4 Things to Know Before Getting Face Fillers

Face fillers, also called dermal fillers or injectable fillers, are some of the most popular cosmetic treatments year after year. Many people choose to get them to help smooth away wrinkles or add volume to the cheeks or lips. While face fillers can achieve very natural-looking results that can last for several months to two or more years, there are some things you should know before scheduling your first appointment.

1. There Are Many Types of Fillers – And the Difference Matters

Not all fillers are the same. Some are formulated with a substance called hyaluronic acid (HA), which naturally occurs within your body and is known for its ability to bind to large amounts of water. This quality allows HA fillers to very effectively add volume to the face and “fill in” lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers are also the only type of filler that can be dissolved, making them ideal for first-timers.

Within the category of HA fillers, some are specifically formulated to spread to larger areas like the cheeks to add volume, while others have a thicker, more gel-like consistency and are better for areas like the lips.

Other types of fillers like Sculptra® and Radiesse®, for example, contain ingredients that help to promote collagen in your skin, providing even longer-lasting results than with HA fillers. During your consultation, Dr. Koehler will help you understand and compare your options to choose the best type of filler for your specific goals. 

2. The Doctor You Choose for Face Fillers Also Matters 

Just because your dentist or family doctor offers injectable treatments doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best providers for this purpose. Instead, choose an experienced injectable provider who specializes in cosmetic treatments. Although face fillers are non-surgical, administering them still requires intricate knowledge of facial anatomy, a skilled hand, and an artistic eye. Dr. Koehler and his team are experts in facial fillers and other cosmetic treatments and have decades of experience perfecting the craft of injectable treatments like fillers and BOTOX®.

3. There’s No Downtime, But There Are Some Guidelines to Follow

One big benefit to face fillers is that they don’t require any formal downtime. However, Dr. Koehler does recommend a few guidelines to follow for best results directly after your appointment. These include:

• Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after your appointment. 
• Avoid alcohol for the first day or two after to help reduce swelling.
• Take the day off from the gym or other strenuous physical activity. 
• Don’t wear makeup for 24 hours after getting face fillers. 

4. Results Can Take Up to 2 Weeks to Fully Develop

While you should notice an immediate difference in your appearance after getting fillers, don’t be discouraged if your results aren’t everything you’d hoped for right away. It can take up to two weeks for swelling and bruising to diminish, revealing your final results. If you still don’t love your results after about two weeks, see us for a follow-up appointment. Remember, it is better to add more filler later than to start with too much. 

Still have questions about face fillers? Call our Fairhope office at 251-929-7850 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Koehler today.