Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Eternal Youth Medical Aesthetics

8 Things To Know About Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

1. Most dermal fillers are made of Hyaluronic Acid which is a naturally occurring substance in your body. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers hold 1000 x it’s weight in water and is responsible for restoring volume and hydration in the skin.

2. Filler takes time to settle! Most filler takes at least 2 weeks to settle. What you leave your appointment with will very rarely be the final result. Be prepared to be patient! The injection of filler causes SWELLING. You also may feel as though you can feel the product before it settles. As difficult as this may be, do not panic and wait 2-3 weeks before following up with your doctor regarding the final result (unless you are concerned that something is wrong in which case you should contact your injector immediately ).

3. Different fillers are used for different things. The same filler that is injected into your cheeks cannot be injected into your lip or under your eye. Every product line has a number of products that are only suitable for injection into certain areas. For example, when we inject filler into the chin, we are injecting a product with a very high G prime (high viscosity) which is used to mimic bone structure. The same filler wouldn’t be desirable or safe to inject into the lips which is an area that typically requires a medium G prime filler for best results. Keep this in mind when you are looking to split up your syringes to treat different areas of the face. Your injector will be able to tell you which products can treat certain areas.

4. There is always a risk of bleeding and bruising. With any procedure that involves injection, there is a risk of bleeding and bruising. To reduce the risk of bruising there are certain things that you will want to avoid prior to your appointment:

  • avoid consuming alcohol at least 48 hours prior
  • discontinue use of the following supplements and medications 7 days prior as they will affect clotting: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, Exedrin, Vitamin E, Ginko Biloba, Ginseng, Fish Oils/Omega 3, St. John’s Wort, Tumeric and Garlic

**If you are on prescription blood thinner ex. Warfarin/Coumadin or Plavix, please stay on your medication and inform your doctor Note – if pain medication is necessary, Tylenol is a good option. Oral Arnica Montana tablets 3-5 days before and after your treatment can help prevent/minimize bruising. It is available as an over-the-counter supplement at many pharmacies, as well as Whole Foods.

5. Dermal Fillers do not have to be obvious. When expertly injected, the work you have had done shouldn’t be obvious. The goal is to make you look like a slightly enhanced version of yourself. Make sure you take the time to discuss what your goals are with your doctor prior to treatment. We always offer complimentary consultations so that we can determine whether you are a candidate for treatment and to discuss goals and expectations prior to your appointment.

6. Filler can last a variable amount of time. Different dermal fillers can last for different amounts of time. The time period your filler treatment lasts can depend on metabolism, where the filler is injected, what product is injected and how much of it is injected. You may only get about 3-4 months out of your lip filler, yet get about 9-12 months out of your cheek filler. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect in terms of longevity but please keep in mind that individual metabolism and lifestyle habits play a huge role as well.

7. Fillers can be dissolved. Whether you have had a poor result and want to start over or just aren’t happy with the look of fillers, know that hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible with injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which is used to instantly break down the filler. Typically, reduction in volume of filler is seen in about 48 hours. It can take more than one session to completely dissolve filler.

8. When to follow up with your doctor: It is recommended that you follow up with your doctor 2 weeks after your treatment to properly assess shape, symmetry and overall results. Follow up with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • blanching of the tissue (an area of whiteness)
  • extreme pain or bruising
  • abnormal swelling

To learn more about dermal fillers and whether they’re right for you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Eternal Youth Medical Aesthetics today.

The original version of this article was published in www.surfaceskinlab.com