What to Expect at Your First Filler Appointment

If there was a way to make your life better with just a few minutes of work, you’d probably do it. Fillers promise exactly that. With a quick injection, you can defy aging, improve the contours of your face, and give yourself a confidence boost. 

That’s why Matthew W. Shawl, MD, offers fillers right here at our New York City office in Union Square. As an expert in these cosmetic injectables, he can help you maximize the benefits of this kind of treatment. Whether you’re looking for fuller lips, fewer lines on the lower half of your face, or improved contours, fillers can help. 

Still, you might have a little trepidation about the treatment process. To help clear that up, let’s walk through it. 

What happens during your appointment

The longest part of your first filler appointment centers around a conversation. You and Dr. Shawl discuss your cosmetic goals. This allows him to plan the placement and amount of filler in alignment with the outcome you want. You agree on the treatment plan before he gets started. 

Once you have the plan in place, it’s time to prepare for the actual injection(s). Dr. Shawl prepares your skin by cleaning it thoroughly with an antibacterial solution. If you’re sensitive or worried about discomfort, he can apply a numbing agent, too. 

After that, he injects the filler into your target locations, massaging each area to help the filler distribute evenly. The needle Dr. Shawl uses to apply the filler is extremely thin. Most people say the injection feels like a quick pinch, not anything outright painful. Each one only takes a few seconds, too.

When you’re done, you can go back to your regular routine. You might have some bruising or swelling, though, so many people choose to get fillers in the afternoon, then head home. 

What to expect after getting fillers for the first time

Avoiding a few things immediately after fillers helps you get the best results. For 48 hours, skip:

• Rubbing the area
• Strenuous exercise
• Alcohol
• Heat and sun exposure
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen

A little redness, swelling, or bruising is totally normal. It should fade in a day or two. If you have any discomfort, you can ice the area or use acetaminophen. 

Because swelling tends to happen temporarily after fillers, you might have concerns about looking overfilled. There’s no need to worry. Your fillers may just need a couple of days to settle. 

To recap, getting fillers is a relatively quick and easy process with minimal downtime. To explore the treatment in more detail or to schedule a visit to get fillers, call us or book your appointment online today.