Your first time getting filler can be intimidating–here’s what you need to know and how to prepare for your first appointment.
Filler has quickly become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Over 3 million filler procedures were done in 2020 alone.
Part of the reason is that filler injections are safe procedures with little recovery time and have noticeable results while being minimally invasive. Not only that but the results are long-lasting and noticeable for a temporary procedure. In the years since fillers were first introduced, it’s become more and more possible to create completely natural-looking results that make your skin look more youthful and firm.
But even knowing how effective and safe filler injections are, you likely have a lot of questions before your first filler appointment.
So here’s what you need to know your first time getting filler.
What are fillers?
Fillers, more formally called dermal fillers, are injectable substances that plump the face and reduce wrinkles.
The reason they’re popular is because of the way your skin changes as you age. Over time, your skin becomes thinner and you produce less hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is an important and naturally occurring substance in your body. It holds moisture and helps your skin maintain a plump, youthful appearance. As your body produces less of it the result is thinner and dryer skin that appears aged.
While there are many types of filler, one of the most common and popular types uses hyaluronic acid to replenish what’s lost as you age. There are other types of filler though that include: calcium hydroxylapatite, and polylactic acid (a collagen stimulator). The type you get for your treatment will depend on the type of procedure you want and your ideal outcomes.
Common filler brands include:
Where do you get filler injections?
You can get filler injected in many areas depending on what you want to achieve. Fillers are typically used in areas that you want to make fuller because the skin has become thinner and looser (As opposed to Botox which is injected around areas where frequent movement of the muscles under the skin creates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.)
These are some of the common sites of filler injections:
- Around your eyes to reduce the shadow of lower lids or for crows feet as an alternative to Botox
- Lips
- Deep lines around the mouth and nose
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Neck and chest
- Hands
Does filler hurt and are their side effects?
For your first time getting filler, it’s normal to be concerned about the side effects. But the treatment is one of the safest and most effective cosmetic procedures.
During the treatment, your doctor will first cleanse the area of your injection site and then apply a topical numbing ointment. As a result, you will not feel any pain during the injection.
After the treatment, it’s common to experience some minor side effects that go away within a few days (but can last 7-14 days in some instances):
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Mild soreness
- Itching
It is best to not touch your face for up to six hours after treatment and you should avoid exercise for 24 hours. In addition, it’s best to avoid lying down or leaning forward after the treatment. This can cause the filler injections to shift and ruin the effect of the treatment you intended to have. It’s also helpful to avoid extreme heat like sunbathing and saunas.
What to do before your first appointment?
As with any procedure, there are a few things to keep in mind to help your first appointment go smoothly and reduce side effects after the treatment.
- In the week before your appointment, avoid blood-thinning medications like Aleve, aspirin, or ibuprofen, as well as supplements like garlic, ginseng, and vitamin E.
- Avoid other treatments or products that can irritate the skin like waxing, tweezing, and topical anti-aging products.
- It’s best not to drink alcohol at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
- Arrive at your appointment without makeup on. While your doctor can remove the makeup, it helps if you show up with an already clean face.
How long does filler last?
The effects of your filler treatment should last for at least six months. They can last longer and the amount of time depends on a few factors. Certain types of filler last longer than others and the amount of filler you get influences how quickly it gets absorbed fully into your body.
How to figure out which filler and how much is right for you?
The only way to know for sure which filler you should use and how much to get is by talking to a doctor who specializes in cosmetic procedures.
When you visit one of our doctors, they will discuss your health history, your aesthetic goals for a procedure, and tell you about the options available to achieve the look you want.
There are some recent trends that involve doing filler by yourself at home but this is never advisable. Fillers should never be purchased for use at home. Just like all other cosmetic injections, fillers should only be performed by a professional who is trained in administering these injections.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss, we ensure your experience is safe and give natural-looking results that align with your ideal appearance. To book your consultation, contact your closest location today.
