What's Covered on This Page
- The Real Scope of Dermal Fillers
- The Filler Consultation
- How Long Do Results Last and When to Come Back
- How to Prepare and Care for Your Skin After Treatment
- Why the Injector Is More Important Than the Injection
- How long do dermal fillers last in Murrells Inlet's climate?
- What should I do to prepare for my dermal filler appointment?
- Will dermal fillers make me look overdone or unnatural?
- Is there any downtime after getting dermal fillers?
- How do I know if dermal fillers are the right treatment for my concern?
- How often should I come back for touch-up appointments?
The Real Scope of Dermal Fillers
Many folks assume dermal fillers are primarily a lip procedure. In truth, that accounts for roughly 20% of our work.
The true range of treatments is far broader, and that's because dermal fillers correct the loss of facial volume, the specific factor that creates a fatigued or aged appearance. As people reach their early thirties, they lose fatty pads in their mid-face; their under-eye areas hollow; lines appear around the mouth that a cream will never address. All of these are common concerns for our Murrells Inlet residents, and fillers effectively target each one.
Commonly treated areas with dermal fillers include:
- Nasolabial folds (those lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
- Hollow, shadowed under-eyes that make you look like you haven't slept in weeks, even after eight hours
- Loss of cheek fullness that flattens the upper mid-face
- Lips that are too thin, uneven, or lack definition
- Marionette lines (vertical lines at the corners of the mouth)
We also use dermal fillers for chin and jawline definition, which is quite a bit of a surprise to clients. With a small amount of product placed strategically along the jawbone, we can define the face, creating a stronger profile. And it's a completely non-surgical procedure with no downtime, which is why clients near Inlet Square love it. They visit us during their lunch breaks, receive a few injections, and head straight back to their jobs.
Here's something most people don't know: that fatigued appearance isn't caused by wrinkles at all, it's caused by volume loss. As you age, your skin loses elasticity not because it's wrinkling, but because it's deflating. Dermal fillers work to reinflate the face to its natural proportions, instead of surgically "tightening" it.
It's also not just for women. Our male clients appreciate dermal fillers for jaw-line contouring and for eliminating that hollowed appearance under their eyes. They don't want to "look like you got fillers", they just want to look well-rested.
If you're not sure if fillers are the correct treatment for your concerns, you're certainly not alone. While it is common to feel unsure, sometimes you need an entirely different treatment method. However, for the issues mentioned here, dermal fillers remain our most effective option.
The Filler Consultation
At your first visit, you'll spend more time chatting with me than getting injections, a lot of new clients are surprised to hear.
Your first appointment begins with a discussion. We'll carefully examine your face (in the proper light) and ask what concerns you most about your appearance. We will determine if fillers are truly the best path forward for you and your individual goals. Often fillers are the solution, but sometimes they are not, and we have other solutions available. As licensed dermal filler injectors here in Murrells Inlet, we have thousands of faces. Each individual patient brings a unique set of treatment objectives and needs. No two treatment plans will ever be the same.
After we've established your goals, here's how the procedure goes:
- We prepped the area by cleaning it and then applying a topical numbing cream for 10-15 minutes.
- Next, I use a removable pencil to map out little placement guides for the filler.
- We start the injections in that area, usually using a small needle or tiny cannula; most areas take only a few minutes per spot.
- We have you look at yourself in a mirror right there and give you an opportunity to tell us what you're thinking.
- We apply a cold compress to minimize swelling, and then provide a detailed at-home guide so you know exactly what to do next.
This procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes. The numbing cream does most of the heavy lifting for comfort, so patients are most comfortable during the injections (yes, they think it'll hurt a lot more than it actually does), so it's common to hear "wait, it's done already?" before we've even finished all the areas.
Slight redness and mild swelling is common immediately following treatment. Murrells Inlet patients often return right back out to lunch or errands afterward and don't have to worry about much, as there's no recovery time aside from avoiding any strenuous activity for 24 hours or so.
