Dermal Fillers FAQs

Dermal filler can be used in several areas including the lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and areas of facial volume loss. Not every area is right for every person, which is why we start with an assessment before recommending treatment.

A good candidate is someone looking to enhance facial balance, restore lost volume, or soften certain lines without surgery. The best candidates have realistic expectations and want results that still look like them, just refreshed.

That is one of the most common concerns, and honestly, it is a fair one. Our approach is conservative, balanced, and based on your natural features. The goal is not to change your face. The goal is to enhance it in a way that looks soft, natural, and appropriate for you.

Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks before treatment. If medically safe for you, avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, vitamin E, and fish oil for 3 days before your appointment. Minimize sun exposure, avoid alcohol 2 to 3 days before treatment, arrive with a clean face, and stay hydrated.

Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks before treatment. If medically safe for you, avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, vitamin E, and fish oil for 3 days before your appointment. Minimize sun exposure, avoid alcohol 2 to 3 days before treatment, arrive with a clean face, and stay hydrated.

Most patients tolerate treatment well. Many fillers contain lidocaine, and we also use topical numbing to help with comfort. You may feel pressure, a pinch, or brief tenderness depending on the area being treated. Nitrous oxide may also be available for additional comfort at an extra cost.

Downtime is usually minimal, but swelling, tenderness, redness, and bruising can happen. Most patients return to normal daily activities after treatment, but we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, excessive heat, and touching the treated area for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated area unless instructed. Avoid exercise, alcohol, excessive heat, and heavy sweating for 24 to 48 hours. Use a cold compress in short intervals if needed, stay hydrated, and follow your specific aftercare instructions.

You will see some results immediately, but filler needs time to settle. Swelling is common at first, especially with lip filler. Most results look more settled within 1 to 2 weeks, although this can vary depending on the area treated and the amount of swelling.

Temporary unevenness can happen because swelling does not always happen evenly on both sides. This is especially common with lip filler. We usually recommend allowing 1 to 2 weeks for swelling to settle before judging the final result. If something still needs adjustment after that, we can discuss the best next step.

Small lumps or firmness can happen after filler, especially during the healing phase. Many soften as swelling settles. Persistent lumps, nodules, or areas of concern should be evaluated by your provider so we can determine whether massage, monitoring, correction, or dissolving is appropriate.

Many hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This may be used if filler needs to be adjusted, corrected, or removed. Not every filler is dissolvable, so we will review what product was used and the safest plan for your situation.

Filler migration is uncommon, but it can happen. Risk can be influenced by product choice, placement, amount injected, anatomy, repeated treatments, and aftercare. Choosing an experienced injector and taking a conservative approach helps reduce this risk.

Results vary depending on the area treated, the type of filler used, your metabolism, lifestyle, and how your body responds. Some fillers last 6-9 months, while others may last over a year. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to help preserve your results.

Fillers can help restore volume and soften certain lines, but they do not replace surgery and may not fully correct significant skin laxity or deep sagging. In some cases, better results come from combining filler with treatments that improve skin quality, collagen, or overall facial support.

Choose a qualified, experienced provider who understands facial anatomy, uses appropriate products, and does not overfill. A good filler result should be customized, balanced, and safe. The best treatment plan is not always “more filler.” Sometimes it is less, slower, or a combination of other treatments first.