HOW TO PREPARE FOR DERMAL FILLERS FOR THE BEST RESULTS

Rebecca Martin, PA-C

Dermal fillers have become a preferred method for fighting the signs of aging and addressing issues that perhaps we are not happy with. Fillers can help you achieve a more youthful, radiant look at any age. The number and quality of fillers have increased over the years, they’re effective, and results are usually immediate with no downtime. What’s there not to love? Let’s look at what fillers do and how you can prepare for your treatment to achieve the best results.

Fillers – What are They, and What do They do?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin. There are many dermal fillers available, composed of different substances. These may be natural substances such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and calcium hydroxylapatite. They can also contain a synthetic filler such as poly-L-lactic acid, which helps stimulate collagen production. Fillers are used to replace volume loss that naturally occurs in the aging process. They are also used in younger patients to augment an area where they desire more fullness or contouring. 

Some of the things that fillers can be used for include:

• Get rid of fine lines, deep creases, and hollow areas
• Lift the Brow
• Plump lips
• Diminish scars
• Restore volume to cheeks
• Rejuvenate hands
• Contour areas

Preparing for Your Treatment

Ask your Dermatologist questions before your treatment and communicate with them what your goals are. This allows your Provider to select the best dermal filler for your goals, helps you to manage your expectations, and become informed about the pros and cons of the treatment.

One of the questions you should ask is what type of filler will be used and how long it will likely last. The two most common types of fillers are hyaluronic acid, a sugar that is naturally found in the body, and calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral and a major component of bone. They last different lengths of time depending on the area being treated. 

You can prepare by taking arnica, an herbal supplement, starting five days before your procedure, which has been shown to reduce bruising and swelling. Arnica can be found at vitamin/supplement specialty stores, or you can order it on Amazon. You may want to stop taking any blood thinners, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements, as this reduces the risk of unwanted bruising.

Lastly, avoid sun exposure, tweezing, waxing, and bleaching the areas to be treated. These can irritate the skin, and you need to minimize this.

After Treatment Care

After treatment, you may apply ice or cold compresses to help reduce bruising and swelling. You can also purchase some topical arnica gel/cream to massage directly onto areas with any bruising or swelling. Topical arnica gel can easily be found in most drugstores. What you don’t want to do is pick at the site, scratch it or push too hard on it. You want the filler time to settle into the area without any irritation.

You may return to your regular routine after your dermal filler procedure. Avoid any strenuous exercise or activities involving heat (suntanning, hot tubs, steam baths, saunas) for at least 24 hours.

Know the Risks of Getting Dermal Fillers

While dermal fillers are great for so many reasons, it is still good to remember that it is a medical procedure, and there are some risks involved. The most common risks include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, and rash. Most side effects occur shortly after injection and go away within a few weeks. In some cases, side effects may emerge weeks, months, or years later. Dermal fillers are not recommended for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.

The most serious risk associated with dermal fillers is an accidental injection into a blood vessel. Filler that enters a blood vessel can cause skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness. While the chances of this happening are low, the resulting complications can be serious and may be permanent if it does happen. 

This brings us to the importance of selecting a specialized, highly trained, and qualified Provider who has experience injecting dermal fillers. This will minimize the risks and assure you get the best result possible. Another advantage of going to a medical Provider to get your dermal filler procedure is knowing that you are getting the “real deal” and not some injectable that is counterfeit. A counterfeit product can be potentially fatal, and the Food and Drug Administration has issued various warnings to the public about this problem.

Top 5 Fillers and the Best Way to Use Them

Vitalogy Skincare offers a variety of dermal fillers to cover different needs and results to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.  These are five of our favorites:

1. Radiesse® (+) – cheeks, mid-face volume loss, back of hands
2. JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC – lips
3. Hyperdilute Radiesse – skin tightening on face and neck
4. BELOTERO BALANCE® – fine lines on upper lip
5. JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC – nasolabial folds and marionette lines 

Let us help you answer all your questions by getting a consultation with one of our Providers at Vitalogy Skincare. If you have already done your research and know what you want from dermal fillers, book an appointment with a qualified and experienced Board-Certified Dermatologist who will work with you to help you achieve your skin care goals.

About Our Provider

Rebecca L. Martin, PA-C – Rebecca is a Certified Physician Assistant specializing in Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, and Skin Cancer Treatments. She believes in empowering her patients through education so they can make informed decisions about their health. When it comes to the cosmetic aspects of dermatology, she focuses on individual treatment plans that achieve soft, natural-looking results for her patients.