However, what's important to know: If adjustments need to be made during the appointment, we handle those on the spot. The patient does not leave until they're looking at themself in the mirror and are happy with the results. This step is the most important in the entire injection appointment.
Not sure if dermal fillers are right for your particular concerns? Contact us for a consultation and we'll get you on the schedule!
How Long Do Results Last and When to Come Back
There's one thing I hear almost constantly as a patient leaves our office after receiving dermal fillers. They want to know: how long will this last?
This is an honest question because the answer depends on a few things, like the injection site (lips tend to fade faster because they're in constant use when we talk, eat, and sip from straws), with lip results generally lasting six to nine months versus results in the cheeks and jawline, which might last longer at up to 12+ months. I've even had Murrells Inlet patients come back for additional treatments at 14+ months when they received under-eye injections.
Another factor in determining how long fillers will last is a patient's natural metabolism. If you're very active and have a naturally fast metabolism, your body breaks down the dermal fillers much faster, so it's a bit more difficult to gauge when maintenance treatments should occur.
Here's what we recommend to patients about maintaining your treatment results:
- Set a follow-up appointment two weeks after your first treatment so we can check your progress!
- Return in 6 months to refresh your lips
- Refresh cheeks and midface around 9 to 12 months
- Practice daily sun protection; UV rays break down filler faster
This is a very common scenario. Patients come in and get their initial treatment, they love the results, but then they wait too long before coming back for maintenance. They come back months later and have lost all of the volume they once enjoyed, and the conversation changes to the patient needing more filler. Consistent maintenance with the right product means you need less and less filler every time you come in for your treatment. The more consistent support your skin and body gets, the longer it will be until you lose all your shape again.
Many patients come back in for small touch-ups or maintenance appointments during their lunch. These appointments usually take about 15-20 minutes. We have all your details, the exact product used, and the exact treatment area on every visit. These maintenance appointments will only build off one another.
Many people who receive dermal fillers often worry about how long they need to wait between appointments. But one of the best things about the process is that filler is not a sudden stop; your face will gradually fade away naturally over time. There's no point where you suddenly wake up in the middle of the night, looking completely different! You will just notice volume reduction over weeks.
While waiting between treatments is fine in the long run, it doesn't help in building on the results we work together toward. Think of dermal filler maintenance as keeping up your garden; it takes a little bit of work to keep things going over time.
Need help with dermal fillers?
Book An Appointment. Jolie Visage Rejuvenation Centre is ready to help.
How to Prepare and Care for Your Skin After Treatment
While you might think about the treatment day only for most of the process, there's a lot beforehand and afterwards.
The week before your appointment: you should stop all blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and supplements such as fish oil that will result in more bruising. It is recommended to not consume alcohol the night before your appointment because that can also cause more bruising. We notice quite a few of our clients coming in from a night at the MarshWalk and they have more bruising from the treatment than they might've hoped. The little bit of planning goes a long way.
Before Your Dermal Filler Appointment
- Avoid all blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) 7 days before treatment
- Avoid all alcohol 24 hours before treatment
- Come with no makeup on; we need to make sure we work with a clean, makeup free face
- Eat something before you come in; you need to eat beforehand to be comfortable
- Speak up if you've had any cold sores; we may need to put you on a preventive medication to prevent cold sores from occurring after treatment
We have quite a few patients come back for maintenance treatments after they find out they need to get a prescription beforehand to prevent a cold sore from occurring.
When it comes to aftercare: patience is key.
Avoid rubbing your face for at least 6 hours. Do not rub or massage unless directed by your physician after the treatment. When possible, you should sleep on your back that first night if you can. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours because that will increase the blood flow and potentially increase your swelling. In 9 out of 10 times, the clients who take this advice tend to recover quicker and like their results better.
- Gently apply a cold compress if you notice swelling
- Stay out of direct sun and tanning beds for a couple days
- Saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms are off-limits for 48 hours
- Keep your skincare simple for a week. No retinol or acids
It's completely normal to have a little swelling or tenderness during the first day or two. It's your body catching up. If you're ever concerned or not sure about what you're seeing, just give us a call. We'd much rather hear from you about something minor than have you worry all weekend.
