With each passing year, our skin and the internal structures of our faces start to atrophy. Our youthful fat pads shrink and start to loosen and sag, and our skin loses moisture, elasticity, and collagen. As a result of these aging processes, we start to see loss of volume, wrinkles, and more fine lines. Luckily, there is a solution to getting your youthful look back without having to undergo surgery. Dermal fillers can restore youthful volume to the skin, support the facial structures, and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
It is important to mention that dermal fillers carry a few minor risks. These risks can be significantly lessened or prevented through the right preparation and aftercare. Keep reading to explore the complete guide of dos and don’ts that will help enhance your dermal filler results.
What Exactly Are Dermal Fillers, and How Do They Work?
Dermal fillers are generally used for facial aesthetic treatments and are injected directly into the skin. They are designed to quickly smooth the appearance of wrinkles, contour and create volume, and revitalize the skin’s appearance. Most dermal filler products contain hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that exists naturally in every living thing. Its main purpose is to bind water and act as an emollient and shock absorber in movable parts of the body, such as the joints.
Dermal fillers work by increasing the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin is instantly revitalized, volume is enhanced, and the appearance of lines and wrinkles is diminished.
Dermal Filler Dos:
Do your research to find a qualified and experienced practitioner
Doing your research and finding a qualified provider plays a large part in achieving balanced and natural-looking results. Your provider should have all of their certifications, be well-experienced, and have plenty of reviews and before and after photos that you can look through.
Do have a clear idea of the results you want
Establishing your expectations is a great way to get the results you want. One way you can do this is to have a ‘dream folder’ that contains photos of results from dermal fillers that you like. Show this folder to your injector at your appointment and point out things that you love about these results or things that you’d rather avoid.
Do follow pre-treatment instructions
Your injector should provide you with pre-treatment instructions. These instructions are meant to prepare you for the injection process, help to aid in healing, and encourage your results. Follow these guidelines closely for a seamless injection process and smooth recovery.
Do apply ice or a cold pack to reduce swelling and bruising
Some mild bruising and swelling at the injection site are completely normal after dermal fillers. To help reduce these side effects, apply a cold compress, such as a bag of frozen peas or a gel pack, to calm down the inflammation.
Do stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
Drink plenty of water before and after your treatment to maintain good hydration. Additionally, consume healthy, beneficial, nutrient-dense foods that will energize your body towards healing and recovery.
Do protect your skin from excessive sun exposure
The sun doesn’t just damage your skin; it can also break down your dermal filler faster. If you know you’re going to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, don’t forget to wear SPF of at least 30 or higher or wear protective clothing to shield your face from UV rays. Yes, that includes while you’re driving.
Do schedule a follow-up appointment
Check in with your injector a few days to a week after your injections to ensure the dermal filler is settling into the correct positions and that you’re achieving the results you want.
Do report any unusual side effects or complications immediately
If something feels even slightly off to you, contact your injector immediately. Infections and complications are rare with dermal fillers but not impossible. The faster they are addressed, the less likely they are to become a real problem.
Do have realistic expectations about the outcomes
While reference photos are helpful in tailoring your treatment, keep in mind that results aren’t going to match perfectly with the model, influencer, or celebrity that you admire. Great dermal filler results enhance your features, not change them entirely.
Dermal Filler Don’ts
Don’t choose a practitioner based solely on price
Wanting to stick to a budget is understandable; however, sometimes bargain-priced dermal fillers can mean poor results. A dermal filler injector will base their prices on the quality of their product, their level of experience, and their individual licensing and certifications. If a price seems low, it may be because they lack certain qualifications. Instead of shopping for a bargain deal, pay close attention to your injector’s qualifications and discuss your budget with them during your consultation.
Don’t consume alcohol at least 24 hours before and after treatment
Alcohol is known for dehydrating the brain and the body, making it more difficult for blood to flow. Restricted blood flow can impair your dermal filler results and make bruising and swelling more noticeable. Instead of a sweet cocktail or glass of wine at night, focus on meeting your water intake goals for the day.
Don’t take blood-thinning medications or supplements before treatment without consulting your provider
Blood-thinning medications, including Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, and Motrin, do exactly what the name suggests: they thin the blood. While this is essential for pain relief, it can exacerbate bruising at the injection sites. If it’s medically necessary for you to take these medications, make sure to mention this to your injector so that they can plan accordingly.
Don’t engage in vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours after treatment
To help prevent the dermal fillers from migrating, it’s suggested that patients avoid strenuous exercise that might encourage this migration for at least 24 to 48 hours after their dermal filler sessions.
Don’t touch or massage the treated area unnecessarily
Avoid touching the treated area, as this can lead to infection or the migration of the dermal fillers.
Don’t expose the treated area to intense heat
Saunas, hot tubs, hot showers, and heaters should be avoided as they can cause sweating, which leads to infection. Extreme heat can also dehydrate the skin, impairing the results of your dermal filler treatment.
Don’t have other facial treatments in the treated area for a specified period
If you have regular facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, or other facial treatments, it is recommended that you wait at least two weeks before scheduling your next facial treatment until the dermal fillers have a chance to settle.
Don’t lie down or bend over for several hours after the procedure
Bending over or lying prone can increase the risk of bruising and also spread the dermal fillers to unintended locations. Instead, prop your head up with some pillows and squat to pick things up if needed.
Don’t use makeup on the treated area for at least 12 hours
The skin around the injection sites needs time to heal properly so the filler can settle into its intended position. Applying makeup too soon can carry risks of infection, bumps, swelling, and other complications.
Don’t expose the treated area to extreme cold until swelling and redness subside
Normal side effects from filler, including swelling, redness, and bruising, can be exacerbated due to extremely cold elements. If you do choose to ice the treatment area, be sure that it’s only for short periods of time and that a towel or cloth is used as a barrier between your skin and the ice pack.
Choosing the Right Provider For Dermal Fillers
It takes a keen aesthetic eye, experience, and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy to create beautiful, natural-looking results. At Réforme Dermatology, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile performs all dermal filler services on patients herself. With her extensive knowledge of the facial anatomy and complex nature of the skin, Dr. Vasile can create results that complement the patient’s features and ensure that the entire injectable process runs smoothly.
Now that you’re fully informed on the most essential dos and don’ts of dermal fillers, you’re ready to have a smooth treatment and reap the full benefits of your treatment. To schedule a consultation at Réforme Dermatology with Dr. Gabriella Vasile, call our office at (843) 974-1230 or get in touch through our online portal.