What You Need to Know Before You Get Your First Filler

how to prepare for fillers
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If you are thinking of getting dermal fillers this article will provide you with valuable insight before you get your first one. In today’s world, ‘getting work done’ doesn’t carry the same stigma it once did more than 5 years ago. People are more open about their procedures and that is really a good thing. We have access to more information to help you out on making the right choices for your first filler.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Let us define what dermal fillers are, they are facial injection treatments used to help diminish wrinkles while restoring volume and fullness in the face and hands. There are several types of dermal fillers, at James Christian Cosmetic JUVÉDERM®, RADIESSE® and Restylane® are used.

All Restylane® products are transparent, which are sugars naturally found in the skin that help provide hydration, fullness and elasticity. Modified hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient behind JUVÉDERM®, it helps add volume to different areas of the face without surgery while also temporarily restoring the volume loss beneath the surface. While RADIESSE® is comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier and it is the first FDA-approved dermal filler for both face and hands. It provides immediate volume and correction and continues to work by stimulating the body to produce its own natural collagen for a long-lasting effect.

Preparing for the Treatment

It is best that you do a consultation with your injector prior to the procedure to give you personalized advise for the dos and don’ts before the scheduled treatment. Candidates for facial fillers are advised to get enough sleep before the treatment, keep hydrated and make sure that you’re not coming in with an empty stomach, taking a granola bar with you and a Gatorade can help.

Skip your exercise routine during the day of your scheduled appointment as it may cause more swelling and could potentially alter the outcome of your treatment. Refrain from drinking alcohol, two days prior to your scheduled appointment. Alcohol has a blood-thinning effect which may cause bruising after the treatment. Don’t forget to clear out your calendar of major events for at least 2 days, just in case there might be swelling or bruising on the injection sites. It is advised to get facial fillers 1-2 weeks before your major events since usually it is during this time that the injections have completely healed and the fillers have settled to produce the maximum effect.

What to Expect?

Will it hurt?

It may feel slightly uncomfortable but most patients say it doesn’t hurt at all. Numbing cream is applied before treatment and fillers contain a pre-mixed local anesthetic. The discomfort usually stemming from a subconscious reaction when you a person experiences a new feeling or a sensation that is foreign to them.

How long does the treatment take?

The actual injections take 20-30 minutes.

How much will it cost?

The price will depend on the amount of fillers and number of areas treated; at James Christian Cosmetics you can choose between getting them at the competitive price per unit or from the collection of affordable packages which best suits your needs. From time to time, we also have promotions that you can take advantage of.

How long will it last?

It usually lasts from 6 months to a year, some patients claim it even lasts up until 18 months.

Post Treatment Care

Every single person reacts differently to facial fillers, while many can resume their usual activities right away or within 24 hours of treatment. There might still be bruising or swelling in the injected area and you might want to take some additional time off.

Minimize strenuous activity and avoid extensive sun or heat exposure for within the first 24 hours after treatment and until any swelling or redness has resolved. Exposure to any of these may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection site.

Smoking and drinking is prohibited after you just got a lip filler up until it the injections are completely healed.

Your injector will provide and discuss with you more details about what to expect and proper care  after the treatment to ensure you are able to fully enjoy it’s effects.



*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.