Facial Fillers

While they’re both used as anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing treatments, facial fillers and botulinum toxin injections work in different ways. Facial fillers restore the lost facial volume, while Botox relaxes the overworked muscles underneath the area. Fillers are for static wrinkles and hollow areas, as Botox treatments are for dynamic wrinkles.

Soft tissue fillers are approved by the FDA as a safe treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around the face. These injectable fillers don’t cause serious complications, but clients may experience mild side effects like bruising, redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site. These symptoms usually go away after a few days, but make sure to contact a medical professional immediately if they worsen or persist.

Facial fillers come in different brands and types that target specific treatment areas. Aside from hyaluronic acid, some dermal fillers are also made from Calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, and autologous fat. The two most popular brands of hyaluronic acid fillers are Juvederm injections and Restylane injections. Make sure to consult a cosmetic expert first to find out which kind of facial filler is the best for you.

As well as an effective wrinkle-reducing treatment, facial filler injections are used for a variety of cutting-edge procedures. These include liquid facelifts, chin augmentation and non-surgical neck rejuvenation.

• Your skin may be more sensitive during the first several days after treatment. Use gentle skin care products during this time, and wait 3 days before using harsher treatment products such as retinol, or AHA
• No makeup applied to area for 24 hours
• Do not manipulate, push, or rub injection sites within the first 72 hours unless directed to by the Provider
• Exercise should be avoided within the first 24-72 hours as it may increase swelling and bruising
• You might have some redness and swelling that should resolve within several days. Bruising may occur, and may last up to 14 days. Cold compresses/ice may be used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling
• Certain areas of the face such as the under eyes and lips, will swell more than others. Swelling and bruising may last several days to weeks.
• Call our office immediately if you notice blanching (whitening of the skin), significant bruising that appears to be spreading, severe pain or have any other concerns
• Do consider taking over the counter Arnica supplements if not contraindicated with your current medication regimen to help reduce the risk of bruising, start taking oral Arnica 7- 10 days before treatment. Continue taking after treatment until bruising and/or swelling has subsided. Take as directed on the bottle
• To reduce swelling you may take an antihistamine (Claritin, Zyrtec, or Loratadine) after treatment until swelling has subsided

• Avoid dental cleanings & dental work, vaccines, and illnesses 2 weeks before fillers, Sculptra & Radiesse
• Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications and supplements (such as fish oil and vitamin E) for at least one week before the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Unless prescribed by your doctor
• Limit alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as it can increase the risk of bruising and swelling
• Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your treatment to ensure your skin is well-hydrated
• Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen to avoid increasing skin sensitivity 48 hrs before the treatment
• Cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding