If facial fillers didn’t require injections, more people may be interested in getting them. One reason hyaluronic acid skin care products have become so popular in recent years: they contain the same ingredient as facial fillers like Restylane® and they come in a bottle instead of a syringe. If you really want to get hyaluronic acid underneath your skin to help plump it up, however, slathering on serums may not cut it — injections may be the way to go.
Before you let your squeamishness stop you from getting a procedure, read on. You may just learn a few things about injections that will surprise you.
Injections Aren’t Always Painful
If fear of pain is your number one deterrent, you should know that there’s a lot a doctor can do to mitigate it. Many doctors choose to treat the area with a topical numbing cream before they begin. You’ll relax while the cream gets to work, and your face starts to feel like it’s asleep. This will help reduce any surface twinges you may feel when the needle punctures your skin. Some areas may be more sensitive than others, so pain can depend on the area treated.
Another option is to use a facial filler with lidocaine, like the Restylane family.1 With these products, the numbing agent is built directly into the formula. As the doctor injects your face, pain in the area is simultaneously dulled. You may not even need a stress ball to get through the procedure.
You Can Minimize Bruising and Swelling
With the right care, you won’t have to hide in your house with a bruised, swollen face after getting filler injections. Before your procedure, avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. Because they thin your blood, they can lead to bruising and bleeding at the injection site.2
After your treatment, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.1 It’s a basic tip, but it can make a big difference. These simple precautions may even prevent bruising and swelling completely — so it won’t be obvious you just had a procedure.
With Fillers, You May See Results Immediately
It’s a common misconception that it takes time for facial filler to “start working.” In fact, the opposite is true and you can often see the results before you even leave the doctor’s office. Take a look in the mirror and you may notice that the filler has already added volume — wrinkles appear smoother, for a more youthful, revitalized look.1-7
The Skill Level of the Injector Matters
Visiting the right provider can help alleviate any other fears you may have about getting injections. Whether you need someone to explain the procedure to you step by step or someone to distract you from the injection while it’s happening, finding a doctor who makes you feel comfortable is key.
You’ll also want to feel confident in your doctor’s skills, because proper injection technique is crucial for optimal results.1-7 Check an injector’s credentials and feel comfortable asking how many injections they’ve done and what kind of training they’ve received — doctors should always have the appropriate training and experience. Use a website like Restylane.ca to find a specialist.
Sources:
1. Restylane Lidocaine *Instructions for Use.
2. Restylane Refyne *Instructions for Use.
3. Restylane Fine Lines-L *Instructions for Use.
4. Restylane Volyme *Instructions for Use.
5. Restylane Lyft Lidocaine *Instructions for Use.
6. Restylane Defyne *Instructions for Use.
7. Restylane Kysse *Instructions for Use.
IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE RESTYLANE RANGE OF FILLERS
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Do not use if known allergy or hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid fillers, lidocaine or amide local anaesthetics.
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Do not use if have porphyria, bleeding disorder and/or active skin disease such as inflammation, infection or tumours, in or near the intended injection site or if you are taking thrombolytics or anticoagulants.
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There are several precautions that are important to discuss with your healthcare practitioner prior to treatment. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have any of the following:
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If you have pre-existing pigmented dark lower eye lid circles, thin skin and pre-existing tendency toward oedema formation as you treatment as treatment of the lower periorbital region may not be suitable.
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If you are taking immunosuppressants as treatment may not be suitable.
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If you have a tendency to form hypertrophic scars or any other healing disorder.
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If you have herpes viral infection as injection procedures can lead to reactivation of latent or subclinical herpes viral infections.
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If you are using substances that affect platelet function, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs. As with any injection procedure, using these medications may increase your risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
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If a laser treatment, chemical peel or any other procedure based on active dermal response is performed before or after the treatment. There is a possible risk of eliciting an inflammatory reaction at the implant site.
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Rare but serious adverse events associated with the intravascular injection of soft tissue fillers in the face have been reported and include temporary or permanent vision impairment, blindness, cerebral ischemia or cerebral hemorrhage, leading to stroke, skin necrosis, and damage to underlying facial structures.
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Injection related adverse events such as bruising, erythema, itching, swelling, pain and tenderness may occur. These side effects generally resolve spontaneously within one week after injection. Other potential side effects can occur with dermal filler injections. You should discuss the potential treatment risks with your healthcare professional.
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After the treatment, exposure of the treated area to heat (sunbathing, sauna, steam baths, etc.) or extreme cold should be avoided until any signs of local inflammation have disappeared.
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This product has not been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Not for use in children.
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Discuss all potential risks with your healthcare practitioner prior to treatment. This is only a partial list of safety information. For complete product and safety information visit Restylane.ca.
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