Among a variety of cosmetic skin care and anti-aging procedures available today, dermal filler injections ranks as the second most popular treatment after Botox® . During the initial consultation, the treatment provider will discuss various aspects of the filler treatment, including its recovery and potential side effects.
Most facial filler injections typically do not involve a significant recovery process. However, the patient should be aware of all aspects of this cosmetic dermatology procedure, including its potential risks and expected results, in order to make an informed decision. Dr. Steven Zimmet provides facial filler injections to patients in Austin, TX and other communities in this part of the nation.
Immediately after Injections
The initial cosmetic effect of facial filler injections can be noticed almost immediately after the treatment, despite the minor bruising and swelling that will appear in the injection sites. When the filler gel gets injected in the deeper tissue layers, it will quickly act to plump the skin in a subtle way and reduce the effect of facial creases and wrinkles.
The degree of swelling can vary from one patient to another, depending on the type of dermal filler received, and the number of injections and sites involved. In a majority of patients, redness, swelling and bruising will dissipate in about one week. The treatment provider may advise the patient to use cold compresses or ice packs in the first two to three days to mitigate the swelling.
Precautions
Following the injections, the patient should avoid lying down for about four hours. This much time will be required for the soft tissue filler gel to settle in the affected sites, and will not spread to unintended areas. The treatment provider may also advise the patient to refrain from rubbing or massaging the injection areas for about 24 hours.
The patient may wear makeup a day after the injections to camouflage the swelling, but certain types of makeup containing alcohol may have to be avoided for a few days. If the patient is a smoker, they will be required to stop smoking for at least a few days before and after the injectable treatment. This will help ensure better and quicker healing.
Patients should avoid taking blood thinning drugs such as aspirin and NSAIDs for a few days. Sun exposure must be avoided before and after the injections for a few weeks. The patient should use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above every day.
Retreatment and Results
The cosmetic dermatologist providing the filler injections may sometimes recommend the patient to visit for a follow up treatment to fill any creases or wrinkles in the face that may not have been successfully treated in the first injection treatment. The results of a single office treatment of dermal fillers will usually last for about six months to a year, depending on several factors.
The strength of the filler makes a key difference to the longevity of results. For instance, fillers with a higher concentration of active ingredients, such as fillers for mid-face volumizing, may create sustainable results lasting for up to two years. Experienced dermatologist Dr. Zimmet receives patients from Austin, TX and nearby areas for facial fillers.
If you would like to learn more about the procedures and treatments by Austin TX Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Steven Zimmet, please contact us at (512) 485-7700.