Filler Prep · Buckhead, Atlanta
You finally booked it. The lips you've been saving screenshots of for months, or the cheek and chin work your friend won't stop raving about. Now the appointment is on the calendar and you're wondering if there's anything you're supposed to do first.
The short answer: A little. Book two to four weeks before any big event. For five to seven days beforehand, skip ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E unless they're medically necessary. Skip alcohol for 24 hours, eat beforehand and plan on at least an hour in the chair. That's most of it, and it makes a real difference in how much you bruise.
Why prep matters at all
Filler results show up right away, which is the fun part. Swelling and bruising can show up too, and they're not the same thing. Swelling typically lasts around 24 hours. Bruising can last up to two weeks, depending on how easily you bruise.
Where we're treating matters too. Lips have lots of blood vessels, so they bruise more easily. Areas where we inject deeper, like the cheeks or chin, tend to bruise less. Most of this list is about keeping bruising as small and short as possible, so you're enjoying your results sooner.
Your pre-filler checklist
Two to four weeks before
- Check your calendar. Weddings, vacations, photos, a big birthday. Four weeks ahead is ideal, because it leaves time for a touch-up at the two-week mark if you need one. Two weeks ahead still gives you enough time to fully heal before the event.
Five to seven days before
- Pause the blood thinners you can. Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E can all make bruising more likely. Only stop what your doctor says is okay to stop. If any of these are medically necessary for you, keep taking them and just tell us.
- Look at what else is on the calendar. Big dental work or a vaccine scheduled close to your appointment? Mention it when you book, and we'll help you plan the timing.
The day before
- Skip the wine. No alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment. Same reason: less bruising.
- Getting lip filler and prone to cold sores? Let us know before your appointment, and we'll prescribe an antiviral to help make sure you don't have a flare-up.
The day of
- Eat something first. A normal meal beforehand keeps you comfortable in the chair.
- Makeup is up to you. We'll clean the skin in the areas we're treating either way, so if you want to wear makeup, it's probably worth putting it on after your appointment.
- Bring your inspiration. The screenshots are welcome. They help us understand what you love, and we'll talk honestly about what suits your face.
- Plan for at least 60 minutes, so there's enough time to numb, and up to 90 if we're treating multiple areas.
What happens at your appointment
We start by talking through your goals and looking at your face as a whole. Then we apply a topical numbing cream. Most patients describe the injections as a pinch with a little pressure, and we use a vibrating distraction tool to take the edge off. The filler itself contains numbing too. All filler at Skinship is injected by our physician assistants and medical doctors.
After: the first 24 hours
- Don't massage or press on the treated areas unless your provider tells you to.
- Skip hard workouts, saunas, hot tubs and anything very hot for a day.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night if you can.
- Need something for tenderness? Tylenol is fine. Skip NSAIDs for 24 hours unless they're medically necessary.
What's normal, and what's not. Swelling, bruising, tenderness and a little firmness are all common after filler. Swelling usually settles in about a day, and bruising can take up to two weeks to fade. Increasing pain, significant discoloration or anything that worries you is a reason to call us right away at (404) 939-7822.
Quick FAQ
How far ahead should I book filler before an event?
Four weeks is ideal, because it leaves time for a touch-up at two weeks if needed. Two weeks is enough time to fully heal before an event.
How long does swelling and bruising last?
Swelling typically lasts around 24 hours. Bruising can last up to two weeks, depending on how easily you bruise and where you're treated. Lips bruise more easily, and deeper areas like the cheeks and chin tend to bruise less.
Can I take Advil before filler?
We recommend avoiding NSAIDs like Advil, Aleve and aspirin for five to seven days before, unless they're medically necessary. Tylenol is fine.
Can I drink the night before?
Skip alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment to help minimize bruising.
Does filler hurt?
Most people feel a pinch and some pressure. Numbing cream, a vibrating tool and the numbing built into the filler keep it comfortable.
How much is filler at Skinship?
$750 per syringe, or $550 for a mini lip filler. Your provider will tell you how many syringes make sense for your goals before you start.
How long does filler last?
Anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the product, the area and your metabolism.
Curious where we don't recommend filler? Read 3 areas we won't treat with filler.
Results vary. A Skinship provider will consult with you before treatment. All treatments are performed by licensed medical providers at our Buckhead studio, 480 E Paces Ferry Rd, Suite 9, Atlanta, GA 30305. Call (404) 939-7822.
