Treatments

Dermal Filler Do’s & Don’ts

Older Face
28
Jun

Considering dermal fillers?

Dermal filler is a highly effective way of restoring facial volume and youthfulness. However, there are some things to consider that will help you achieve long-lasting, natural results.

Dermal Filler Do’s:

  • Make sure you choose the right practitioner for you:
    When selecting the right practitioner remember, just because a practitioner offers injectables, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily well qualified to perform them. Dermal filler injections require specific training, knowledge, and skill to administer safely and effectively.
  • Check out the before and after photos:
    A practitioner’s before and after photos are a powerful visual indicator of their skill and experience. You should feel the results speak to your aesthetic and are vibrantly natural and attractive.
  • Create a treatment plan:
    Due to facial ageing, there is often a need to address multiple areas of concern. Discuss with your practitioner an ongoing treatment plan to address all your concerns. Maintenance treatments and top ups can lengthen and enhance dermal filler effects. Trying to treat multiple areas of concern in one treatment can lead to undesired outcomes, like feeling overfilled and prolonged downtime.
  • Gather information:
    During the consultation, your practitioner should be transparent when it comes to the price of your treatment, procedure risks, expected downtime, and treatment outcomes. Lack of transparency can be a sign of a high-turnover, profit-driven business.
  • Opt for a practitioner who offers a full spectrum of treatment options:
    Not every patient is a good candidate for injectables. Selecting a clinic that offers multiple treatment modalities usually leads to being offered a more individualised treatment plan.

Dermal Filler Don’ts:

  • Don’t select your practitioner based on price alone:
    In most cases it is more costly to receive dermal filler from highly skilled injectors. This is due to the increased price to purchase the highest quality dermal fillers, the many years of training and expertise and the facilities.
  • Don’t be unrealistic about downtime:
    Dermal filler treatment requires planning; swelling, bruising and tenderness are common side effects. If you are getting treatment in preparation for an event, start your treatment 2-3 months in advance. This will give bruising and swelling time to settle, and time for your injector to assess the treatment and make subtle changes so that the full effect is achieved by the big day.
  • Don’t overfill:
    Your practitioner will discuss desired outcomes and realistic expectations with you. Often multiple, smaller filler treatments will give a more natural, pleasing result than one large treatment.
Before your treatment:
  • Don’t take any herbal supplements in the weeks leading up to your treatment and avoid over the counter medication that could increase bruising (such as Nurofen and Aspirin) if possible.
  • Don’t drink alcohol for 48 hours before your appointment, it can increase bruising and swelling.
  • Do tell your injector about any medical history or medication you are taking.
  • Do inform your injector if you get cold sores.
  • Don’t have injectable treatments if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Do clear your schedule for the following week or so of any important events.
After your treatment:
  • ​Don’t perform any vigorous exercise for 48 hours after your procedure, it may increase swelling and bruising.
  • Don’t apply makeup for 24 hours after your treatment, this may increase the risk of infection at the injection sites.
  • Don’t touch or massage the treatment areas unless you are directly told to do so by your injector.
  • Do apply ice post procedure to decrease swelling, bruising and discomfort.
  • Do drink lots of water after your procedure, water enhances results.
Author: Felicity West, Cosmetic Nurse Specialist