Dermal Fillers: What They Do, What They Don't, and How to Prep
Filler has an image problem, and it's mostly the fault of extreme before-and-afters. Done well, filler is not about looking different. It's about restoring what time quietly took.
What Filler Is
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments made from hyaluronic acid — a substance your skin already produces, known for holding moisture. They're designed to integrate smoothly into your tissue for soft, natural-looking results.
At Louise Aesthetics we use premium hyaluronic acid–based fillers:
- RHA Collection by Revance
- Restylane
- Evolysse
What It Does
- Plumps and hydrates the skin
- Smooths fine lines and deeper folds
- Restores volume to cheeks and temples
- Enhances lips and jawline
- Improves overall facial balance
That last one is the whole game. Facial harmonization means the injector is reading your entire face — proportions, symmetry, how features relate — rather than filling whatever you pointed at in the mirror. Sometimes the fix for a tired-looking lower face is cheek support, not more lip.
The Appointment
Consultation: A thorough assessment of your skin, facial proportions, and desired outcome determines the product and placement technique.
Treatment: Typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on areas treated. Topical numbing may be applied, and most fillers also contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort.
After: Mild swelling, redness, or slight bruising at injection sites is common and temporary, usually settling within a few days. Results are visible immediately, with final results once swelling subsides.
How Long It Lasts
Results are generally visible right away and may continue improving over two to three weeks as the filler integrates. Depending on product and area, results can last 6 to 24 months. Follow-up treatments maintain the outcome.
Prep — This List Matters
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil), fish oil, Gingko Biloba, St. John's Wort, and high-dose Vitamin E for one week — all increase bruising risk
- Pause Retin-A, tretinoin, and retinoids for three days
- No alcohol for 24 hours
- Prone to bruising? Consider Arnica the day before — check with your provider first
- No dental appointments two weeks before or after
Clients who are pregnant or nursing are not eligible.
Aftercare
No makeup immediately. Don't lie down for four hours — this helps prevent migration. Sleep on your back for 24 to 48 hours. Don't touch your face for 24 hours. Skip strenuous exercise, extreme heat, and extreme cold for 24 hours. No facials or massage on treated areas for two weeks.
Lips only: no straws, smoking, heavy kissing, or oral activity for two weeks. We know. Two weeks.
The Honest Part
Common side effects are redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness — usually mild, usually gone in days. Rarely, more serious effects like infection, filler migration, or vascular complications can occur. This is precisely why injector skill and a real consultation matter more than a deal.
Ready When You Are
Louise Aesthetics is a nurse-led med spa in Walnut Creek, founded by Angelique Louise Parras, BSN, RN and Megan Louise Fahey, BSN, RN. Every treatment starts with a real consultation — no rushing, no upselling, no guessing.
Book your consultation at louiseaesthetics.com or call (925) 322-1544. 1853 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite #44, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. By appointment only.
Disclaimer: Dermal fillers are injectable treatments intended to enhance facial features, restore volume, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Results and the duration of effects can vary based on individual factors, including skin type, the area treated, and the specific filler used. Common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection sites, which are typically mild and resolve within a few days. In rare instances, more severe side effects such as infection, filler migration, or vascular complications may occur. It is essential to have a detailed consultation with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if dermal fillers are appropriate for you.