To alleviate post-filler bruising and swelling, Dr Soni advises, “patients should sleep with an extra pillow for the first couple of days to minimise any chance of swelling, and to use ice packs on the first day after treatment.”
9. There are other side effects to note, too
As with any injectable procedure, there are risks involved. “These include the risk of late stage inflammation and infection,” Dr Tonks explains.
On rare occasions, filler can accidentally be injected into a blood vessel and lead to blurred vision or permanent blindness. Seek medical help immediately if your skin turns blue and you’re in a lot of pain as these are possible warning signs that filler has entered your bloodstream.
10. Have filler done at least three weeks before a major event like a wedding
The last thing any bride wants on her wedding day is any sign of residual bruising or swelling. For this reason, Dr Tonks recommends leaving three weeks “as the absolute minimum” before a major event such as a wedding.
11. Not all fillers naturally dissolve after 18 months
There are a few factors to consider. “Different fillers have different amounts of hyaluronic acid and cross linking, which determines their ‘stiffness’,” Dr Taktouk explains. “Think honey vs a gummy bear in terms of consistencies. Generally the thicker the filler the longer it lasts so you will get a range of breakdown starting, which can start from six months but can go up to two years.”
12. Fillers can stretch the skin
This can happen – but basically, it shouldn’t. “If done correctly, your fillers should not be stretching the skin,” says Dr Soni. “This only occurs when too much volume has been injected into an area of the face that can’t accommodate that much filler. For example, a common area that is over-injected by some providers is the lips.”
13. Fillers shouldn’t feel hard under the skin
“Unfortunately not all fillers are created equal,” says Dr Taktouk, adding: “A good quality filler will slowly integrate into the tissue over time and as long as the filler is suited for purpose then there should not be hard lumps felt. You always need to ask what is being injected into yourr face – you’d be surprised how many people don’t.”
14. It shouldn’t take a few tries before you get the look right
“Honestly, it all depends on the experience of your provider but it’s unlikely that you will need a few sessions to get the look right,” says Dr Soni. “I always see my patients for a follow up around three weeks after the procedure. Most are happy with the results from their initial filler treatment and only very occasionally do I need to make tiny adjustments.”
15. A solid skincare routine can make your fillers more effective
No cosmetic treatment is ever a substitute for skincare – both work in synergy to give you the best possible results. “In order to approach the skin holistically, you need to consider all factors that enhance the skin in every way,” says Dr Soni. “Skincare routines can complement filler treatments really well, as you are improving the quality and appearance of the skin. What fillers can additionally do, is prevent makeup from sitting in certain creases – for example, under the eyes or in the smile lines – by decreasing the depth of those lines.”
16. Fillers can move position
It is rare, but filler can move within the first 2-3 days after treatment. “To minimise any chance of filler migration, the right type of filler should be injected and the right volume for that particular anatomical area to prevent any of it travelling into other parts of the face,” says Dr Soni.
17. Kissing won’t cause your filler to move or breakdown faster
There is no known evidence that routine kissing will cause a more rapid breakdown of the product or move the filler. “Clinically-speaking, it is true that filler that is injected into areas that are mobile don’t seem to last as long,” says Dr Tonks. “But having a kiss isn’t going to make your filler instantly disappear – that has more to do with the actions we all make every day like speaking and eating.”
18. It’s a good idea to bring photographs of yourself when you were younger to your consultation
To ensure you still look like you post-filler, Dr Taktouk recommends patients bring photographs of themselves when they were younger to the initial consultation. “I can see what they used to look like and where the fat and volume has been lost,” he says.
19. Lip fillers can look uneven for a couple of days after treatment
“It is very normal for lip fillers to look uneven for a few days after treatment due to swelling,” says Dr Tonks. “Remember, too, that nobody is perfectly symmetrical.”
20. Aftercare is important
Filler is often advertised as a fuss-free lunchtime tweakment but you should heed the aftercare advice from your practitioner to swerve any unwanted side effects. “Avoid any intense gym workouts for five days after treatment in order to minimise both the chances of filler migration and the increased risk of bruising,” says Dr Soni.