Facial fillers can take years off your appearance and even plump up and define facial features. But when embarking on the path of facial fillers, it’s essential to know what to do and what to avoid at all costs. With so many injectors performing facial fillers today, the list of dos and don’ts seems to continuously grow, but it’s all for good reason. Knowing what to look out for and what to avoid can guide you toward safe and natural-looking results while mitigating unwanted risks and potentials.
The Basics About Facial Fillers
Facial fillers are non-surgical, injectable solutions that help address signs of aging and enhance facial features. They attract water to a specific area of the face for added volume while also working to smooth out wrinkles and sculpting facial contours for a more youthful appearance.
Several different types of facial fillers are available, and each is formulated with a unique composition to address specific concerns. The most commonly used type of facial filler is hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which mimic the naturally occurring substance in the skin responsible for hydration and volume. HA fillers are versatile and suitable for various areas of the face, providing natural-looking results with minimal risk of allergic reactions. Other fillers include calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), which stimulates collagen production in the skin and offers longer-lasting results. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers work gradually, promoting collagen synthesis to improve skin texture and firmness.
Facial Filler Dos
Good results from facial fillers come from knowing what to look for. Consider this the ultimate “facial filler DO” list:
- Research and choose a qualified injector
One of the most critical steps in the facial filler process is thoroughly researching and selecting a qualified injector. Look for a professional injector with extensive experience in administering facial fillers. You will also want to consider their reputation, credentials, professional associations, before-and-after photos of previous patients, and patient reviews. A skilled and reputable provider will prioritize your safety and satisfaction, ensuring a positive experience and optimal results.
- Have realistic expectations
Facial fillers can’t fix everything, so it’s essential to clearly understand what the treatment can and can’t do and realistic expectations. While facial fillers can enhance certain facial features, smooth wrinkles, and restore lost volume, they cannot completely alter your appearance, so you may need to couple them with other aesthetic treatments. Maintaining realistic expectations and open communication with your injector will help you to achieve your goals. You should also be aware of all potential risks and side effects.
- Follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions
Before your facial filler appointment, you will be given pre-treatment instructions, which need to be followed. Make sure to avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and certain supplements so your risk of complications is minimized. After your treatment, you’ll want to keep your head elevated and limit activity, like working out, for the first couple of days. - Stay hydrated
Before and after your facial filler appointment, you’ll want to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help your body heal and allow your results to emerge faster. - Ice your face after your injections
It’s normal to have some swelling and soreness in the treated areas. Applying ice packs to the area can help minimize swelling and nursing. - Maintain regular follow-up appointments
To keep your results in tip-top shape, stay consistent with your follow-up appointments. This will also help your injector to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Facial Filler Don’ts
Just like there are plenty of to-do rules to follow, there are plenty of don’ts, too, like these:
- Don’t choose your injector solely on price
While cost is a consideration, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in deciding who should inject your facial fillers. Instead, prioritize quality and safety over affordability. Beware of heavily discounted offers or deals that may compromise the filler’s quality or the injector’s expertise. - Avoiding overfilling
The overfilled look is unnatural and can also lead to complications, so avoid the urge to overinject your face if you want natural-looking results. A little filler goes a long way, and excessive use of filler can lead to an unnatural appearance or even distort facial proportions. - Don’t seek treatment with an unlicensed injector
Don’t underestimate the importance of certifications and licenses. You should always research your injector and only trust your face to a trained, skilled injector with the proper credentials and licenses. Avoid facial filler injections from unlicensed or unqualified individuals, including beauty salons and at-home injectors. - Don’t expect immediate results
Facial fillers can create a visible change, but what you see immediately may not be the final result. Fillers take time to settle and integrate with your natural tissues, so give yourself time to allow any swelling or bruising to subside.
The Importance of the Right Aftercare and Maintenance
Facial filler treatments can deliver remarkable results, but proper aftercare and maintenance are essential to ensure those results last and look their best. Prioritizing the proper filler aftercare and maintenance can help prolong your results and keep your appearance fresh and natural.
After your facial fillers, you’ll be given post-treatment instructions on how to care for the injection sites. These instructions will include avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and using certain skincare products immediately after treatment. Following these instructions will help the filler settle properly and lead to less swelling and bruising.
You may love the look of your facial fillers, but the results don’t last forever—they can last six to 18 months, depending on the filler used and the area treated—so touch-up appointments are recommended. During these maintenance sessions, your injector can also monitor your success with your fillers and make any necessary adjustments. These appointments also allow you to discuss changes in your aesthetic goals or preferences and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
To make the most of your fillers and learn more about dermal filler dos and don’ts, schedule a free consultation with the team at Skin Plus Beauty. We are here to help you with every step of your filler journey.
