Does it hurt? Is it safe? Will anybody notice that I’ve done something to my face? Am I relying on a good aesthetic doctor? There are many questions that people ask the first time they undergo a filler treatment. Even if we’ve informed ourselves and have talked to people who’ve already undergone these treatments, it’s absolutely normal – indeed, I’d say more than prudent – that we might have doubts and insecurities all the way to the doctor’s waiting room. Here are some suggestions to make sure you are prepared.

The initial consultation is crucial: this is when a precise treatment plan is established and personalized based on the profile and expectations of every patient. The patient will be asked detailed questions (if not, this is a red flag) about their health and habits; for example any treatments they are currently undergoing, recent operations (including dental), and lifestyle. It’s also a good idea before the injection to evaluate the opportunity to undergo a personalised skincare regimen which can prolong and boost the effects of the treatment.

Having assessed the patient’s expectations and what kind of results can actually be achieved (another red flag: don’t trust a doctor who indiscriminately takes on cases that involve changes to facial shape and volume), a careful specialist will give a whole series of instructions on what to do immediately before the injection. For example, they will ask that you refrain from taking any antiplatelet medications if possible, that you arrive with a clean, makeup-free face, and that you notify them and postpone treatment in case of any herpes outbreaks.

Don’t worry about pain: especially if you remain calm, you may experience more or less (tolerable) discomfort depending on your personal sensitivity and the area treated. The lips and the areas around the mouth tend to be a little more sensitive than the peripheral areas of the face. In every case, a topical anaesthetic is generally applied: in my opinion it is better to avoid local anaesthetic injections, so as to maintain the dynamism of the face and get a natural outcome when injecting the chosen filler.

Finally, after treatment, bruising is generally a patient’s main concern: it may occur, but it is not necessarily a complication. There is no need to worry about these temporary effects, as long as the instructions provided by the doctor are properly followed with regard to physical activity, use of cosmetics, medications and especially sun exposure.

Keeping all these factors in mind, we can say without any doubt that hyaluronic acid fillers are a safe and effective procedure, almost like a pampering for your skin that immediately reveals a fresh, radiant face.

Dr. Paola Molinari 

Plastic Surgeon

Italy

Specialist in general surgery and in aesthetic medicine and surgery, visiting lecturer for the Masters in Aesthetic Medicine in the University of Sassari, scientific project head of aesthetic medicine of the congress of SIES (Società Italiana di Medicina e Chirurgia Estetica).