Considerations

Pros

• Filler injections are quick and only require a topical anesthetic at most
• Results are immediate and there is little to no downtime
• Fillers provide a subtle look that can be adjusted to meet your aesthetic needs

Cons

• Cosmetic fillers are temporary and require repeat injections to maintain your goal
• Some people may be sensitive and experience bruising and swelling
• Results are dependent on the experience and qualifications of your injector

These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering fillers. If you want to focus on those specifically unique to you, please consult with your aesthetic doctor.

Are you a good candidate for fillers?

The following are some common reason why you may want to consider fillers:

• You have lines or wrinkles around your mouth, eyes, or forehead.
• You’d like to enhance the volume in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, or lips.
• If you have scars and depressions in the skin resulting from acne, injury, or congenital imperfections.

Detailed Procedural Info

How is a fillers procedure performed?

Dermal fillers are administered with a syringe to various areas on the face and head, including around the eyes, along the jaw, around the lips, and in the forehead. The number, location, and depth of the injections depend largely on the type of dermal fillers used and the desired results.

Some fillers contain a local anesthetic like lidocaine to enhance comfort during injection. Numbing cream may also be used.

What are my options?

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers offer longer-lasting results.

• Collagen-Based Fillers: Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that adds strength and structure to the skin. Collagen was the first filler on the market, but the arrival of hyaluronic acid-based fillers has decreased its popularity.
• Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers Like collagen, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance and primarily used to promote fullness and volume.

What are the brand names for fillers?

There are a number of soft tissue filler brand names, but some of the most common are:

• Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers: Restylane®, Restylane® Lyft, Restylane® Kysse, Restylane® Volyme, Juvederm, Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Belotero
• Skin Boosters: Restylane Vital
• PROFHILO: A concentrated form of Hyaluronic Acid for overall improvement of extra cellularmatrix in the skin.

Selecting a Doctor

Select a doctor you can trust

It’s important to choose your doctor or injector based on:

• Education, training, and certification
• Experience with filler injections
• Your comfort with him or her

Your initial consultation appointment

During your initial consultation with your doctor, he or she will ask you about the areas on your face that concern you the most and what outcomes you’d most like to see. He or she will also evaluate the lines on your face to make recommendations. Together, you’ll decide on a type of dermal filler that will be best suited for your needs as well as injection sites to target. Once your doctor or injector understands your goals, alternative and additional treatments may be considered (see related procedures).

Your treatment plan

Fillers can be administered the same day as your consultation because of their minimally invasive nature, low downtime, and safety record. Based on your goals, physical characteristics, and many years of training and experience, your dermatologic doctor will share recommendations and information with you, including:

• Filler injection recommendations that will give you the best outcome
• The outcomes that you can anticipate
• Your financial investment in the procedure
• Associated risks and complications
• What is needed to prepare for filler injections?
• What you can expect to experience after fillers
• Share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours and answer any questions.

Preparing for Your Procedure

How do I prepare for a fillers procedure?

Your doctor will provide thorough pretreatment instructions and answer any questions you may have. In the weeks before your injections, you’ll be asked to refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and any other medications that could cause bruising. Be sure to inform your physician of any medicines you are taking. If you have a history of cold sores, your doctor may recommend taking valacyclovir as a precaution. Your doctor may ask you to stop smoking before the procedure. Regardless of the type of procedure to be performed, hydration is very important before and after treatment for safe recovery.

Before going for a consultation, it would be a good idea to read our Injectable Safety Planning Guide.

Aftercare and Recovery

Immediately after injection
You will likely see the results of your injections immediately following the procedure, though it’s not uncommon for patients to experience swelling or minimal bruising in the area of the injection site. Your physician may give you an ice pack or cold compress to help settle swelling. The period of swelling will depend largely on the type of soft tissue filler you received, though most swelling, bruising, and redness should dissipate within one week to ten days.

Recovery time frame
One of the most enticing features of soft tissue fillers is their minimal recovery time. In the approximate week, it takes for swelling and bruising to disappear, your doctor may advise you to avoid wearing hats or other headgear and only use small amounts of makeup.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The length of results from your dermal fillers is dependent on the type of injection you received:

• Collagen-Based Fillers: Results will last from two to four months.
• Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers: Results vary, though results of most common brands will last twelve to eighteen months.