DERMAL FILLERS
What Is Filler?
Filler is a gel made of hyaluronic acid, a sugar we naturally have in our skin. It is injected into the skin to plump, smooth and lift to give you a refreshed look. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen and filler is used to lift our skin back up and help to stimulate further collagen production. Filler is also dissolvable in the rare chance that the treatment needs to be reversed. Dr. Andrea offers a range of different fillers depending on your desired results (Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Teosyal®).
Areas That Can Be Treated With Filler:
Under-eyes
Cheeks
Temples
Nasolabial folds
Lips
Lip lines
Jawline
Chin
Hands
Using her “Ready-Set-Go” Technique with a microcannula, Dr. Andrea minimizes the chance of bruising from filler treatments in the Under-Eyes, Nasolabial folds, Cheeks and Jawline. This ensures you’ll look refreshed and rested the moment you walk out of her office.
What Is A Microcannula?
A microcannula is a blunt tipped (not sharp) device that is attached to the filler syringe, and Is used to administer the filler under the skin from one injection point only. The benefits of the microcannula are that it minimizes:
Bruising
Swelling
Discomfort
Dr. Andrea “paints” the filler into place using advanced microcannula techniques, that novice injectors often do not use.
Dr. Andrea’s Specialized Process:
Dr. Andrea conducts a full facial evaluation to determine what filler treatments would be best for you.
She applies numbing cream prior to your treatment, and only uses fillers with numbing so that the injections themselves are quite comfortable.
Dr. Andrea is skilled at providing a more comfortable treatment as she uses a method called a “distraction technique”, which minimizes discomfort in the areas of injection, by shaking the skin so your body does not feel pain.
The ultimate goal - to create balance, facial harmonization, and lifting, and to provide a natural looking result that enhances your features.
How Long Until I See Results?
Results from filler can be seen instantly (which is why Dr. Andrea LOVES filler), though It can take up to 4-6 weeks to see the full effect from your filler treatment, as your own collagen is produced and the filler blends in with your own skin.
Is Bruising Normal?
Depending on the areas treated and the technique required, bruising may develop within the first day after treatment. This is a common side effect, and generally resolves within 1-2 weeks. Mild swelling may also occur initially after treatment, and an ice pack can be lightly applied to the area. Swelling will subside over the course of the next few days.
Some patients like to apply Arnica gel after the treatment, which may decrease swelling and bruising.
How Can I Avoid Bruising?
Avoid anything that thins the blood, as long as your doctor has not recommended that you take it continuously for medical reasons. For ex. try to avoid Advil, Aspirin, fish oil, curcumin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and alcohol for 3-5 days prior to your treatment.
Some patients take Arnica pellets or bromelain 3-5 days prior as these are non-traditional remedies that may help prevent bruising.
Avoid exercise and Advil for a few days after your treatment as well.
How Long Should I Wait To Apply Makeup?
It is recommended to avoid any makeup application in the first 24 hours after injection. You may wash your face and apply regular skin care (moisturizer) gently a few hours after treatment, avoiding aggressive scrubbing or rubbing.
Will I Need Any Downtime? Can I Exercise?
Avoid any strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours. Avoid exposure to very hot temperatures like in a sauna or very hot shower, and extended exposure in the sun/UV rays, for the next 24 hours.
What If I Develop Small Bumps Or Lumps?
You may see or feel some small bumps in the injected areas. These are due to the injected product and they will often smooth out on their own over the following weeks. You do not need to massage the areas, but Dr. Andrea can lightly massage at your follow up as needed.
What Other Treatments Should I Avoid Before And After?
Avoid dental procedures or any other skin treatments (laser, microneedling, etc.) for 1 week prior to your treatment, and up to 4 weeks after your filler treatment.
