Dermal Filler

What to expect

1. Consultation & facial assessment: Sophie Gatward, NP, reviews your health history, medications and goals, then assesses your facial structure to plan a result that fits your features. She'll also explain the possible risks so you can make an informed choice.
2. Treatment day: After cleansing, topical numbing may be applied, and most fillers also contain lidocaine for comfort. The filler is placed with small, precise injections, and the appointment usually takes 30–60 minutes.
3. Right after: You'll usually see a difference right away, along with some swelling, redness or tenderness. Swelling can make the area look fuller than the final result at first, especially in the lips.
4. Following days & weeks: Any swelling or bruising usually settles within a few days, and your result continues to soften and settle over about two weeks.
5. Follow-up & maintenance: Once everything has settled, Sophie can review your result with you if needed. Results last about 6–18 months depending on the area, and future visits are planned around how your filler holds up.

Aftercare tips

• Follow the personalized instructions you receive at your appointment — they take priority over these general tips.
• Avoid touching, pressing on or massaging the treated area for the rest of the day, unless you've been told otherwise.
• A cool compress wrapped in a clean cloth, used gently for short periods, can help ease swelling.
• Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs and alcohol for the first day or two, as they can add to swelling and bruising.
• Sleeping on your back with your head slightly raised for the first night or two may help reduce swelling.
• Let the clinic know about any dental work or other facial treatments planned in the weeks around your appointment, as timing may need to be adjusted.

Possible side effects

• Swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising at the injection sites, which usually settle within a few days.
• Small bumps, firmness or slight unevenness while the filler settles, which often soften over the first two weeks. Contact the clinic if a lump doesn't go away or new swelling appears later.
• A cold sore flare-up after lip treatment, if you're prone to cold sores.
• Uncommonly, infection — watch for redness, warmth, pain or swelling that gets worse after the first few days.
• Rare but serious: filler can block a blood vessel (vascular occlusion). Warning signs include severe or worsening pain, skin that turns pale, white, grey or dusky, and, very rarely, changes in vision — this needs urgent medical care.