Dermal Filler

What is Dermal Filler Treatment?

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore volume, enhance facial contours, improve symmetry, and soften lines or folds. Common treatment areas may include the cheeks, lips, jawline, chin, under-eyes, temples, and nasolabial folds.

Fillers are commonly made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that helps maintain hydration and structure within the skin.

How Does It Work?

Dermal fillers are strategically injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, enhance facial features, and support facial balance. Depending on the product selected and treatment area, fillers may provide immediate structural support while also attracting water for hydration and softness.

Results vary depending on product type, metabolism, injection technique, treatment area, and individual response.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Avoid blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), supplements such as Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, and ginkgo biloba for at least 7 days before your treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet leading up to your treatment.
Consider IV hydration therapy the day before or the day of your treatment to support skin hydration and healing.
Avoid facial peels, waxing, or laser treatments on the area to be injected for at least 1 week prior.

What to Expect During Treatment

Treatment time varies depending on treatment area and product used.
Your provider may apply topical numbing or utilize products containing lidocaine for comfort.
Mild pressure, pinching, tenderness, or stinging may occur during injection.
Swelling, redness, bruising, firmness, or tenderness are common after treatment.
Results may be visible immediately, though swelling may temporarily distort final appearance.

Post-Treatment Care and Expectations

Expect mild swelling, redness, minor bruising, or tenderness - these typically resolve within a few days.
Apply ice packs gently to the treated area for 10-15 minutes each hour for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
Keep your head elevated as much as possible during the first night after treatment to decrease swelling.
Swelling and asymmetry can be normal early in the healing process and may take several days to settle.

What to Avoid

Strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption for the first 24 hours, as these may increase swelling or bruising.
Rubbing, massaging, or applying significant pressure to the treated areas for 24-48 hours.
Exposure to extreme heat (e.g., saunas, hot tubs) or prolonged direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications, unless directed by your healthcare provider, as these can increase bruising.

Skin Care

Avoid harsh skincare products, retinol, exfoliants, and chemical peels for at least 48 hours.
Use gentle skincare products and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) consistently when outdoors.
Avoid facials, microneedling, or peels for 1-2 weeks after treatment unless otherwise directed.
After 1-2 weeks, consider gentle chemical peels or hydrating facials to enhance skin texture and appearance around the treated areas, if recommended by your provider.

Additional Recommendations

Apply topical Arnica gel or cream to reduce bruising and swelling, applying 2-3 times daily.
Take oral dissolving Arnica tablets: Place 2-3 tablets under the tongue three times daily starting immediately after treatment and continuing for 3-5 days.
Continue to stay well hydrated and avoid unnecessary pressure on treated areas while swelling settles.

Integrative Therapy Options

When appropriate and cleared by your provider, supportive options may include:

IV Glutathione or Vitamin C Infusions for antioxidant support and enhanced skin clarity.
LED Light Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote collagen stimulation.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (by trained professionals) after 48 hours to support healing.
Haus Ritual facials or Hydrafacials 1-2 weeks post-treatment to restore hydration and smooth skin.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy as a complementary treatment for overall skin rejuvenation.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

While dermal fillers are generally well tolerated when performed by qualified providers, side effects may include but are not limited to:

Bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness, firmness, or asymmetry.
Temporary lumpiness or irregular contour.
Infection or delayed healing.
Allergic reaction or inflammatory response.
Vascular occlusion, tissue injury, skin breakdown, stroke, or vision complications, which are rare but serious medical emergencies.

Results vary individually and cannot be guaranteed.

When to Contact Your Provider

Please contact our office promptly if you experience:

Severe or increasing pain, redness, warmth, or tenderness around the injection sites.
Fever, chills, or unusual systemic symptoms.
Worsening swelling, significant asymmetry, drainage, or signs of infection.
Any questions, concerns, or unexpected reactions.

Seek Immediate or Emergency Care If

You experience vision changes, sudden vision loss, severe headache, dizziness, confusion, or new neurological symptoms.
You notice white, pale, dusky, gray, blue, or mottled skin near or beyond the injection site.
You develop severe pain that feels out of proportion or rapidly worsening discoloration.
You experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, facial/lip/tongue swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Follow-Up Care

Results typically last between 6 and 12 months. Treatments can generally be repeated every 6-12 months, depending on individual needs and desired results.
A follow-up visit may be recommended approximately 2 weeks after treatment to assess settling and determine whether any refinement is appropriate.
Please schedule your follow-up appointment or contact our office at your earliest convenience to ensure your satisfaction and discuss any additional treatments or concerns.

FAQ

Q: When will I see results?

‍A: Results are typically visible immediately, but swelling can temporarily affect the appearance. Final settling may take 1-2 weeks depending on the area treated.

Q: How long do results last?

‍A: Results typically last between 6 and 12 months. Longevity varies based on product type, treatment area, metabolism, and individual goals.

‍Q: Is dermal filler painful?

‍A: Most patients tolerate treatment well. You may feel pressure, pinching, or brief tenderness during injection.

Q: Can dermal filler be combined with other treatments?

‍A: Yes, fillers may be combined with neuromodulators, lasers, facials, PRP, or other treatments when appropriate and timed safely by your provider.

Q: Can filler be dissolved?

‍A: Some hyaluronic acid fillers may be dissolved with hyaluronidase when medically appropriate. Not all filler types are dissolvable.

Summary

Dermal filler treatments can help restore volume, enhance facial contours, and support facial balance when performed with proper technique, realistic expectations, and appropriate aftercare.

If you have any questions or concerns before or after your treatment, please contact our office.