What to Expect Before Getting Dermal Fillers: Revanesse®, Juvederm®, and Restylane®
Dermal fillers are a popular, minimally invasive treatment designed to enhance facial volume, reduce wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin. Brands like Revanesse®, Juvederm®, and Restylane® are some of the most well-known and trusted names in the dermal filler industry. If you're considering a dermal filler procedure, it’s important to understand what to expect before, during, and after your treatment to ensure you get the best results.
Here’s a guide to what you need to know before you get dermal fillers using these popular products.
1. Consultation with Your Provider
Before anything else, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with a licensed and experienced injector. This step is essential to ensure that dermal fillers are the right choice for your cosmetic goals and that your provider can tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
During the consultation, your provider will:
- Discuss your aesthetic goals: Whether you're aiming for lip enhancement, wrinkle reduction, or cheek volumization, your provider will listen carefully to what you're hoping to achieve.
- Assess your face and skin: Your provider will evaluate your facial features and skin elasticity to recommend the best filler(s) and the appropriate injection sites.
- Review your medical history:To avoid potential complications, you’ll discuss any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you're taking. Certain conditions, like active skin infections or autoimmune disorders, may affect your suitability for treatment.
- Talk about filler options: Your provider will explain the differences between various fillers, including Revanesse®, Juvederm®, and Restylane®, to help you make an informed decision.
2. Choosing the Right Filler: Revanesse®, Juvederm®, or Restylane®
Each dermal filler brand has its own unique formula and benefits. Your choice of filler will depend on the area being treated and the type of results you want to achieve. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each filler has to offer:
- Revanesse®:
Revanesse® is a line of hyaluronic acid-based fillers designed to provide smooth, natural-looking results. Revanesse products are known for their advanced manufacturing process, which gives them a smooth consistency and long-lasting effects. Revanesse Versa® for example, is commonly used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the mouth and nose, and is popular for its smooth texture and long-lasting results.
- Juvederm®:
Juvederm® is one of the most popular and versatile dermal filler brands available. It includes a variety of fillers that can address different areas of the face, such as Juvederm Ultra® for lips, & Juvederm Voluma® for cheeks. Juvederm products are known for their smooth consistency and longer-lasting effects due to their proprietary Vycross technology.
- Restylane®:
Restylane® is another leading hyaluronic acid-based filler with a range of products designed for facial wrinkles, volume loss, and lip enhancement. Restylane® fillers are often firmer in texture, which makes them ideal for areas where more structure and lift are needed, such as the cheeks (Restylane Lyft®) or under the eyes (Restylane Refyne®).
Each filler has its own specific formulation, and your provider will choose the one that best suits your goals, based on the area you're treating and the results you’re hoping to achieve.
3. Pre-Treatment Instructions
To ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before your dermal filler treatment:
- Avoid blood thinners:
For at least 1 week before your procedure, stop taking any medications or supplements that may thin the blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, or vitamin E. This will help minimize the risk of bruising and swelling.
- Refrain from alcohol:
Avoid consuming alcohol for 24 hours prior to your treatment, as alcohol can increase the likelihood of bruising.
- Notify your provider about allergies:
If you have any allergies, especially to lidocaine (which is commonly used to numb the injection site), make sure to let your provider know.
- Skin care adjustments:
If you're using any products like retinoids or exfoliating treatments, your provider may advise you to stop using them a few days before your procedure, as they can make your skin more sensitive.
- Don’t wear makeup:
Arrive for your appointment with a clean face and no makeup. This will make the injection process easier and reduce the risk of irritation.
4. What to Expect on the Day of Your Dermal Filler Appointment
On the day of your dermal filler procedure, expect the treatment to be quick, with minimal discomfort. Here's a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Numbing:
Your provider will likely apply a topical numbing cream to the area to reduce discomfort. Some fillers, such as Juvederm® and Restylane®, also contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which further reduces pain during the procedure.
- Injection:
The provider will inject the filler into the treatment area using a fine needle. Depending on the area being treated and the amount of filler needed, this process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Minimal discomfort:
While you may experience some mild pressure or a pinching sensation, the procedure itself is generally well-tolerated. If you're sensitive to needles, your provider can adjust the approach to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
5. Post-Treatment Care
After your dermal filler procedure, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites. These side effects are typically mild and should subside within a few days. Here’s how you can take care of your skin afterward:
- Apply ice:
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising. This can also help with any discomfort in the hours following the procedure.
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated areas:
For the first 24 hours, avoid manipulating the injection sites, as this could shift the filler or increase the risk of complications.
- No strenuous activity:
Refrain from intense physical exercise or heavy lifting for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, as this can increase swelling.
- Elevate your head:
When sleeping, it can be helpful to sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
- Avoid heat:
For a few days post-treatment, avoid hot tubs, saunas, or direct sunlight, as excessive heat can exacerbate swelling.
6. Results and Longevity
One of the major benefits of dermal fillers is that you’ll see immediate results after the treatment. The filler works by adding volume under the skin, smoothing wrinkles, and restoring youthful contours. Full results will become evident within a week, once any initial swelling or bruising subsides.
Here’s a general idea of how long each of these fillers lasts:
- Revanesse®:
Most Revanesse® fillers, like Revanesse Versa®, last between 6 and 12 months, depending on the treatment area.
- Juvederm®:
Results with Juvederm® can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the specific product used (e.g., Juvederm Ultra® may last 6-12 months, while Juvederm Voluma® can last up to 2 years).
- Restylane®:
Restylane® fillers generally last 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the specific product used (such as Restylane Lyft® for cheeks or Restylane Refyne® for fine lines).
Final Thoughts
Dermal fillers like Revanesse®, Juvederm®, and Restylane® offer an excellent way to address common signs of aging and enhance facial features without the need for surgery. However, to get the best possible results, it’s essential to choose the right filler for your needs, follow the pre-treatment instructions, and work with an experienced provider. With proper care, your dermal filler results can last for many months, helping you look and feel your best.
If you’re ready to rejuvenate your appearance, schedule a consultation today to learn more about how dermal fillers can help you achieve your aesthetic goals!