8 Surprising Things That Happen When You Get Filler

You may notice improvements in parts of your face that weren’t treated.

While you may have gotten a procedure to enhance your lips or your cheeks, experts say getting filler may benefit the rest of your face as well. “For instance, re-inflating lips that have lost their volume can not only balance the rest of the face but can also improve the fine, dry, crepey lines of the lips themselves, like an inner lip gloss, as well as secondarily improve the appearance of the vertical lines above the lip,” said Dr. Honet. “Re-volumizing cheeks recreates the bone structure and fat contours that are lost as we age, but also improves tear troughs, laugh lines or nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowls, without ever touching these areas with a needle.”

You’ll likely have bruising and swelling.

Your filler will eventually settle and look more natural, but for a bit, it may be hard to see through the swelling, bruising and even nodules. “It’s important to realize that lip filler injections will often cause short-term swelling that can last about a week. Once the filler integrates with the skin in a few weeks, the appearance is natural, graceful, and harmonious enhancement,” explains Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD. Swelling can vary from mild to severe, according to Saddle Brook, NJ dermatologist Dr. Fredric Haberman.

Your filler may shift.

Your filler may migrate—it’s a risk of the procedure. However, Dr. Honet noted that the risk is higher if you wear your mask too tightly. She explains that it “can put inadvertent pressure on filler freshly placed, possibly ‘moving” the filler.”

You may experience hypersensitivity.

Dr. Haberman said you might see hives and swelling after you get filler. He explained that while these reactions may spur concern that you’re having an allergic reaction, the adverse effects are most likely just hypersensitivity.

You may be surprised by the results.

Short Hills, NJ facial plastic surgeon Alexander Ovchinsky, MD said he finds that patients are often surprised by how drastic the transformation is, especially after a liquid rhinoplasty or a liquid facelift.

You may look “overfilled” at first.

Dr. Haberman warns that your initial appearance after any dermal filler may result in an “overfilled” appearance, which will eventually subside.

You may experience numbness and redness.

Following the procedure, Dr. Haberman said you may experience numbness or redness in your face that is temporary.

Lumps may form at the injection site.

It can be scary to bring your hand to your freshly filled face only to find a bump under your skin. Dr. Haberman said “palpable lumps” or “hard areas” may form at the injection sites. If you notice a lump or bump that does not subside over time, your board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist can determine the best course of action.