Why the Injector Is More Important Than the Injection
You probably didn't know this, but when it comes to dermal filler the actual filler is less important than who is holding the syringe.
We see this over and over again. Someone comes into our Murrells Inlet office who's had filler work at another office and they don't like the result. They describe it as puffy or too heavy or uneven. 9 out of 10 times, we've determined the actual filler is completely normal. The issue is how the product was placed in the face.
An experienced injector has a strong understanding of facial anatomy. They understand how your fat pads are located, how the muscle attaches, where the major blood vessels sit below the surface, etc. This knowledge is the critical ingredient to creating a natural looking result instead of a "done" looking result.
You could think about it this way. Two people can use the same paint and same brush to paint. One person makes a nice looking painting and the other makes a mess on the canvas. Dermal filler is the same. Things like: depth of the injection, angle of the needle, amount of product injected at each area, speed of the injection. All of these things matter a lot.
With that in mind, what should you be looking for when deciding on an injector for dermal fillers?
- Medical training and licensing with injectables
- Before and after photos (consistent for real patients)
- Comfort with saying "no" and recommending less product
- Thorough consultation prior to treatment
The last one here is especially important. A great injector won't just usher you directly into a treatment area. A good injector will spend time looking at your face as you sit and also talk to them. They'll ask you about what you like and don't like, then help explain how fillers can fix things or if filler will be of little benefit.
Our team is comprised of medical professionals who are also licensed in their area. However, we are most proud of the number of people who choose to come back for treatment. When someone schedules a follow-up appointment for the very next time they are coming back, it means they feel the results met or surpassed their expectations.
The best injectors err on the side of caution. They are more apt to use less product and have you come back for more than use a lot on the first visit. It takes skill to hold back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dermal fillers services in Murrells Inlet
How long do dermal fillers last in Murrells Inlet's climate?
Most dermal fillers last six months to over a year, depending on the area treated and your body. Murrells Inlet's heat and humidity can increase activity levels, which may speed up how fast your body breaks down filler. Lips typically hold results six to nine months. Cheeks and jawline areas often last a year or more. Staying consistent with sun protection helps, since UV exposure breaks down filler faster than almost anything else.
What should I do to prepare for my dermal filler appointment?
Come in with a clean face and no makeup if you can. Avoid blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen for a few days before your visit if your doctor approves. Eat a light meal beforehand so you feel comfortable. Bring a photo or two of what you're hoping to achieve. Most visits here in Murrells Inlet take 30 to 45 minutes, so plan your day around that window.
Will dermal fillers make me look overdone or unnatural?
No, good filler work should look like you got some rest, not like you had something done. The goal is restoring volume that time took away, not adding something new. We use only what your face actually needs. Most people around Murrells Inlet tell us their friends just ask if they changed their skincare routine. Natural results come from placing filler in the right spots with the right amount.
Is there any downtime after getting dermal fillers?
There is no real downtime after dermal fillers. You may have slight redness or puffiness right after, but most clients head straight back to lunch or errands. Skip heavy exercise for about 24 hours. Avoid direct sun exposure and don't press on the treated areas. Clients near Inlet Square regularly come in on a lunch break and return to work the same afternoon with no issues.
How do I know if dermal fillers are the right treatment for my concern?
Dermal fillers work best for volume loss, hollow under-eyes, flat cheeks, deep lines around the mouth, and thin lips. If your main concern is skin texture or fine surface lines, a different treatment may serve you better. The best way to know is a quick consultation. We look at your face in natural light, hear what's bothering you, and give you a straight answer about whether fillers are the right move.
How often should I come back for touch-up appointments?
Most people benefit from a follow-up two weeks after their first treatment, then a touch-up every six to twelve months depending on the area. Lips need refreshing sooner, around six to nine months. Cheeks and jawline areas can go nine to twelve months between visits. Staying consistent actually means you need less product each time. Maintenance appointments usually take only fifteen to twenty minutes.