Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. They typically contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity. When injected into the skin, dermal fillers add volume to areas that have lost volume due to aging or other factors, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and hollow areas. 

Dermal fillers can be used to treat various areas of the face to address different cosmetic concerns. Some common treatment areas include: lips, cheeks, jawline, under-eyes, temples, chin, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds.

The duration of dermal filler results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of filler used, the treatment area, individual metabolism, and lifestyle factors. In general, the effects of dermal fillers typically last between 6 to 18 months.

The level of discomfort experienced during dermal filler injections can vary from person to person, but most individuals report only mild discomfort or a slight pinching sensation during the procedure.To minimize any potential discomfort, many healthcare providers use topical numbing creams or ice packs to numb the treatment area before administering the injections. Additionally, some dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which can further reduce discomfort during the injection process.

While dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by qualified and experienced healthcare professionals, there are potential side effects and risks associated with the treatment. These may include:Bruising, swellings, pain or discomfort, allergic reactions, nodules or lumps.

• Dermal fillers must not be administered if you have had any vaccines, immunizations, procedures, illnesses, or dental work in the past two weeks and for an additional two weeks after fillers.
• Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of the ingredients, suffer from any neurological or autoimmune disorders, are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, or have any active inflammatory processes (cysts, pimples, rashes, hives).
• For optimal results, and to minimize the chance of bleeding or bruising at the injection site, please avoid all blood-thinning medications and supplements for one week prior to your appointment. This includes over-the-counter medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Also avoid herbal supplements such as garlic, vitamin E, ginko biloba, St. John’s Wort and omega-3 capsules. If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor prior to stopping use of aspirin. Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before or after your treatment to avoid extra bruising.
• Inform your provider if you have a history of Perioral Herpes to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment. (Valtrex 500 mg BID, 5 days, start 2 days prior to treatment)
• Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A) retinols, retinoids, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or any “anti-aging” products for two days before and after treatment.

• Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area unless instructed by provider.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or anything that increases your heart rate for 24 hours.
• Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours (no sauna, hot tub).
• Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excessive swelling.
• You may apply a cool compress or ice pack for 15 minutes each hour while awake to reduce swelling.
• Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort. No NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) for 24 hours as they can increase bleeding.
• Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.
• You may want to consider taking Arnica (found in health food stores) to help with the bruising and swelling.
• Avoid wearing makeup the day of procedure.
• Sanitize your phone before putting it to your face and try to talk on speaker phone as much as you can day of.
• Wait a minimum of two weeks before dental work, immunizations, or laser treatments.