
How to Prepare for Your First Filler Treatment

You can’t scroll through your social media feed or turn on your television without hearing about the wonders of dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm® and Restylane®. Now that you’ve finally decided to join the 3.5 million Americans who choose dermal fillers for the way they quickly and safely smooth and plump their skin, there are a few things you need to know before your first treatment.
First, make sure you do your research and find a well-qualified, highly experienced physician like Robert A. Guida, MD to administer your dermal fillers. In the wrong hands, your treatment can produce undesirable results, but Dr. Guida is known for his unique blend of artistic sensibilities and expert skill, so you can rest assured that your face will look naturally beautiful and younger when your treatment is complete.
You play an important role in the outcome, and it all starts before your appointment begins. Here’s how to prepare for your first filler treatment.
Educate yourself
Before you get your first filler treatment, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting. While all dermal fillers have the same goal — to replace lost volume due to age and loss of collagen — they use different ingredients on different parts of your face and at different depths.
Dr. Guida can guide you through your options, including the Restylane and Juvéderm lines.
These two filler brands both use hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that naturally occurs in your body, as their main ingredient. They both also contain lidocaine to reduce discomfort during your treatment session.
Each brand offers several different formulas specifically designed to treat certain areas of your face, so Dr. Guida helps you decide which is best according to your age, skin condition, and aesthetic goals.
Disclose all medical conditions
Although dermal fillers are extremely safe, and the procedure is minimally invasive, there are always at least minor risks with any injection. In particular, if you have a history of cold sores, getting a dermal filler injection may trigger a flareup, especially if you’re getting a lip enhancement.
Dr. Guida can prescribe medication to help prevent this if it’s an issue.
Anticipate minor side effects
Most people notice the smoothing, plumping effects of dermal fillers right away, but others have to wait a few days to a week for the minor swelling and bruising to subside. And the skin around your eyes and lips is particularly prone to slight discoloration.
You can reduce this by taking an Arnica supplement for a day or two before your first appointment.
Avoid certain substances
To give your dermal filler treatment the best chance at success, you need to avoid a few substances that can interfere with your results, such as:
- Alcohol (especially red wine) for two days prior
- Blood thinners (including aspirin and ibuprofen)
- Retin-A products
- Smoking
Even multivitamins and fish oil supplements can affect your results, so talk to Dr. Guida about what you take.
Plan to take it easy
Dermal filler treatment sessions are quick and painless, and there’s no downtime to speak of, but if you really want to ensure your inflammation subsides quickly and your results shine through faster, clear your day of any strenuous exercise. Skip the gym for a couple of days and take it easy.
Get ready to look fantastic
Dermal fillers are a great way to turn back the clock on your aging facial skin, and most people are amazed at the results. Strategically placed injections “refill” your sunken cheeks and add volume under your skin, which smoothes out the wrinkles above.
If you also have dynamic wrinkles — creases caused by years of smiling, laughing, and frowning — Botox® is the perfect way to relax the underlying muscles and erase the deep lines.
Do you have both types of wrinkles? No problem — Botox and dermal fillers work great together!
To schedule your first filler appointment, call our friendly staff, or book online today.
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