How to Prepare for Dermal Filler Injections

Interest in dermal filler injections has increased by 8% in the last year alone, and it’s easy to see why. The benefits of dermal fillers abound, including the ability to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.

Are you ready to join the ranks of millions of others and give your skin the revitalized look you’ve been dreaming of? Dermal fillers are a great way to smooth lines and wrinkles, enhance fullness in certain areas, or even correct small asymmetries. 

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, it’s important to do some research on how best to prepare for dermal filler injections. Read on for our top tips so you can get the most out of your treatment!

Understand the Different Types of Dermal Fillers

Understanding the types of dermal fillers available to you is a crucial part of preparing for your appointment. Think of it like going on an adventure. Each type of filler brings a different journey, helping you to identify the best option for your desired look. 

Whether you’re looking for dermal filler injections that add volume, create contour, or simply keep your skin looking smooth and refreshed, there’s an injectable treatment out there that can tailor to your unique needs. 

A little research can help make sure you go into your appointment armed with all the knowledge needed to make the most informed decision about what to expect. While you’ve got more than a few options, here are four of the most common types of fillers.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a type of injectable product known for their hydrating properties — not to mention their incredibly popular reputation among the beauty and skincare communities. These products are a great way to gently plump up the look of your skin, targeting areas such as smile lines around the mouth, mild wrinkles on the forehead, and tear troughs.

Best of all, hyaluronic acid fillers offer long-lasting results with little downtime involved. So bring on that hydrating boost of youthfulness — hyaluronic acid fillers have got you covered! Oh, and by the way, hyaluronic acid fillers come in many different forms.

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Found to be effective, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are designed to provide natural-looking results and subtle enhancements for a revitalized appearance. This type of filler is best for use in areas of the face that need volume or extra firmness such as the:

• Chin
• Cheeks
• Nasolabial folds

The smooth consistency of calcium hydroxylapatite makes it ideal for delicate correction work often required in these areas. So if you’re looking for an easy way to achieve a more youthful and vibrant look, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers may just be what you’re looking for. You’ll recognize this treatment in most medspa locations because it’s called Radiesse.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)

Unlike other dermal fillers, poly-L-lactic acid isn’t designed to produce instant gratification. Instead, it works with your body’s collagen production so that you get a more natural-looking (and feeling) result over time.

The best part? Poly-L-lactic acid is great for softening lines on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth. This makes this type of dermal filler great for plumping up thin lips or even filling in laugh lines around your smile. What’s this treatment called at your local medspa? You’ll likely find it listed under the name Sculptra (learn more about Sculptra here).

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Finally, we have what you’ve probably heard called Bellafill. If you’re fed up with aging skin and want to enjoy your new look long-term without a regular retouching regime, polymethylmethacrylate fillers may be just the right fit.

Going by one of its many trade names such as Bellafill, polymethylmethacrylate offers an injection-based solution that can smooth away those lines around the nose and mouth while restoring volume to hollow cheeks. It’s perfect for getting rid of medium to deep wrinkles that increase with age, as well as folds and furrows in the lower facial area.

What Happens During Your Dermal Filler Appointment?

When it comes to dermal filler appointments, there’s no need to be nervous. It’s an incredibly straightforward process that usually takes just minutes out of your day.

Namely, it’s important to know that you’ll have a consultation before any injections. This means you’ll have the time and space to ask questions. Based on your needs, your skincare specialist or medical professional will help identify which type of filler is best for you. They’ll also let you know how many injections you’ll need to achieve the results you’re looking for.

After that, you’ll book your appointment and head in for your injections. A trained professional will begin by sanitizing the injection site and then applying a local anesthetic to numb the area for you. Once you’re ready, they’ll use an ultra-fine needle to inject the dermal fillers, which miraculously plump and add volume to your skin.

After that, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a more youthful visage. While the process itself is relatively painless, you can expect some slight swelling and possibly bruising. This is totally normal. However, you can reduce these side effects by preparing properly for your appointment.

What to Do Before Getting Dermal Filler Injections

Are you a first-time dermal filler client? Yay! You’re about to embark on a journey that’ll change your life and, well, your face for the better. However, before you can enjoy the benefits of dermal fillers, you’ll want to ensure you prepare properly for your appointment.

One Week Before Your Appointment

Taking blood thinners, as well as many over-the-counter medications such as Motrin, ibuprofen, and Aleve can put you at risk of slight bleeding and bruising after your dermal filler appointment. One week before your dermal filler injection appointment, stop the use of these medications if possible.

Likewise, you’ll want to suspend the use of certain supplements, too. Vitamin E and omega 3 supplements can lead to accidental bleeding during the procedure. Other supplements to avoid include Gingko Biloba, primrose oil, and ginseng.

Two Days Before Your Appointment

A couple of days before you’ll appointment you’ll want to focus on not irritating the skin around the injection site. This includes avoiding getting waxed around your upper lip if you’re getting lip injections, for example. Avoid tweezing hairs around the injection site as well as this also leads to irritated skin that’ll be even more irritated after the injections.

It’s also best to avoid anti-aging skincare products such as Retin-A, Retinol, or Glycolic Acid found in most facial peels these days. If you have access to Arnica gel, you can start taking this a few days before your appointment. It’s an herb that can help reduce bruising.

The Day of Your Appointment

The only thing you need to remember the day before your appointment is to avoid drinking alcohol! Avoid alcoholic drinks at least 24 hours before getting dermal fillers just to reduce the chances of bleeding at the injection site. Then, on the day of your appointment, visit our offices with a fresh face free of makeup or products.

What to Do After Getting Dermal Filler Injections

Whew, you’ve braved the needles and the “tough” part is over now. We told you it wasn’t so bad, right? Now, you’ll want to focus on what to do in the hours and days following your appointment to reduce your chances of swelling and bruising.

How to Reduce Swelling

Immediately after your injections, you’ll likely notice a bit of swelling. As mentioned, this is normal. After all, you’ve just had a needle stuck into some pretty sensitive skin.

While you shouldn’t feel intense pain, you can take acetaminophen if needed to alleviate the slight discomfort. You might, however, experience slight itching or burning. This shouldn’t be too intense either, but it’s best to avoid scratching or itching anywhere near the injection site.

Finally, if you notice a bump, you can massage the area very gently. As the injections settle, this is normal in the first couple of days following dermal filler injections.

How to Reduce Bruising

In the first hour or so following your appointment, feel free to apply an ice pack. Even though it may seem counterintuitive at the moment, keeping your cool and avoiding overly vigorous activities can also help reduce the body’s inflammatory response and help reduce bruising.

Recovery Time After Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler recovery can come with a few side effects, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. The amount of time it takes for healing can vary from person to person, but generally speaking, you can expect to see the full results between two and seven days post-injection.

Some people might experience swelling and redness post-injection that dissipates in a couple of days. However, dermal fillers are mild, so chances are high you’ll feel just fine after all is said and done!

Book an Appointment for Dermal Filler Injections

Ready to reinvigorate your look with dermal filler injections? You’re in luck! At Zero Gravity Aesthetics, we offer free consultations so you can get the most out of your dermal injection experience. 

Let us take the stress away and help you choose a dermal filler treatment that suits you. Don’t wait — schedule your consultation or appointment today!