The truth about dermal fillers: What to expect when you get them for the first time

So before I got Botox I said I would never ever get dermal fillers, and before I first got Botox back in July I was only open to the idea. It wasn't something I would definitely do. I didn't actually have a strong opinion on it either way. It was probably one of those things I was open to but didn't actually know a lot about.

I did however know that I was opposed to dermal fillers and thought that anyone who got them was an absolute idiot and that there was no real point to them. Again, I simply didn't know a lot about them.

Based on my previous opinions and the opinions of people around me, I would say that most people are the same and that for some reason people don't know a lot about cosmetic injectibles and that they are still taboo. Although the internet typically has a lot of information available, there is no singular reason as to why injectibles are still considered taboo but one theme that often comes up is that it contradicts feminism. The thinking is that if you get injectibles you're not happy in your own skin and that you're conforming to society's expectations to look a certain way.

Anyway, after a few sessions of Botox I decided I would take the plunge at get dermal fillers. Basically Botox is great for dynamic lines caused by expression, whereas fillers need to be used to the static lines that are caused by the skin drying out.

So what was it like to get dermal fillers injected for the first time tonight?

Well, I'd watched a lot of videos on YouTube of people having dermal fillers injected and I have to say that the YouTube videos make the procedure look a lot more scary than it actually is.

If you've had Botox then you'pre already familiar and experienced in having injections in the face it's not that much of a transition. The only real difference is that instead of it being over and done with in 10 minutes it will take half an hour.

First, your nurse or doctor if you've opted to see a doctor will tell you to sit down on the bed in the room and you'll lean back. When you're leaning back and relaxing they'll wipe your face with antiseptic and prepare the syringes for injection and then mark the places on your face that will be injected. Instead of it involving a quick prick like Botox the syringe will be in the part of the face that's being injected for a little bit longer. The nurse or doctor will also massage in the filler so that it spreads and is evenly spread. They'll inject a few spots to get the best possible result.

It's really quite painless because the dermal filler, I was injected with Juvederm Voluma has a numbing agent so it won't hurt at all.

When it's over you'll see the results immediately and they'll last anywhere from six months to two years so you'll need to get top ups after that. Fillers are like Botox, the more you have them, the longer they'll last. They also add moisture back to your skin that has previously been lost due to sun damage and aging.

Obviously because your face has been injected and massage there will be some bruising. That is to be expected and is a normal part of the experience. Your skin will also be a bit tender but that should only last a couple of days.

To sum up I would highly recommend dermal fillers if you want to add life to your face and look more youthful. Be aware that you will need to have multiple sessions. The average amount for each person will be 3-6mls and that will ensure you have th best possible result.

As you get older your skin in other areas also dries out so that means your lips will dry out as well, so if that is the case then you should also consider lip fillers. Like Botox and dermal fillers you can choose the number of mls/syringes based on the result you want. I haven't yet had my lips done, but if/when I get them done, that will simply be for moisture so I would only go for 1ml. Anything else would look ridiculous.

As I've said in previous blog posts it's really important that you choose a cosmetic specialist who is trained and qualified in cosmetic injectibles and can give you a professional and natural look.