Frequently Asked Questions

 The procedure varies with the filler your injector will use, the part of the body to be treated, and your medical history. Here are some general guidelines about what you can expect: Most filler treatments take between 30-45 minutes and require one office visit. Before getting the injections, you may need an anesthetic applied to the skin, or a nerve block (an injection). This varies with the filler and area to be treated.  Your injector will inject the filler into the area, often giving you several injections to produce the best results.  You may feel a stinging or burning sensation as the filler is injected.  But generally it's not necessarily painful.

While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:  

-Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines) 

-Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples 

-Diminish vertical lip lines 

-Plump & enhance the lips Smooth out a chin crease 

-Improve symmetry among facial features

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) 

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) 

Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles. 

Don’t worry if you’re unsure of which injectable or filler is right for you, that's exactly what we are here for! During your consultation or inital appointment, we discuss the pros and cons of each one and help make a custom treatment plan for you that caters to your own specific goals. This attention to detail ensures a more natural-looking outcome. 

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most of our clients find that the treatment is more comfortable than expected!  Depending on area being treated, clients are numbed using a topical cream that works before the injection, plus our products also contain lidocaine in them so you will begin to feel numb from that too. If you are still nervous, our injector also can also provide a stress ball or a vibrating tool to distract from the injections.

Many clients like to come in during their lunch break to have their injections and are able to return to their normal activities afterward. However, it is important that you are aware of a few possible side effects from injections, including:  

Swelling and/or bruising

Bleeding at the site of the injections 

Redness and tenderness at the injection sites 

We do everything as injectors to help prevent and avoid bruising, including the application of ice packs and holding pressure post injection.  Bruising is the most common side effect to any injection.  It's a needle penetrating your skin so we usually recommend to always plan AS IF you will bruise. There are also things you can do prior to any  injection that will help as well. 

Here is a quick list you can refer to prior to treatment:      

-One week prior to injections avoid the following medications/supplements: aspirin, NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin etc.), St. John’s Wort, Vitamin E, Multivitamins, Krill Oil, Fish Oils, Flaxseed Oils, Omega-3, Gingko, Ginseng, Garlic and Glucosamine   

-Eat FRESH pineapple, as it  contains bromelain that has been known to decrease bruising. You can also take bromelain supplements 2 weeks prior to injections.   

-Start taking Arnica tablets 5 days prior to injection.  We do carry and sell Arnica here at the clinic.   

-No alcohol consumption 2 days prior to injections   

This also varies with the filler. Most fillers fill the skin, so they produce immediate — or close to immediate — results. 

After receiving filler injections, some patients have minor, temporary side effects where they were injected.  If you are experiencing significant pain and/or blanching (whitening) of the skin, contact us immediately.

Normal side effects:

- Redness

-Swelling

-Tenderness Bruising (occasionally) either immediately or post treatment

-Mild Pain/Tenderness

-Itching

-Lumpiness (swelling of injection site)

These side effects tend to clear within 7 to 14 days — if not earlier. 

Rare side effects:

-Severe Pain - often immediate

-Paleness (blanching/whitening) of Treated Area

-Significant Stinging/Burning Sensation

Contact us immediately if these occur -  if after hours contact via our facebook page.