If you've been thinking about dermal fillers but haven't taken the first step yet, you're probably feeling a mix of curiosity and nerves. It is good to do your research before booking a treatment, and knowing what to expect can make the experience feel a lot less intimidating.

At VITAHL, we help patients in College Grove and Thompsons Station, TN, feel informed and prepared before any filler treatment begins. We will walk you through what the process actually looks like from a patient's point of view, covering what happens before, during and after your appointment, so there are no surprises along the way.

About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable gels that add volume beneath the skin's surface to smooth lines or improve the shape of the face. They physically fill in areas where the skin has thinned or where fat and bone have naturally diminished. Most fillers are made from substances that are biocompatible, meaning your body is unlikely to react negatively to them. The results are visible right away in most cases, though some mild swelling can temporarily change how the final outcome looks.

What Are Dermal Fillers Made Of?

The most widely used type of dermal filler is hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. This is a substance your body already produces naturally to keep skin hydrated. Within this category, there are various textures and thicknesses for different areas of the face.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

How long your results last depends on the type of filler used, where it's injected and how quickly your body metabolizes the product. Hyaluronic acid fillers generally last anywhere from six months to a year or more. Lip fillers tend to break down faster because of how much movement the area gets and the thinner texture of the products used in this area. Other products made for deeper injection in areas like the chin may last longer.

How Are Dermal Fillers Used? 

• Lips: Lip filler can add fullness to naturally thin lips or soften fine vertical lines.
• Cheeks: Filler placed along the cheekbones can take the place of lost fat pads and bone structure.
• Under the Eyes: The tear trough area is one of the first places where volume loss becomes visible. Under-eye filler can reduce the appearance of hollows caused by thinning skin.
• Nasolabial Folds: These are the creases that frame your mouth on either side. Filler placed here can soften lines without eliminating the natural movement of your face.
• Jawline and Chin: Filler in these areas can sharpen a soft jawline, add projection to a recessed chin or improve overall facial balance and proportion.

Before Your Appointment

Your Consultation

During your consultation, we'll evaluate your facial structure and the specific areas you'd like to address to determine whether dermal fillers are a good fit for you. We'll also go over what results you can expect based on the type of filler being considered and the area being treated. 

This is a good time to ask about things like how much product you might need and whether you should avoid any medications beforehand. We'll take photos of your face from multiple angles, which gives us a reference point to compare your results against later. These images also help us plan the injection placement more precisely before your appointment day.

Choosing the Right Filler

During your consultation, your provider will spend time determining which product or products to use. Hyaluronic acid fillers come in a wide array of formulations that are each made with specific properties that make them suitable for certain areas of the face. Thinner and more fluid gels work well in delicate and dynamic areas of the face, like the lips. In these areas, the filler provides a soft and natural feel that moves with the skin. For areas like the cheeks or jawline, your provider may choose a firmer formulation that supports and lifts. 

Providers also consider other factors when choosing the right dermal filler, including:

• Age: Someone in their early thirties who wants a subtle enhancement will need a different approach than someone in their fifties who is looking to restore lost volume. The amount of natural volume you have lost guides both the type and quantity of filler.
• Facial Anatomy: Bone structure, fat distribution and the natural proportions of your face all influence where filler should be placed and how much support the product needs to provide.
• Skin Thickness: Thinner skin may require lighter products, while thicker skin may support firmer gels that provide more lift and projection.
• Desired Outcome: The type of outcome you are looking for, such as a subtle refresh or a more noticeable change in contour, will affect which formulations and techniques your provider selects for a particular area.

Preparing Your Skin and Body

• Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for at least a week before your appointment. If you take a prescribed blood thinner, talk to your doctor before stopping it.
• Cut out alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours beforehand. It also thins the blood and can make bruising worse.
• Skip supplements like fish oil, vitamin E and ginkgo biloba for about a week prior.
• Come to your appointment with no products on your face.
• Eat a light meal and stay hydrated before your visit to avoid low blood sugar and dehydration.

During the Treatment

The Injection Experience

Most facial filler appointments take between 45 and 75 minutes. We'll start by cleaning the skin and making note of the injection points we want to treat. We use a small needle or cannula that minimizes discomfort. Between injections, we may pause to massage the product into position and check symmetry from different angles. Some areas are more sensitive than others, with the lips and under-eyes tending to feel more intense than the cheeks or jawline.

Comfort Measures

Most hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine mixed directly into the gel, which means the area gradually numbs as the product is being placed. For more sensitive areas, we can also apply a topical numbing cream about 15 to 20 minutes before the injections begin. If you're someone who feels anxious about these types of treatments, let us know ahead of time so we can build in extra comfort steps.

After Your Treatment

The First 24 to 48 Hours

Swelling, redness and tenderness at the injection sites are normal after cosmetic fillers and usually peak within the first 24 hours. You may also notice small bumps or firmness where the product was placed, which soften on their own as the filler settles.

Days 3 to 14

By day three, most of the initial swelling and bruising should start to fade. Any asymmetry you notice early on will likely even out as the filler hydrates and integrates with the surrounding tissue. Some filler types, especially hyaluronic acid products, continue to absorb water during this window, so your results may look slightly fuller before settling into their final shape.

Final Results and Maintenance

Most patients see their final results about two to four weeks after treatment, once all swelling has resolved and the filler has fully settled. This is when we recommend scheduling a follow-up so we can assess the results together and determine whether any touch-ups are needed. Staying on a regular maintenance schedule can help you look consistently refreshed. 

What Factors Impact Treatment Longevity?

Each patient’s experience is unique to them, and fillers will not break down at the same rate from person to person. This is because there are many factors working together to determine filler longevity. Areas with a lot of movement, like the lips, tend to metabolize faster. Movement and expression are different for each person, so other areas may be more expressive for you. 

Thicker and firmer gels are built to hold up longer than lightweight fillers. Usually, fillers that are made to lift and contour last longer than products that have a thinner texture.

Are Dermal Fillers the Same as Botox?

Dermal fillers and Botox are both injectables, but the similarity ends here. Rather than adding volume to the face, Botox treats wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles. Since these muscles cause the skin to fold, treatments can leave the skin smooth and free of wrinkles. These two treatments work on different types of wrinkles, so sometimes we’ll suggest using them both.

Find Out More With a Dermal Filler Consultation

VITAHL was founded by Dr. Tahl N. Humes. Each treatment is physician-guided, with licensed clinicians and providers working under expert leadership.  We offer a full range of nonsurgical treatments at our locations in College Grove, TN, and Thompsons Station, and the greater Nashville area, and we have been nationally recognized for our experience in injectables and laser treatments. If you're considering dermal fillers and want to learn more about what they can do for you, give us a call at 615-549-5600 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.