The best filler treatments are ones that people don’t notice. The goal of dermal filler is to restore volume and help balance facial symmetry. These injections work to reverse the outward signs of aging. With the right combination and application of filler, subtle work creates optimal outcomes.
As nonsurgical treatments like fillers have gained popularity and media attention, so have the images of injections-gone-wrong. By now you’ve probably come across those images in the media of “aging celebrities” with puffy, over-filled faces dubbed as “pillow face”. There are even Instagram and TikTok filters that give users an appearance of tightly stretched skin, chipmunk-like cheeks, and overly plumped lips. However, these filters are an extreme exaggeration of the procedure. The majority of highly trained aesthetic injectors strive to restore natural-looking volume that complements facial features. As Dr. T says, “If people can tell you’ve had something done, I’m not doing my job well. At RejuvenationMD, we take a conservative approach to filler. Our patients are our walking advertisements.” Of course, there are patients who want to go big. RejuvenationMD’s providers will conduct a candid consultation to set very clear and realistic exceptions prior to treatment.
Dermal Fillers: The Basics
There are dozens of uses for fillers, and just as many dermal filler varieties. The FDA recognizes three temporary types of fillers organized by their chemical makeup. These are Hyaluronic acid, Calcium hydroxyapatite, and Poly-L-lactic acid. Among these, there are different brands like Juvederm, Sculptra and Radiesse. Hyaluronic acid fillers from the Juvederm Family of Fillers are some of the most commonly injected dermal fillers because of their safety and versatility.
At RejuvenationMD, we’re particularly partial to the Juvederm Family of Fillers when a patient needs a hyaluronic acid filler because Allergan, makers of Juvederm, have an exceptional reputation. Juvederm fillers tend to last longer. They’re made with high-quality, well-studied, and safe ingredients. Allergan invests heavily in research and development and works closely with the FDA to ensure patient safety. The company also provides ongoing product education and training for all of their injectors, which is a critical factor for optimal treatment outcomes. (This is not a paid promotion)
What to Look for When Choosing an Aesthetic Injector
Research is one of the most important things a patient can do prior to scheduling with a practice. Look for a practice with an informative website, a strong online presence, and a catalog of before and after photos. And, don’t let price drive your decision. Aesthetic practices price their products competitively. If a treatment costs a little more at one place over another, it’s likely because the patient is paying for an injector with a good reputation who has more experience and is working with a practice who is committed to excellent patient care policies. Spending a little more is worth it, this is your body we’re talking about!
Once you find a place with good reviews that fits your needs, give them a call. You can tell a lot about a practice just from a simple phone call. Let the Patient Care Coordinator know that you would like to meet with their Patient Care Director as well as an experienced licensed Physician, Physician’s Assistant or an ARNP who is regularly on-site.
During your first meeting, treat it like a job interview. While hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed, there are potential dangers like occlusions and necrosis that can happen if the filler is not properly injected. During the interview, ask the following questions:
- How long have you been in the business?
- How often does your team participate in regular product trainings?
- What is your depth of knowledge when it comes to dermal fillers?
- Can you see before and after photos? Not all providers have an extensive online library because of patient privacy, but all providers should have their own before and after photos that you can view in an office setting.
Remember that a good relationship is founded on good communication. When you meet the provider, pay attention to whether or not they are listening to you and your goals.
When it comes to dermal fillers, an experienced injector will be able to demonstrate their knowledge on the subject during the conversation. The provider should not only know about the science of dermal fillers, but they should also be well versed in facial anatomy. There’s an artistry to facial filler. An attentive injector will even be able to tell what side you sleep on at night. After assessing your facial features, they’ll prescribe a plan to meet your goals.
What to Expect from Your First Dermal Filler Treatment
At your initial consultation, if you meet the pre-care criteria, your provider may tell you that you can be treated that same day. They’ll provide their recommendations based on your body and your goals. Your injector will also review aftercare instructions so you know what to do and not do after treatment.
It is common for patients to experience some swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness at the injection site for a few days following the treatment. While this is a nonsurgical procedure, it is very important to follow the instructions provided by your injector. At RejuvenationMD, we have pre- and post-care instructions on our website that can be accessed 24/7.
Most filler patients want to see an immediate difference in their appearance, and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can accomplish this. However, patients should expect at least one follow up appointment so the provider can assess the results after the swelling subsides. Some places, like the lips, tend to swell more than the cheeks, nose or jawline. So, once the swelling is gone, the injector will determine whether the patient needs a touch up or another full syringe to achieve their goals.
Our office takes a more conservative approach to filler injections, especially with new patients who haven’t been treated by our team because it is always easier to add another syringe of filler than it is to reverse it.
Once you’ve spent time researching and vetting your provider, and you are confident that you’re in good hands, take their recommendations seriously and follow their instructions. If budget is a factor, be up front with your provider so they can give you the best options for your budget. We see hundreds of patients each month and we are invested in achieving the best possible results for our patients.
About RejuvenationMD
RejuvenationMD is the premier aesthetic skin treatment and wellness center in Washington’s North Sound. Our award-winning practice is home to 3 female physicians, an ARNP, a registered nurse, and a team of master estheticians and patient care coordinators. Learn more online at www.RejuvenationMDMedSpa.com or call RejuvenationMD in Bellingham 360-685-8408 or Burlington 360-982-2620 today.
