top of page

Injection Questions

Dermal Fillers FAQ

  • What are dermal fillers? Dermal fillers are substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours.

  • What are dermal fillers made with?  Fillers are made of different types of substances that can be used for different purposes. One of the familiar substances, Hyaluronic Acid, is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. FDA approved HA fillers include, but are not limited to, Juvederm and Restylane products.

  • What areas can be treated with dermal fillers?  Areas involving the lower face, malar/cheekbone (cheeks), peri-oral (around the mouth), and lips. Areas that we do not treat with dermal filler due to increased risk of complications include the nose, between the brows, or forehead.

  • Which filler will I need? Each product is uniquely formulated to have a certain texture, density, and injection depth, which means that certain fillers work better for certain areas of concern. Your provider will help determine what product is best for you.

  •   How long do dermal fillers last? Most dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years depending on the type of filler used.

  •   Are there reasons I should avoid or use caution with fillers? Use caution if you take blood thinners or immunosuppressant(s) or have a history of an autoimmune disorder, severe scarring, or a pigmentation disorder. Do not get dermal fillers if you have an active infection near the site of injection, if you are allergic to any of the components in the filler including lidocaine, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

  •  Are there risks or side effects of dermal filler? Dermal fillers are relatively safe and effective.The most common reactions may include redness, bruising, pain, swelling, or itching. More rare side effects include infection, filler migration (filler moving to an unintended area), nodules or lumps at injection site, inflammation (granulomas), blood vessel injury/occlusion/compression, tissue necrosis/death, or blindness.

  •  What happens during a filler treatment? After your consultation, you will be cleansed with a cleansing agent then numbed for about 30 minutes with a topical anesthetic. Many filler products also contain lidocaine which helps minimize discomfort during and after your treatment.

  • Pre and post filler considerations? To reduce the risk of bleeding, please stop the following 5 days prior to the procedure: supplements including vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng, gingko biloba, and garlic.  Aspirin and NSAIDS such as Aleve (Naproxen) and Motrin (Ibuprofen) unless prescribed by a physician. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after treatment.No dental work for 2 weeks prior and post filler treatment.  No massage or facials for 2 weeks post filler. Wait 12-24 hours after filler treatment to apply make-up.  Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours.  Notify your provider if you use any device that may cause pressure to the injection area (example, CPAP). Avoid drinking through straws for 2 weeks. You should also avoid smoking/vaping after a lip filler procedure.

  • What is botulinum toxin? (Aka neuromodulators, neurotoxins, Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Daxxify, Xeomin). Botulinum toxin, AKA neuromodulator, was first discovered in 1897. Throughout the mid 1900s, it was further studied in the US and the toxin’s paralysis effect was demonstrated. It was originally intended for people with ophthalmic (eye) muscle conditions, and case studies soon followed that showed it also had great benefits for stopping muscle spasms, specifically on the face. Cosmetic use was approved in 2002

  • How does it work? Botox works by blocking the signals sent to the muscles from the nerves. This temporarily relaxes the targeted muscles. Just enough product is injected to weaken and relax the targeted muscles without affecting other muscles maintaining natural facial expressions.

  • How often do I need treatment? You can have another treatment when the lines and wrinkles return which on average is every 3 months but this timeframe does vary. Treatment consistency is important. The dose received also affects duration as you will need enough product to adequately relax the muscles.

  • What must I do after the procedure?To prevent the injected substance from spreading to areas where you do not want it, you’ll need to take a few precautions:

    • Do not rub or massage the areas where you received the injections. 

    • If you apply makeup, take care not to press or rub it in. (Recommend waiting 24 hours to apply make-up).

    • Wait 24 hours before you engage in strenuous physical activity. This includes lifting heavy items, working out, and any other physical activity that raises your heart rate. 

    • Wait 2 weeks for massage, facials, permanent make-up.

    • Do not lie flat for 4 hours after injection

  • Possible side effects: If they occur, side effects tend to be mild and temporary. The injections, rather than the botulinum toxin itself, cause most mild side effects.

    • After receiving injections, people have experienced:

      • Swelling

      • Redness

      • Soreness

      • Bruising

      • Mild headache

      • Weakness in a neighboring muscle, leading to a temporarily droopy brow or eyelid

      • Signs and symptoms of botulism, including problems breathing, swallowing, or speaking (very rare) and is typically dose dependent

  • FDA approved treatment areas:

    • Botox: forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet

    • Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, Jeuveau: glabellar lines (between the brows/frown lines)

    • Successful off-label cosmetic uses in other muscles in the face and neck

bottom of page