DO’S + DON’TS OF DERMAL FILLERS

Your skin goes through a lot as it ages. It stops retaining moisture, loses its ability to produce collagen as effectively, and becomes less elastic, all of which can raise your risk for wrinkles or sagging. Dermal fillers add volume back to your face by plumping up aging tissue, making your skin appear more youthful, fresh, and vibrant – so you can present your best self to the world.

While the risk profile for injectable fillers is quite low, any procedure still carries a small amount of risk. You can do a lot to reduce that risk just by knowing how to prep and care for your skin before and after your injections. From choosing the right injector to what you should know, we lay everything out right here in this easy-to-follow guide.

RECEIVING DERMAL FILLERS FROM A REPUTABLE INJECTOR

No two people age in the same way – that’s true for every part of our whole selves, body, mind, and face. One side of your face may have heavier crow’s feet, while the other side may appear slightly droopier around the eyelid. The lines running down the side of the nose to your mouth, or the marionette lines, may be deep or they may be deeper on one side than the other. This is all normal, if a bit frustrating!

Dermal fillers are an excellent choice for this type of problem because they allow an experienced injector to re-balance the face. All they need to do is use the right amount of filler in the right spot to restore your look.

But knowing where and when to use more or less filler? That’s a real skill that not everyone has. Which is exactly why you should always choose an experience injector, no matter how small the procedure.

Choosing an experienced injector is a bit of a process, but it is worth the effort. In fact, experience matters far more than price, especially when it comes to facial rejuvenation work. Take some time to look online at the general before-and-after photos from filler manufacturers, or ask your clinic for supplemental photos from your specific injector. Being able to visually confirm the quality of their work can be really helpful, especially if you don’t have prior experience with them. If they don’t have one, or if you don’t like what you see, move on and consider someone else instead.

AVOID HIGH-PRESSURE TACTICS

Some medical spas may charge a fee for a consultation, but many will waive it or apply the fee to the cost of your filler treatment if you decide to go ahead with the procedure. Others don’t charge for consultations at all. Both are legitimate marketing methods for aesthetics clinics; they just have different benefits for patients and the clinic at the end of the day.

No matter what method your clinic uses, you should never feel pressured to have a procedure on the same day as your consultation. This is doubly true if you are at a new facility or have never had fillers before. You deserve time to compare your options and make an educated decision on your time.

PLAN IN ADVANCE

People who have been thinking about dermal fillers for a while, but are just now taking the plunge for the first time, have time to really consider their options. We mentioned that you should never feel rushed; planning in advance can help you avoid feeling compelled to make that decision before you’re ready.

If you’re planning to have fillers before a wedding or some other big event, you’ll definitely want to plan to start at least two to three months in advance. This advance planning gives your injector time to assess your skin and suggest a treatment plan, as well as the ability to make subtle changes so that the full effect is achieved before the big day.

PRE-TREATMENT CARE

Your clinic will give you a specific list of do’s and don’ts to help you prep for treatment and prepare your skin before your injection date. This is another reason why you shouldn’t let anyone push you into a treatment you aren’t ready for – your skin might not be ready, either. Some patients (especially those with skin issues like acne or psoriasis) may be advised to treat those issues first.

Other potential prep DON’Ts include:

• DON’T take any over-the-counter medication that could thin your blood during the week leading up to your procedure. This includes Ibuprofen, Aleve, Aspirin, and other pain relievers. If you aren’t sure, ask your injector.
• DON’T take herbal supplements in the week before your appointment. This includes products like ginseng, Vitamin E, and John’s Wort. Your injector will give you a full list of substances to avoid.
• DON’T drink alcohol for at least 48 to 72 hours before your treatment. The blood-thinning effects of alcohol may cause you to bruise, not to mention the fact that hangovers are no fun on procedure day!
• DON’T exercise the day of your appointment. While this may seem counterintuitive, exercising right after injections can compromise your results.

And now, for the DO’s:

• DO start taking an Arnica supplement a few days before your injections. Arnica reduces bruising and supports healthier circulation.
• DO clear your schedule for at least a week or so after your injections. You may still have some swelling and bruising, especially after injections around the eyes and lips.
• DO tell your injector about any medications you take regularly just in case there are any potential interactions. Your injector may work with your doctor to determine safety.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

What you do after your dermal filler procedure is just as important as how you prepare; in many ways, aftercare is even more important than prep. Too much movement, the wrong kind of pain relief, and even massage may move your fillers around, nudging them out of placement and compromising your results.

Here’s what not to do:

• DON’T exercise for a few days after your procedure. Exercise increases blood flow and also physically nudges your tissues, which may move your fillers around.
• DON’T touch or massage your treatment area after your procedure; this, too, can adjust the position of your fillers. Wait at least 24 hours before applying any sort of pressure to your skin.
• DON’T wear makeup for at least 24 to 48 hours after your procedure. Give your skin time to heal before you wear it!
• DON’T spend time in direct sunlight for at least 24 to 48 hours. Sunburn is the biggest risk here, but even simple exposure may cause damage.

Here’s what you SHOULD do:

• DO ice the area on and off throughout the day. Talk to your injector about whether or not icing is appropriate – it isn’t the right choice in every instance, but it’s often best.
• DO follow your injector’s instructions regarding using Arnica ointment on the area for a few days after your procedure. This will help to minimize bruising.
• DO stay hydrated. It’s not only good for you, but the fillers prefer a hydrated environment.

OTHER IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON’TS

• We’ve wrapped up the basics for you, but let’s talk about a few more niche tips and strategies. To ensure your fillers look their very best (and the most like “you”) after they heal, follow these last few do’s and don’ts:
• DON’T use dermal fillers while pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
• DON’T use dermal fillers if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients.
• DON’T use dermal fillers if you are diagnosed with any sort of neurological disorder.
• DO talk to your injector before treatment if you have any medical concerns. This includes totally unrelated conditions, such as heart disease or kidney disease.
• DO let your injector know if you’ve ever had a facial cold sore or if you are prone to outbreaks. Injections may slightly raise the risk factor for a cold sore breakout.

Facial, hand, or body fillers are an investment, but it’s an investment in self-care and self-love that can leave you looking and feeling more confident, too. Take your time when making your decision, make sure you are comfortable with your injector, and create a plan that suits your schedule and needs. You’re worth being patient and getting the job done right!