7 Filler Myths

Top Filler Myths:

It won't look natural: Injectable fillers were made to replace volume we lose as we naturally age. If done correctly, by an experienced medical professional, you will look natural and rejuvenated. My goal is for friends/family to notice you look refreshed, but not be able to tell what/if you had anything done.

If I don't like it, I'm stuck with it: Fillers are completely reversible. There are safe agents that can be injected into the same area that will dissolve partial or all filler within the area in a matter of a few days.

It will be painful: Many fillers are manufactured with numbing solutions built into the product. We also provide topical numbing as well as distraction techniques such as ice and vibration. Additionally, depending on the area, I use micro-cannulas which are blunt tipped- not sharp, like needles, which aid in minimal discomfort.

Fillers need repeated often like botox & are too much maintenance: Fillers last much longer than neurotoxins (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Jeuveau) which lasts 3-4 months typically. Depending on the area of the face placed, the filler itself, and your metabolism, my clients get on average 10 months or more. I would say the average is 12 months or more. Additionally, many fillers are created with smarter technology and biostimulators that stimulate your body to create collagen to take the place of the filler as your body metabolizes

I should shop around for the cheapest price: I recommend looking for a medical based provider to administer filler. For example, a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse. It is less important what filler is being used, but rather, the experience, skill, aesthetic sense, and capability of handling complications that provider attains. The process is similar to purchasing art, most consumers don’t care what type of paint is used but rather how the artist uses those tools to create a masterpiece. You pay for the expertise, not the product.

There will be a lot of downtime/ bruising: We try our best to prevent bruising/swelling but there is always a risk of bruising whenever you place a needle into the skin. The majority of side effects minimize significantly within 72 hours of injection and ice and supplements such as Arnica Montana can aid in a speedy recovery. I allow makeup application 24 hours after injection which can help cover up any bruising or swelling that may have occurred. As a general rule, it is best to get any procedures at least 2 weeks prior to any major event such as weddings, etc. As an added plus, several of us wear masks 24/7 and/or work from home which makes now a great time to have procedures.

What if I have an allergic reaction: Fillers in the US are made primarily out of two products. Hyaluronic Acid and Calcium Based Fillers. Both of these are naturally occuring in the body which is why your body is able to dissolve it over time. More commonly people can be allergic to the numbing agent used in some fillers which is why it's important to tell your practitioner if you have any allergies prior to injections.

Author

Kascie Russell, RN