Dermal fillers are a quick, minimally-invasive treatment used to restore volume or contour areas of the face—so you can imagine why this confidence-boosting procedure has been growing rapidly in popularity.
But if you’re new to the cosmetic injectable game, it can feel a little daunting to take the plunge.
So, we teamed up with cosmetic dermatologist surgeon Dr Lanzer to demystify the world of fillers and get the lowdown on everything you should know before your first appointment and glow up.
What Is Dermal Filler And How Does It Work?
Put simply, dermal filler is a gel-like substance used to fill and contour various areas of the face. Whether it’s used to smooth wrinkles, fill acne scars, add volume to cheeks, plump lips, chisel jawlines, this minimally-invasive procedure is a real game-changer for anyone seeking a boost of confidence.
There are different types of filler for cosmetic procedures but one of the most common is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance found inside the body. If you’re passionate about your skincare, it’s likely that a hyaluronic acid serum is already part of your everyday routine—but if it isn’t already, it certainly should be!
When injected into the lips, filler adds volume but it can also be used to define the borders of the lips and to smooth fine lines so your lips look lush and hydrated. Depending on the shape of your lips, you can get both your top and bottom filled, or just one or the other to achieve symmetry. It all comes down to the requirements of the patient and a consultation with your doctor is crucial in deciding what will be best to naturally enhance your features.
How Long Until I See Results And How Long Does It Last?
Compared to other injectables like muscle relaxants, dermal filler results are visible immediately and are then optimal in one to two weeks. They last anywhere from six to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the product prescribed. The dermal filler will gradually and naturally degrade in the body, and the patient's metabolism and level of exercise will play a role in how quickly this happens. Regular treatments within the six to 18-month timeframe will help to maintain results, and your doctor can help you on deciding when you need a top up—it’s important to not over do it.
What’s The Downtime Post-Treatment?
The downtime is super minimal for most dermal filler treatments which means you can get back to your regular activities almost immediately. Depending on your treatment area, you may experience a little swelling that goes down after about a week. Otherwise, there’s just a few easy rules to follow once you’ve been injected.
For 24 hours post-treatment, you’ll need to keep the injection site clean, avoid excessive pressure or any ‘facing down’ activities and treatments like massages, avoid excessive exercise and heat exposure, and ditch the lipsticks, AHA’s, retinols, vitamin C, oil-based makeup or any facial treatments. For two weeks you’ll need to skip the sauna. And that’s it!
Does Getting Filler Hurt?
When coming in for your appointment, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the treatment area beforehand so you’ll only feel minor discomfort.
You may also experience some side effects post-treatment like:
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Swelling which usually resolves within three to seven days
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Bruising which clears within seven to ten days (and can be covered up with makeup, but only do this 24 hours post-treatment)
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Tenderness to touch resolves in two to five days
What’s The Difference Between Muscle Relaxants And Dermal Filler?
If you’re new to cosmetic injectables, getting a handle on all the different procedures available can feel a little overwhelming, but the most popular is muscle relaxants and dermal fillers. Muscle relaxants are used to help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Compared to muscle relaxants, dermal fillers are used to add fullness and restore volume to areas that have thinned due to ageing. If you’re unsure of which procedure is best for you, always chat with your doctor first.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr Daniel Lanzer has got it dialled when it comes to dermal filler procedures. Whether you’re a newbie or you’re diving back into the world of filler, book a consultation with Dr Lanzer to discover the best procedure for you—and get ready to feel like your best self.
Important note: All surgery has risks and Dr Lanzer recommends seeking a second medical opinion.
Image credit: Liliya Rodnikova
Editor’s note: This article is produced in partnership with Dr Lanzer and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.