Frequently Asked Questions

What are dermal fillers made of?

At SKXN, we use premium hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps maintain skin hydration and volume. Our HA fillers are specially formulated to be smooth, cohesive, and long-lasting while maintaining a natural look and feel. We select specific formulations based on the treatment area and your desired outcome.

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How do fillers differ from Botox?

Dermal fillers and Botox work in completely different ways. Fillers add volume beneath the skin to lift, smooth, or enhance facial features. They physically "fill in" areas that have lost volume or need enhancement. Botox, on the other hand, works by temporarily relaxing specific muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles (those caused by muscle movement). Many clients benefit from a combination of both treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

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What areas can be treated with fillers?

Dermal fillers are incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple areas of the face. Common treatment areas include:

• Nasolabial folds (smile lines from nose to mouth)

• Marionette lines (lines from mouth to chin)

• Lips (for volume and definition)

• Cheeks (for volume and contouring)

• Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)

• Temples (to restore volume loss)

• Jawline (for definition and contouring)

• Chin (for projection and balance)

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Am I a good candidate for fillers?

Most healthy adults who want to address volume loss, enhance facial contours, or reduce the appearance of static wrinkles are good candidates for dermal fillers. However, fillers may not be appropriate if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have severe allergies or a history of anaphylaxis

• Have an active skin infection in the treatment area

• Have certain autoimmune disorders

• Are taking blood-thinning medications (in some cases)

During your consultation, we'll review your medical history to determine if fillers are right for you.

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Is the procedure painful?

Most clients report only mild discomfort during filler treatments. We take several steps to ensure your comfort:

• Topical numbing cream is available for sensitive areas

• Most fillers contain lidocaine (a local anesthetic) for additional comfort

• Our practitioners use gentle techniques and advanced injection methods

• For certain areas, we may use a cannula instead of a needle, which can reduce discomfort and bruising

Many clients describe the sensation as a slight pinch or pressure rather than sharp pain. The procedure is very tolerable, even for those who are nervous about injections.

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Do I need to prepare before my appointment?

To minimize the risk of bruising and optimize your results, we recommend the following preparation:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and fish oil for 1 week before treatment (if medically appropriate and cleared by your doctor)

• Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours before your appointment

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

• Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup if possible

• Consider starting arnica supplements a few days before treatment to reduce bruising potential (optional)

During your consultation, we'll provide personalized preparation instructions based on your specific situation.​

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When will I see results from fillers?

One of the advantages of dermal fillers is that results are immediate. You'll notice volume restoration and wrinkle reduction right away after your treatment. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Initial swelling may exaggerate the results for the first 24-48 hours

• The filler will integrate with your tissues and absorb water over the first 1-2 weeks, which can slightly enhance the results

• Final results are typically visible after 2 weeks when all swelling has resolved and the filler has fully settled

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How long do dermal fillers last?

The longevity of dermal fillers varies depending on several factors:

• The specific type of filler used (different formulations last different lengths of time)

• The treatment area (areas with more movement tend to break down filler faster)

• Your metabolism (some people naturally metabolize fillers more quickly)

• Your lifestyle (factors like sun exposure, smoking, and stress can accelerate breakdown)

Generally, you can expect these durations:

• Lips: 6-9 months

• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: 9-12 months

• Cheeks and temples: 12-18 months

• Under-eye area: 9-12 months

Many clients choose to have maintenance treatments every 6-12 months to preserve their results before the filler fully dissipates.

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What is the recovery period like?

Dermal fillers require minimal downtime, which is one reason they're so popular. Here's what to expect after treatment:

• First 24-48 hours: Some swelling, potential bruising, and mild tenderness at injection sites

• Days 3-5: Most swelling and tenderness resolves

• Days 7-14: Any bruising typically resolves, and the filler settles into its final position

Most clients return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. For special events, we recommend having filler treatments at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure any potential bruising or swelling has completely resolved.

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What aftercare is required?

To optimize your results and minimize side effects, we recommend the following aftercare:

• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for 24 hours (unless specifically instructed otherwise)

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours

• Stay upright for at least 4 hours after treatment

• Avoid excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs, intense sun exposure) for 48 hours

• Apply cold compresses if needed to reduce swelling (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off)

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours

• Sleep with your head elevated the first night if possible

You'll receive detailed, personalized aftercare instructions following your treatment.

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If I don't like my results, can fillers be removed?

Yes, one of the advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. This provides a safety net and allows for adjustments if you're not satisfied with your results. However, this is rarely necessary as our experienced practitioners are skilled at achieving natural-looking results that align with your goals. During your consultation, we take time to understand your expectations and create a treatment plan that will provide the appearance you desire.

​What are the possible side effects?

At SKXN, we prioritize safety and use only FDA-approved fillers administered by experienced practitioners. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects:

Common side effects (temporary):

• Swelling and tenderness (typically resolves within 1-3 days)

• Bruising (can last 5-10 days)

• Redness at injection sites (usually resolves within hours)

• Minor asymmetry during the settling period

Rare side effects:

• Prolonged swelling or bruising

• Infection (extremely rare with proper technique)

• Nodules or bumps (usually temporary and can be massaged or dissolved)

• Vascular complications (extremely rare with proper technique and anatomical knowledge)

• Allergic reaction (very rare with hyaluronic acid fillers)

Our practitioners have extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and use techniques that minimize risks. We also provide thorough pre-treatment screening to identify any factors that might increase your risk of complications.

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Are dermal fillers safe for everyone?

Dermal fillers have an excellent safety profile when administered by qualified practitioners, but they aren't appropriate for every individual. You should not have filler treatments if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have active skin infections or inflammation at the treatment site

• Have severe allergies or a history of anaphylaxis

• Have a known allergy to any components of the filler

• Have certain autoimmune disorders (depending on the specific condition and its severity)

Additionally, certain medical conditions or medications may require special consideration or modifications to the treatment plan. During your consultation, we'll conduct a thorough health assessment to determine if fillers are appropriate for you.

​What if I have a negative reaction?

While serious adverse reactions to dermal fillers are extremely rare, we have comprehensive protocols in place should any concerns arise:

• All clients receive 24/7 emergency contact information following their treatment

• Our practitioners are trained to recognize and manage all types of filler complications

• We keep hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves HA fillers) on-site at all times

• We maintain relationships with dermatologists and plastic surgeons for consultation if needed

• All treatments are documented meticulously, including the specific products used

If you experience any unexpected symptoms or concerns after your treatment, we encourage you to contact us immediately. Most concerns can be effectively addressed with prompt attention.