What happens when I get a filler?

This varies with the filler. Most fillers do not cause downtime.

This also varies with the filler. Most fillers fill the skin, so they produce immediate — or close to immediate — results. A filler also can stimulate your body to produce collagen, but this takes time.

• To get natural-looking results, the person injecting the filler must have expertise in placing the filler.
• Your results will look more natural with a conservative approach. For example, patients who have very thin lips should not get dramatically fuller lips. Creating fuller lips in these patients could be extremely unflattering if it is out of proportion with the rest of the facial features.

Most fillers offer temporary results and require repeat treatments to maintain the results.

You can usually have another treatment when the signs of ageing reappear.

After receiving filler injections, some patients have minor, temporary side effects where they were injected. You may have:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising (occasionally)

These side effects tend to clear within 7 to 14 days — if not earlier.

Serious side effects are more likely when the person injecting the filler does not have adequate medical training and experience.

When fillers are injected in a non-medical setting or by an inexperienced provider, there is a greater chance of more serious side effects such as:

• Lumps
• Ridges
• Over-filled areas
• Allergic reaction
• Skin discolouration
• Infection
• Severe swelling

This is one of the safest cosmetic treatments available. Dermal fillers have been safely used to diminish the signs of aging and are suitable for most ages and all skin colours.

We may apply a numbing cream 20 to 30 minutes before starting the injections. This will not only help to ease any discomfort but also help to prevent bruising. This is because a lot of anaesthetic creams constrict blood vessels slightly, making bruising less likely to occur.

• one week prior to injections avoid the following medications/supplements: aspirin, NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin etc.), St. John’s Wort, Vitamin E, Multivitamins, Krill Oil, Fish Oils, Flaxseed Oils, Omega-3, Gingko, Ginseng, Garlic and Glucosamine
• Start taking Arnica tablets 5 days prior to injection
• No alcohol consumption 2 days prior to injections

NOTE: before stopping any medication, you should consult with your GP. Blood thinners are used to prevent dangerous blood clots, and for important health reasons, you may not be able to stop these medications. You may still receive injectable treatments, but may have more risk of bruising.