treatments, injectable dermal filler injections are one of the best anti-aging procedures that don’t require cosmetic surgery. According to the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by ASPS, there were about 3.4 million dermal filler injection treatments performed in that year alone.

A cosmetic filler can be injected into the cheeks, tear trough, thin lips, and deep nasolabial folds to increase volume and erase creases. This results in a healthy, youthful glow without the risk of scarring and other serious side effects that come with plastic surgery.

If you’ve already decided that injectable fillers are the solution to your wrinkles, thin lips, dark eye circles, and more, then the next step is to prepare for the treatment.

1. Educate Yourself About the Treatment

Any cosmetic treatment comes with certain risks, so patients need to know about them before making an informed decision to enhance their appearance. Educating yourself allows you to understand how the treatment works. It’s also helpful in finding the best providers to perform the treatment, leading to great results while minimizing possible complications.

a. How It Works

Dermal fillers come in different kinds, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyl apatite, polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres, and poly-L-lactic acid. The specific mechanisms of each active ingredient are different, but they essentially work in the same way – they restore volume in the injection site to smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic acid filler injections are one of the most common facial fillers on the market. Some of the HA fillers used for anti-aging and lip enhancement are Restylane and Juvederm. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the body that keeps the skin plump and hydrated.

When an HA filler is injected into the skin, the treated area immediately increases in volume and develops a smoother texture. The results usually last for a few months until the hyaluronic acid particles are absorbed by the body.

b. What It Can Do For You

An injectable filler treatment is usually performed to fight different signs of aging and erase deep nasolabial folds. But since it can restore missing facial volume in the treatment area, a plastic surgeon or filler injector may also recommend using these injectables as a lip filler or tear trough filler.

Depending on the area that the patient wants to fix or enhance, here are some brands of hyaluronic acid fillers that a doctor or nurse injector may recommend:

• Juvederm Ultra XC for lip injections that enhance the shape of lips and erase perioral lines
• Juvederm Voluma XC for correcting age-related volume loss around the cheek and chin area
• Restylane Lyft for mid-face contouring and cheek augmentation
• Restylane Silk for increasing lip volume and erasing the wrinkles around the mouth area
• Restylane Refyne for reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the nose and corners of the mouth

c. Results To Expect

What many patients love about injectable dermal filler treatments is that the results show almost instantly. There’s a significant increase in the facial volume of the treated areas, but it takes a few days for the soft tissue filler to fully settle underneath the skin. The full results of the dermal filler treatment usually show after a few days or weeks.

Although dermal fillers do a great job at increasing facial volume and reducing signs of aging, they’re only a temporary solution to fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on the specific type of filler used, patients can enjoy the effects of their dermal fillers for a few months up to a couple of years.

d. Risks To Be Aware Of

Since dermal fillers are minimally invasive and made of biocompatible materials, the chances of serious side effects and complications are rare. However, some patients may still experience bleeding, bruising, and pain in the injection site after their filler appointment.

These mild but common side effects usually disappear after a few days. But if the symptoms persist or worsen about a week after the injectable treatment, then it’s best to consult a doctor immediately.

2. Find a Reputable Dermal Filler Provider

Most cases of bad dermal filler jobs are caused by an inexperienced provider. The dermal filler injector plays a huge part in the success of the treatment, so patients should take their time in finding a trustworthy plastic surgeon, nurse injector, or filler provider for them. Here are some things you should look for in a filler provider:

• Provider’s credentials that show their experience and knowledge in performing the treatment
• Before and after photos of previous patients to give current clients a glimpse of how skilled the injector is
• Reviews online and from other people assures patients that the provider knows what they’re doing
• A safe and relaxing clinic or office where they perform Botox injection, dermal filler, and other cosmetic treatments
• An artistic eye and attention to detail to help clients achieve the kind of results they want

3. Set Up a Consultation With the Provider

After doing the homework about dermal fillers and finding a reputable provider to perform the treatment, the next step is to schedule an appointment or initial consultation with them. Many providers have hotlines or websites where patients may schedule an appointment.

a. Why Initial Consultation is Important

Although researching the treatment and talking to other people who had dermal filler treatments give patients an insight into what the procedure is like, consulting with a provider is still important. It serves as an educational opportunity and learning experience for patients because they get to talk about their appearance, concerns, expectations, and more.

There are no stupid questions during the initial consultation, so patients shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed of their queries. It’s also up to the provider to make their clients feel comfortable to share their expectations and hesitations.

b. What Happens During the Consultation

Most consultations take around an hour or less. During the consultation, patients learn more about the treatment and talk to the injector about their concerns and expected results. It’s also crucial to discuss the patient’s medical history during the consultation to check if they’re diagnosed with certain conditions that might affect the filler treatment or their recovery.

It’s also during the initial consultation that the injector examines the patient’s physical features and recommends a treatment plan for them. Once the patient and doctor agree on a treatment plan, they schedule a dermal filler appointment that works for both of them.

4. Reschedule Some of Your Appointments

Dermal filler treatments are minimally invasive so patients don’t need to worry about a long recovery period. Some of them even return home on the same days as their appointment. However, patients might need to postpone some of their prior engagements because their recovery might be affected.

This includes trips to saunas and appointments with a plastic surgeon for other cosmetic treatments, like Botox injections, laser treatments, and more. Patients are also advised to skip any kind of strenuous activities so going to the gym is out of the question after a dermal filler treatment.

5. Follow the Do’s and Don’ts Before the Treatment

Preparing for dermal filler treatment ensures that patients get the best results while minimizing the risk of serious complications. To make the most out of a dermal filler treatment, here are some do’s and don’ts to follow before the appointment:

a. Do

• Take Arnica montana supplements to reduce bruising and swelling
• Let the provider know if you have a history of cold sore formation on the skin to prevent an outbreak
• Tell the provider if numbing creams or medications are needed to help with the pain
• Eat a snack or light meal before heading to the injector’s office

b. Don’t

• Take supplements and medications that increase the risk of bruising, such as vitamin E, fish oil, NSAIDs, St.John’s wort, and more
• Smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before the treatment to avoid bruising
• Use harsh skin care products that might damage the skin and leave it raw before the appointment

Gorgeous Dermal Filler Results With Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Dermal fillers are a great option to restore volume and youthfulness in your face even without going under the knife. Dr. Lanna is a world-class provider of dermal fillers, Botox injections, and other cosmetic treatments, so you can trust us to give you the gorgeous results you want. Call us today to book your first consultation with us.