There’s a first time for everything including, for many people, fillers. If you’ve never had an injectable filler before, there might be plenty that you don’t know about the experience. Taking the time to read up on the treatment, to carefully consider your injector, and to plan the best timing for the treatment can help ensure that your first experience with a filler isn’t your last. There are a few things that are worth knowing before you book your first appointment.

The Type of Filler

Fillers are made of a variety of different ingredients, which do slightly different things. Even fillers made of the same main ingredient can perform differently based on how the ingredient is formulated. Understanding what’s in the filler you’re thinking about having, what it will do, and how long it will need to work, are all important considerations when getting injections for the first time.

One of the more commonly used ingredients in fillers is hyaluronic acid, which is a type of sugar naturally produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for making your skin plump and soft. As you get older, you produce less and less of it, so skin looks dryer and wrinkles are more visible. Fillers that use hyaluronic acid include Juvederm, Belotero, and Restylane. Each type of filler is used to add volume to fill in lines and wrinkles. But, some types, such as Belotero, are thinner than others, so they are better suited to the more delicate areas of the face. The thinner the filler is, the less time it will last, too.

While hyaluronic acid is the most popular filler ingredient, it’s hardly the only option out there. Other options include calcium hydroxyapatite, found in Radiesse, and poly-l-lactic acid, found in Voluma. Calcium hydroxyapatite is one of the heavier fillers, as it’s made from the same material that’s found in human bone. It works in a slightly different way from hyaluronic acid. While it does fill in lines and provide instant volume, it also keeps working after the initial product has worn off, since it stimulates collagen production in the dermis. Since it’s heavier and longer lasting, Radiesse is typically used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles.

Voluma also stimulates the production of collagen. It helps reduce the look of lines and wrinkles by actually adding volume to the cheek area. Along with providing natural results, Voluma can last up to 2 years.

Give Yourself Enough Time

Sure, the actual process of receiving fillers typically takes less than 30 minutes. But, you still want to give yourself plenty of time to recuperate afterwards. Since some amount of bruising and swelling is possible after any injection, it’s typically a good idea to schedule yours well in advance of a big event.

Giving yourself time between your injections and a major life event or holiday party can also give you a chance to do something if you’re not happy with the results. While you’ll simply have to wait for the results to wear off if you aren’t happy with a Voluma or Radiesse injection, there is a way to reverse the results from a hyaluronic acid filler. If needed, your injector can inject an enzyme into the treated area that will dissolve the hyaluronic acid.

You Might Need a Repeat Treatment

You’ve gotten your first fillers and you love the results. Great, but keep in mind that things aren’t necessarily over. If you like the results you got and want to maintain them, you’ll need to see your plastic surgeon again for a repeat treatment after six months or so, depending on the type of filler. You might also decide to try a different brand or type of filler at that point, too.

Injector Experience Matters

It’s not just the type of filler you pick that determines how your results turn out. How experienced your injector is also matters. For the best results, you’ll want to pick a board certified facial plastic surgeon who has administered the injection you’re thinking about many times. Take a look at pictures of previous patients before and after their treatments to get a sense of the injector’s skill level.

Take the Injector’s Advice Seriously

Although fillers are often marketed as an alternative to surgery because of their limited recovery and downtime, you’ll still want to follow any instructions your injector gives you to the letter. For example, he might recommend avoiding certain types of medication in the days leading up to your injection, as some medicines can thin the blood and make bleeding worse. If you want the best results possible, it’s important to take your injector’s advice seriously.

Ohio -based, fourth generation facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Smith offers patients a wide variety of fillers at his practice. To learn more about the differences between filler treatments and for advice on choosing the right filler for you, contact Dr. Smith today for a consultation. Call (614) 678-7180 to make an appointment.