Filler treatments have become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments over the last few years. There are several advantages to the treatment. It is fast, effective, and there is no recovery time. In just one short in-office visit, you can leave looking refreshed and youthful. Fillers restore lost volume and improve your facial contours. The natural aging process and poor lifestyle habits can impact your appearance. Hollowness, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin can make you look less and less like yourself. Fillers can change that. Below are the things you should know before your first filler treatment.
What You Should Know Before Your First Filler Treatment
Getting filler for the first time is exciting. The results improve your look and offer a major confidence boost. Consider the following information before you get filler injections.
Filler Treats Several Cosmetic Concerns
Most people think of filler treatment as a wrinkle reducer. However, filler can address several cosmetic concerns. Filler can restore lost volume due to natural aging. As we get older, the fat pads and underlying tissues begin to drop. This leads to sagginess and heaviness in the mid and lower face. These are the telltale signs of aging that can add years to your look.
Fat can sag, but it can also shrink. It can make you look hollow and much older than you are. This is common in the under-eyes, upper eyelids, cheeks, temples, lips, jawline, and nasolabial folds. Filler is commonly used in these areas to restore volume. Strategically placed filler can add volume and leave you looking years younger.
Treatment is Not Permanent
One of the main benefits of filler treatment is that it is not permanent. If you do not like the results, the treatment can be reversed. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. After the filler is dissolved, you can start over or try another treatment option.
Filler treatment is temporary, lasting between 6 months and over 1 year. If you get consistent treatment, the results can last longer. This is because your tissue will respond to treatment and retain the results more effectively. Many patients start conservatively. This allows you to see how the filler settles in. From there, you can continue adding filler where needed.
Several Filler Treatment Options
There are several different types of filler products. The most commonly used are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the skin. There are several different brands to choose from. Each offers its own unique texture and consistency. Some are used in delicate areas, such as the eyelids. However, others are better formulated for the cheeks or jawline.
The right filler for you depends on your aesthetic goals and unique anatomy. It is necessary to work with a skilled oculoplastic surgeon to find the right treatment for you. This will be discussed and determined at your consultation. Be sure to let your oculoplastic surgeon know your desired look and your cosmetic concerns. This information is used to create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Fast Results
Your results are fast, but they are not entirely final on the day of treatment. Some swelling and bruising after treatment is normal. This will gradually subside over the next few days. It is most noticeable two to three days after treatment. By the one-week mark, symptoms should be gone, and you should see your results clearly. The final results can take a few weeks as the filler settles into your tissue.
To ensure your results look as expected, avoid touching your face unnecessarily after treatment. This can impact how the filler settles. It is also important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting after treatment. Medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, should also be avoided. They can increase the risk of bruising in the treated area. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions for the best results.
How to Maintain Your Results After Treatment
Getting filler is a great step towards improving your appearance. They are intended to add to your natural beauty. Maintaining your results is essential. Consider the following ways to ensure your filler treatment lasts.
Protect Your Skin
UV exposure breaks down filler treatment. It also negatively impacts your skin. Sun exposure accelerates skin aging, which reverses the benefits of filler treatment. To mitigate the impact, wear SPF 30 or higher daily. This is necessary even if you go outdoors. Avoid the sun during peak hours, when sunlight is most harmful. If you do go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective eyewear.
Stay Hydrated
Hyaluronic acid thrives in a well-hydrated environment. Staying hydrated from the inside out is important. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Consume hydrating foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Drinking enough water is good for your health and your skin. You should also use a hydrating moisturizer. Dehydrated skin makes volume loss more pronounced.
Manage Stress and Sleep
Getting good sleep and managing your stress has a positive impact on your results. Poor sleep and stress can lead to high cortisol levels. High cortisol breaks down collagen over time. Collagen is an important protein that keeps your skin plump and youthful-looking. Sleep is essential for cellular turnover and repair. Without good sleep and a balanced lifestyle, filler treatment can degrade prematurely.
Consistent Treatment Schedule
Since fillers do not last forever, it is important to maintain a consistent treatment schedule. Hyaluronic acid naturally breaks down over time. Staying on a regular treatment schedule keeps your results from fading between visits. Many patients get regular touch-up sessions. The facial tissue responds much better to regular maintenance treatments. Talk with your oculoplastic surgeon about how often you should get treatment.
Leading Oculoplastic Surgeon
Natural aging can impact your facial aesthetics. If you want to refresh your look, contact the team at Taban MD Oculoplastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!