What is Dermal Filler?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body that helps maintain hydration, volume, and structure in the skin.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, soften wrinkles and folds, improve facial balance, and add definition or hydration to the lips.

Dermal filler may be used to improve:

• Cheeks
• Chin and jawline
• Lips
• Nasolabial folds ("smile lines")
• Marionette lines
• Under-eye hollows (when appropriate)
• Facial contours and balance

Results are visible immediately following treatment, although swelling can temporarily affect your appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers gradually break down over time, with most lasting approximately 6–18 months, depending on the product used, treatment area, and your individual metabolism.

One advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they are reversible, making them among the safest and most versatile injectable treatment options available.

Before Your Treatment

To prepare for your appointment:

• Schedule your treatment when temporary swelling or bruising will not interfere with important work, social events, travel, or photographs.
• Ideally avoid scheduling treatment within 2 weeks of a major event.
• Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
• Stay well hydrated before your appointment.

To help minimize bruising, your provider may recommend avoiding certain blood-thinning medications or supplements if medically appropriate, including:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
• Naproxen (Aleve®)
• Prescription NSAIDs
• Fish oil and omega-3 supplements
• Vitamin E
• St. John's Wort
• Flax supplements
• Garlic supplements
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng

Avoid alcohol for approximately 24 hours before and after treatment.

Do not discontinue any prescription medication without approval from the prescribing provider.

Many patients also choose to take Arnica Montana beginning 3–5 days before treatment to help reduce bruising. Arnica is available over the counter as tablets, creams, or gels.

Candidate Considerations

For your safety, treatment may need to be delayed or modified if you have:

• Dental work or dental cleanings within 2 weeks before or after treatment.
• Vaccinations or immunizations within 2 weeks before or after treatment.
• Tattooing or permanent makeup within 2 weeks before or after treatment.
• Recent surgery or an upcoming surgical procedure.
• An active illness, infection, cold sore, or open wound.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Certain autoimmune conditions, particularly if poorly controlled.
• Use of immunosuppressive medications or biologic therapies.
• A history of severe allergic reactions, including bee or wasp venom allergy.
• Plans to travel immediately after treatment, limiting access to follow-up care if needed.

If you have a history of cold sores, notify your provider before treatment. Preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.

Please ensure your provider has an up-to-date list of your medical history, medications, supplements, allergies, and previous cosmetic procedures.

Day of Your Appointment

Your appointment will typically last approximately 60 minutes.

During your visit:

• Your provider will review your treatment goals.
• Clinical photographs may be taken.
• The treatment areas will be cleansed thoroughly.
• Topical and/or injectable numbing may be used to maximize comfort.
• Your provider will select the filler that best matches your anatomy and desired outcome.

Most patients tolerate treatment well, although mild pressure, pinching, or temporary discomfort is normal.

Immediately following treatment, you should expect some degree of swelling, redness, and possible bruising.

After Your Treatment

Immediately following treatment, it is normal to experience:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Mild firmness
• Bruising

Most swelling improves significantly within 2–3 days, although bruising may last 7–14 days.

Minor swelling and subtle asymmetry may continue for several weeks while the filler settles.

Final results should generally be evaluated approximately 6–8 weeks after treatment.

Aftercare

For the best healing and results:

• Apply ice packs during the first 24 hours (approximately 15 minutes each hour as needed).
• Tylenol® may be used for mild discomfort.
• Avoid NSAIDs and alcohol for 24 hours, unless medically necessary.
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) may help reduce swelling if recommended by your provider.
• Arnica and Bromelain may help reduce bruising.

For the first 24 hours:

• Do not massage or manipulate the treated areas unless specifically instructed.
• Avoid makeup.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sweating, saunas, steam rooms, and hot environments.
• Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated whenever possible.

Avoid swimming for approximately 4 days.

Avoid additional facial treatments, lasers, microneedling, or other aesthetic procedures for at least 4 weeks, or until cleared by your provider.

Use gentle skincare with clean hands after treatment and continue daily sunscreen use.

Risks & Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and resolve without complication.

Common side effects include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Mild firmness
• Temporary asymmetry

Less common risks include:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction
• Prolonged swelling
• Delayed inflammatory nodules
• Product migration
• Skin irregularities
• Vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessel)

Although rare, vascular occlusion is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

When to Contact the Office Immediately

Please contact our office immediately if you experience:

• Pale, white, gray, or dusky discoloration of the skin
• Mottled or lace-like discoloration
• Severe or increasing pain
• Significant warmth or unusual coolness of the skin
• Rapidly worsening swelling
• Blisters
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty smiling or moving facial muscles
• Fever or chills

Prompt evaluation is extremely important if any of these symptoms occur.

Results

Dermal filler provides immediate improvement, although your final result develops as swelling resolves over the following several weeks.

Longevity depends on:

• The filler selected
• Treatment area
• Your individual metabolism
• Lifestyle factors

Most hyaluronic acid fillers last approximately 6–18 months, although some areas may metabolize product more quickly or more slowly.

Maintenance treatments help preserve your results over time.