What to Expect With Your First Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler or Lip Filler Treatment?

DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT

Before (right side) and After (left side) Dermal Filler

Before Your Appointment

Consultation:

Before your treatment, you’ll likely have a consultation with a trained and licensed professional. During this time, we will review your health history, goals and treatment options available to you.

To decrease the risk of post-injection complications:

• Do not wear make-up for your appointment.
• Refrain from taking any anti-inflammatories or blood-thinning medications for at least three days prior to the injection. This will decrease the risk of bruising. (Unless these are prescribed by your general practitioner or specialist)
• Avoid extreme heat and strenuous exercise on the day of the treatment.
• Do not apply products containing alcohol directly on the area to be treated.
• Schedule the treatment at least one week prior to an important event to allow time for ruising or erythema to resolve.
• Eat or drink prior to treatment to limit the facial movements post-treatment.
• Avoid dental procedures 2 weeks before (including cleanings).
• Avoid any vaccines 2 weeks before your appointment.
• If you get cold sores, please advise us ahead of time to discuss a treatment to reduce your risk of getting a cold sore after the procedure.

Arrival:

On the day of your appointment, arrive a bit early to complete any necessary paperwork. This is also the time to discuss any last-minute concerns with your provider.

Post treatment we recommend:

• Avoid exaggerated facial expressions for 2-4 hours after the injection.
• Avoid extended periods of intense sunshine or extreme heat (tanning salon or sauna bath, for example) for two days after the injection.
• Avoid handling and massaging the skin around the injection site.
• Avoid applying make-up and normal skincare products until the day after the injection.
• Avoid flying for 2 weeks after injection.
• Avoid dental procedures 2 weeks after (including cleanings).
• Sleep on your back for 2-3 nights.
• Avoid exercise for 2 days.

The Treatment Day

Numbing:

Dermal filler treatment may involve a numbing topical cream or sometimes a local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and reduce pain. Numbing may also reduce the risk of bruising and swelling, promoting quicker recovery.

The Injection:

Your injector will use a very fine needle or cannula to inject the dermal filler into the targeted areas. You might feel a slight pinch from the needle, but it’s usually not painful. They might also use a cannula, which is a thin, flexible tube. The whole process is usually quick, taking about 15-30 minutes, depending on the area or areas being treated.

Communication:

During the procedure your injector will monitor, assess and discuss everything with you, allowing you to full be engaged in everything that is done.

Monitoring:

Your injector is always going to monitor your skin, the changes that are being achieved, and will also give you a mirror so you can see the progress.

Immediate Results:

You’ll notice immediate results in the treated areas. However, there might be some swelling or redness initially, which is normal and temporary. The dermal filler takes a few weeks to fully settle. After a few weeks we often reassess if more is needed, if not then we will recommend a maintenance appointment every 6-12 months depending on the patient and area/s treated.

Conclusion

Dermal filler treatments are a popular and effective way to subtly reduce wrinkles and folds, rejuvenate your appearance and/or augment lips or features. We always recommend a full facial approach with treatment. Dermal fillers are minimally invasive with minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for those looking for a confidence boost and refreshed look!
 
Always ensure you go see a licensed medical professional (licensed in Canada) in order to ensure you are in safe, skilled and equipped hands in case a complication does arise. Our clinic is led by a team of a Doctor and a Nurse Practitioner, our goal is to provide safe, ethical, beautiful, and natural results to all of our patients. Our philosophy is less is more, especially In the long run.

- The Cambridge Skin and Wellness Team