The Dos and Don’ts Before and After Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular treatment option for those wanting to replace volume loss, rejuvenate the skin and harmonise facial features. With several different treatment applications, dermal fillers can offer remarkable results. As with any non-invasive procedure, how you prepare yourself for treatment and how you look after yourself post-treatment can have a significant effect on your results. This helpful guide outlines certain dos and don’ts that can help you prepare and maintain the results of your treatment.

Before Dermal Fillers:

Do choose the right practitioner:

The first step to take when considering if dermal fillers are the right treatment for you is to research a qualified practitioner for advice and guidance. When looking for a practitioner consider how many reviews the clinician has, their experience/training and their before and after images. Although it might seem obvious, it is important that you like the results of the treatments that the practitioner is offering as they indicate possible treatment outcomes. A good place to look for before and after images is on social media sites such as Instagram and the clinician’s website, where they should have verified reviews. It is important that results don’t all look the same and that individual facial anatomy is respected in achieving the end result. Look for natural results where unique features are enhanced and individuality is considered.

It is recommended to choose a medic such as a doctor or nurse to be your provider of dermal fillers. Although non-medics offer injectable treatments, medics have undergone extensive study on the facial anatomy and the management of risk. There are risks involved with dermal fillers, which is why your practitioner must be qualified to manage these. A qualified practitioner should always prioritise your safety and help you achieve the results that you want whilst keeping risks to a minimum.

Do be honest and open in your consultation:

Once you have chosen your practitioner the next step is to book your consultation. A consultation is essential because it gives you the chance to discuss your goals and to ask any questions you may have surrounding the treatment. It is important that you are honest with your practitioner about your expectations and reasons for wanting the treatment.

It is also important that you tell your practitioner your full medical history and history of any other treatments that you may have had, in particular it is important to discuss any adverse reactions you may have had to treatments in the past. In addition, certain medications and vitamins can impact on your likelihood to bleed or have an adverse reaction to dermal filler or Hyalase, a product used to dissolve dermal filler. So giving an open and honest full history allows your clinician to advise you better. Your clinician may in some cases advise you to stop taking certain medications for a short period of time to reduce some potential risks, this will be done in a risk benefit discussion with you.

Your practitioner should give you an educated opinion on your expectations and the likely outcome of treatment. Dermal fillers are not a one-size-fits-all treatment, therefore your practitioner should advise you on what the best treatment options are for you as an individual.

Do Hydrate:

Dermal fillers are plumping agents to the skin but can also attract water from the surrounding tissues. Therefore, it is important that you drink plenty of water in the lead-up to your appointment to ensure that your tissues are well-hydrated. Drinking water is also beneficial for the skin in general which can also improve the appearance of results.

Don’t plan to have your treatment done the same day or the day before a big event.

Dermal fillers are an injectable product. As with any injectable product, there is always a risk of bruising, swelling and bleeding. It’s always advisable to avoid treatment at least a few days before your big event to let any swelling and bruising subside. Plan your treatment accordingly to allow for recovery time.

After Dermal Fillers:

Do follow the post-treatment Instructions:

After your treatment, your clinician will provide you with specific post-treatment instructions for you to follow. The advice provided by your clinician is based upon their individual experience and knowledge of the treatment risks and outcomes. It is important to follow this guidance because it can help to prevent complications and maximise the longevity of your results.

Do avoid hot showers, saunas and steam rooms immediately after treatment:

When dermal filler is first injected and hasn’t settled/integrated with your tissues it is most at risk of breakdown. The application of heat and steam within the early stages of the dermal filler introduction can break down the filler, which could impact on your overall results. Therefore it is advisable that you avoid having a hot shower, bath or sauna 48 hours after treatment to prevent any unwanted breakdown of the product.

Don’t apply makeup immediately post-treatment:

After treatment, you will have some small needle wounds where the injections have taken place. Avoid applying make-up to prevent any bacteria from entering the wounds that could cause an infection.

You are safe to apply makeup 24 hours after treatment.

Don’t touch or apply heavy pressure to the area:

It can be tempting to want to touch the area which has been injected after treatment. When your dermal filler is first injected it is still moveable. Touching or massaging the area could disrupt the placement of the filler which could result in lumpy or uneven results. It is important to allow the filler time to settle naturally and stay where your clinician has placed it.

If it is comfortable for you, it is advised to avoid sleeping with direct pressure on the area injected for the first 24 hours.

Do help to manage bruising and swelling:

It is normal after treatment for there to be swelling and bruising around the area injected. It can help to intermittently apply ice packs to the treated areas for the first 24 hours after treatment (very gently so as not to apply too much pressure). Avoid applying ice directly to the skin, instead try to ensure it’s covered in a clean towel or face cloth.

Do drink plenty of water and protect your skin:

Staying hydrated can help prolong the results of your dermal fillers and help to keep your skin looking clear and radiant. Make sure that after your treatment you are choosing skin care products that can help support the skin’s barrier function, this can help to improve the overall quality of the skin and boost the appearance of your results. Your clinician will be able to recommend to you the products that are safe to use post-treatment
It is especially important that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Although it is always advisable to wear sunscreen, it is especially important after having a dermal filler procedure, as UV rays can accelerate the breakdown of dermal fillers.

Do Schedule Follow-up Appointments:

It is recommended after your dermal filler treatment that you schedule follow-up appointments with your clinician. These appointments allow your clinician to review your progress, assess your results and make any necessary adjustments or tweaks. Follow-up appointments are a great opportunity for you to discuss your goals and review the plan that your clinician has made for you.

Do Tell your injector if you have any concerns or worries:

When you go home if you feel that something is wrong, or you are worried do not hesitate to contact the clinic or clinician who provided the treatment. Bruises are often normal following dermal filler injections however if the bruise is bigger than you would expect or is very tender or you are experiencing pain, it is very important to get this checked. In rare cases, you can have allergic reactions or other adverse effects to treatment, including a blockage of an artery, which can have significant consequences if not managed quickly. The quicker you tell your practitioner, the quicker they can solve the problem and reduce the long-term effects of a complication.

In conclusion:

Dermal fillers can be a great treatment option to help achieve a more youthful appearance, reduce the appearance of lines of wrinkles and to enhance natural features such as the lips etc. Following the dos and don’ts above can help to improve treatment outcomes, reduce risk and maximise results. Remember it’s important that you consult your clinician for specific advice and guidance related to your treatment.

If you are interested in Dermal fillers and would like to book in for a consultation, contact us today at: 01256 213007, hello@tanjaphillips.com, or submit an enquiry through our online