Dermal Fillers: How to Prepare for Your Treatment
Are you ready to give your skin the refresh it’s been craving but not sure about how to prepare for your dermal filler treatment? Whether you’re considering a lip injection, or looking to fill deeper creases, dermal fillers are an excellent solution for people wanting a quick, minimally invasive way to look their best. Here’s what you need to do to make sure your dermal filler treatment goes off without a hitch!
Before getting a dermal filler, it’s important to make sure that you are prepared both medically and mentally. It is recommended that you stop taking any blood thinning medications such as Advil, aspirin, or ibuprofen at least 7 days prior to treatment in order to reduce bleeding and bruising.
What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are substances used to improve the appearance of certain parts of the face. Commonly, they are injected by a licensed healthcare practitioner into areas that have lost their natural collagen, fat, or hyaluronic acid due to aging or other various conditions. While dermal fillers can be used as an effective anti-aging tool as they provide a more youthful look, they can also help with volume restoration, wrinkle softening, and scar and acne scar concealing.
Due to their great utility and benefits there is an increasing amount of patients seeking out the procedure – from young adults to more mature adults looking for even subtle changes. However, many people debate when it is simply too early for individuals to start using dermal filler. On one side of the argument are those who believe having injections done at any age can lead to dangerous paths like addiction and progressively more extreme procedures just because one becomes obsessed with how they look; on the other side are those that point out that if done under the care and guidance of qualified professionals, injections should be considered like any other medical procedure and shouldn’t spark any kind of judgement.
Overall, no matter which side of the debate you may be on regarding when it is appropriate to use dermal fillers it is important to understand them: what they are, what type you could potentially receive, what treatments suits you best depending on your needs; this will be beneficial for any individual considering starting a treatment plan but also for healthcare practitioners helping them through said process.
Understanding these aspects will help make sure everyone involved takes the necessary precautions for a successful outcome that fulfills each patient’s expectations without endangering themselves.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Now that we understand what a dermal filler is, it’s important to discuss the various types of fillers available. The most commonly used and FDA approved fillers are hyaluronic acid-based such as Juvederm or Restylane, calcium hydroxylapatite-based such as Radiesse, and poly-L-lactic acid-based such as Sculptra.
Hyaluronic acid based fillers are composed of a sugar-like compound that is naturally created within the body and are extremely versatile for many areas including the lips, cheeks, and even jawline. These fillers can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and facial folds. The results from this type of dermal filler will typically last six months to one year.
Calcium hydroxylapatite based fillers are formulated with larger particles which makes them able to produce more dramatic results than hyaluronic acid. Results typically last up to two years with calcium hydroxylapatite-based fillers; however, they may not look as natural as the hyaluronic acid varieties.
Poly-L-lactic acid based fillers use biodegradable synthetic materials and hence have a longer lasting effect, usually up to two years or even longer. In addition they also stimulate collagen production resulting in firmer skin over time. These fillers have had great success in treating deep laugh lines and sunken cheekbones but there is some debate about their efficacy versus hyaluronic acid based products since there can be a long lag time before seeing optimal results.
Each type of dermal filler has positive and negative points associated with it, but no matter what you choose, it’s imperative to be aware of both the risks and benefits before getting any kind of cosmetic injection procedure done.
Preparing for Your Filler Injections
Once you have learned about the types of dermal fillers and selected which filler is best for you, it is now time to prepare for your injections. Most doctors will advise patients to stop taking any medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, two days before filler injections. Doing so may help reduce bruising and swelling that can occur during the procedure. Additionally, many doctors recommend avoiding alcohol and smoking one or two days prior to your appointment. Not only are these activities known to increase the risk of bruising around the injection site, but they can also interfere with the anesthetic agent being used in some cases.
Though it may seem tempting to apply topical care products such as Retin-A or glycolic acid right before your treatment as a way of refreshing the skin, this is something you should definitely avoid. Adverse effects could include increased risk of bruising and interference with the effectiveness of the filler product. Finally, remember to tell your doctor if you have previously experienced adverse reactions to injectable substances or topical creams prior to your treatment too.
By doing all this preparation in advance, you are making sure that you not only feel comfortable but also confident with your practitioner prior to completing your procedure. Now is also a great time for your practitioner to give vital advice on what precautions need to be taken post-treatment– information that will come in handy once it’s time for you to leave their office and go home! So make sure that you get all of the information needed as you move toward visiting your practitioner for advice and check-up.
Visiting Your Practitioner for Advice and Check-Up
When considering dermal fillers, it is important to first visit and consult with a practitioner. This consultation provides an opportunity to learn more about the procedure so that you can make a more informed decision and prepare for your treatment. During the consultation, your practitioner will assess your medical history and discuss the potential risks and side effects associated with the injections.
This is also a good chance to ask any questions or concerns you may have in order to feel more comfortable with the process. Additionally, some practices will require certain tests or scans prior to administering the treatment, such as checking the patient’s blood pressure to ensure safety. Overall, visitations are an essential part of dermal filler treatments and should not be neglected.
Ultimately, regardless of your comfort level with cosmetic procedures, your practitioner’s advice is invaluable and worth heeding before undertaking anything new for yourself. They are highly trained and certified professionals who can use their knowledge of the human body to advise you on how best to approach your desired aesthetic goals in a safe and effective way.
Having laid out all the necessary steps for preparing for your filler injections and visiting your practitioners for advice and check-ups, one critical piece remains before beginning any kind of procedure: skin care. Proper skin care is essential pre-treatment in order to optimize results afterwards and reduce chances of any post-treatment complications.
Discussing Skin Care Prior to Treatment
The discussion during your check-up with your practitioner is an important step in preparing for your dermal filler treatment. Not only will you be given an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the treatment, but it is also an ideal time for your practitioner to evaluate the health of your skin and determine the best strategy for skin care both before and after the procedure.
Some practitioners might recommend a certain approach such as retinol creams, sunscreen use, or avoiding sun exposure ahead of treatments. Others might suggest a tailored regimen based on current lifestyle habits like smoking or tanning bed usage. Whatever be the case, it is important that you voice any concerns regarding the skin care instructions provided. For example, if you are usually active outdoors and cannot avoid direct sunlight, discuss with your practitioner ways to reduce any risks associated with sun exposure before and after the treatment.
Ultimately, following appropriate skin care instructions prior to dermal filler injections can help ensure an overall safer and more effective outcome for the patient. Therefore, understanding what skin care steps need to be taken beforehand is an integral component of preparation for such treatments. But even after taking recommended precautions, keep in mind that there may still be slight variations in results between individuals due to differences in skin types or individual needs. With this in mind, patients should consider discussing options for systemic anesthesia prior to their treatment so that their experiences are as comfortable as possible.
Anesthesics for Dermal Filler Injections
When it comes to dermal filler injections, some patients may opt to receive some form of anesthetic during the treatment. This can be beneficial in mitigating the potential discomfort associated with these injectable procedures, which involve needle contact with the skin. Common anesthetic for injectable treatments involve things like topical numbing cream, local anesthetic, or light sedation such as ProNox.
It is up to each individual patient to determine whether or not they would like to pursue an anesthetic prior to dermal filler injection treatments. Most patient opt in to do so and it can really minimize the discomfort involved, making it tolerable and a good experience for both the patient and practitioner. The patient should discuss any allergies or apprehensions towards anesthetics before hand. Dermal injections can certainly be done without any anesthetic and some areas of the face are more tolerable than others. Other options like icing or using a vibrating anesthesia device are other alternatives to help minimize discomfort.
FAQs
What are the possible side effects of dermal fillers?
The possible side effects of dermal fillers depend largely on the type of filler used and the area in which it is injected. Generally, some of the most common side effects are associated with bruising, swelling, itching, redness, infection, discoloration of the skin, asymmetry in the treatment area and temporary numbing or pain at the injection site. In rare cases, scarring or allergic reactions have been reported. It is important to discuss any health concerns you may have with your dermatologist prior to undergoing a procedure with dermal fillers to ensure that you are aware of all potential risks and benefits.
What should I expect during my dermal filler procedure?
When undergoing a dermal filler procedure, you should expect to experience a relatively short and straightforward appointment. During the procedure, your healthcare provider will choose an appropriate product for you and inject your skin with hyaluronic acid-based fillers. The whole process generally takes no more than 15 minutes. After your treatment, you might experience some redness and swelling at the injection site, but this should subside within a few hours.
It’s important to have realistic expectations of your results from dermal fillers — immediate plumpness may appear minimal or mild. Your injector may customize a plan with you to slowly build with fillers to give you the ideal result you desire. Lastly, it is essential that you keep up with regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare professional to maintain your desired look.
Are there any treatments I should avoid before my dermal filler appointment?
It is important to avoid any treatments that could cause increased skin sensitivity or inflammation prior to your dermal filler appointment. This may includes facials, chemical peels, waxing, electrolysis, intense pulsed light treatments, and laser hair removal. It’s best to wait until after your appointment for atleast two weeks to resume such activities so as not to interfere with the treatment process. Additionally, it is important to stop taking certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s Wort, and vitamin E supplements that can thin the blood before your injection. Lastly, be sure to inform your provider if you are having Botox injections within 4 weeks prior to your dermal filler treatment.
Related Resources
- New to Dermal Fillers? Here’s What You Need to Know!
- Dermal Fillers vs. Surgery
- What to Do After Botox in Forehead
- How to Take Care of Yourself After Botox
- 16 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Facelift
- Facelift Before And After
- Jawline Dermal Fillers
- What to expect the first 2 months after a facelift
Let us help you reach your aesthetic goals today! If you are considering dermal fillers or other aesthetic treatments, come in and visit one of our certified and experienced aestheticians, nurses, or facial plastics surgeons.