Facial fillers are one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments today, helping millions of people each year restore youthful contours and smooth fine lines. Whether you’re looking to refresh your look or add subtle definition, understanding the process helps you feel confident and prepared.
At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, we specialize in dermal filler procedures that deliver natural, long-lasting results. Led by Dr. Steven Clark, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, and Michelle Sasala, ARNP-BC, our expert team provides personalized facial rejuvenation services to patients in Niceville, Santa Rosa Beach, and Watersound, FL.
Our approach focuses on enhancing your natural beauty rather than changing your features. To help you feel informed before your first appointment, here’s everything you need to know about the consultation, treatment process, and aftercare.
If you’ve never had fillers before, here’s what you can expect during your first appointment, plus helpful insights about preparation, recovery, and long-term results.
Understanding Facial Fillers
Before your first appointment, it helps to understand what dermal fillers are and how they work. Fillers are smooth, gel-like injectables that replace lost volume, fill lines, and restore youthful structure. Most are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance in the skin that retains moisture and supports elasticity.
At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of safe, FDA-approved fillers including Juvéderm, Belotero, and Radiesse. Each product has a unique consistency designed for specific areas of the face:
- Juvéderm Ultra and Volbella: for natural-looking lip enhancement and fine line smoothing.
- Juvéderm Voluma: for restoring cheek volume and midface contour.
- Belotero Balance: for smoothing delicate lines under the eyes or around the mouth.
Because fillers are versatile, they can address a range of concerns, from early signs of aging to deeper volume loss. Patients often notice visible improvements immediately, with smoother, more defined contours that look refreshed but natural.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your first step is a personalized consultation with one of our experienced providers. This visit is essential to ensure your treatment plan aligns with your goals, medical history, and unique anatomy.
During your consultation, you can expect:
- Aesthetic Assessment: Your provider evaluates your facial structure, skin quality, and areas of volume loss.
- Goal Discussion: You’ll discuss what you want to achieve—whether it’s subtle enhancement, wrinkle correction, or fuller cheeks.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on your needs, your provider will recommend filler types and placement areas.
- Before-and-After Expectations: You’ll see examples of realistic outcomes similar to fillers' face before and after photos to understand what’s achievable.
This step ensures that your treatment is both safe and tailored to your natural features. It’s also the perfect time to ask questions about the dermal fillers procedure, recovery, and long-term effects.
How to Prepare for Your First Facial Filler Appointment
Preparation is simple but important for ensuring a smooth experience and reducing side effects. Here’s what you can do in the days before treatment:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E (unless prescribed). These can increase bruising.
- Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Stay hydrated to help your skin respond well to the filler.
- Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup or skincare products.
During your pre-treatment consultation, inform your provider of any medical conditions, allergies, or current medications. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently had dental work, your provider may recommend postponing the treatment for safety reasons.
What Happens During the Procedure
Your appointment typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated. The steps are straightforward:
- Cleansing the Skin: Your provider will sanitize the injection areas to prevent infection.
- Applying Numbing Cream: A topical anesthetic minimizes discomfort.
- Precise Injections: The filler is gently injected with a fine needle or cannula. You may feel light pressure or a slight pinch, but the process is quick and tolerable.
- Shaping and Blending: Your injector will massage the treated area to ensure smooth distribution.
- Immediate Results: You’ll notice an instant improvement in volume and contour, though mild swelling or redness is normal for 1–2 days.
At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, both Dr. Clark and Michelle Sasala use advanced injection techniques to deliver natural, symmetrical results while minimizing downtime.
Common Questions First-Time Patients Ask
Do fillers ruin your face?
No. When performed by a skilled provider, fillers enhance your natural appearance. The myth that “fillers ruin your face” stems from overuse or improper injection techniques—not from the fillers themselves.
What are the long-term effects of fillers?
Over time, hyaluronic acid fillers are safely absorbed by the body. Regular touch-ups help maintain results, and there’s no evidence of long-term damage when properly administered.
Will it hurt?
You may feel mild stinging during the injection, but numbing agents make the procedure comfortable. Most patients describe it as a quick, tolerable experience.
How soon will I see results?
Results are visible immediately after your procedure, with subtle refinements as swelling subsides over the next few days.
Can I combine fillers with other treatments?
Yes. Many patients combine fillers with Botox®, microneedling, or facial resurfacing treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation. Your provider can design a plan that safely integrates multiple services.
What the Recovery Process Looks Like
One of the main benefits of facial fillers is minimal downtime. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. However, mild swelling, redness, or tenderness may occur for 24–48 hours. These effects are temporary and manageable with gentle care.
Post-Treatment Guidelines (Dermal Fillers Post Care):
- Avoid touching or massaging treated areas for the first 24 hours.
- Skip strenuous exercise and hot environments (saunas, tanning beds) for 1–2 days.
- Apply a cool compress to minimize swelling.
- Avoid makeup on the treated area for at least 12 hours.
- Sleep on your back the first night to avoid unnecessary pressure.
Your injector will provide personalized dermal fillers post-care instructions to help you heal quickly and achieve the best results.
Tips for Maintaining Your Results
Results from facial fillers typically last 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler, treatment area, and individual metabolism. To maintain your refreshed look:
- Schedule maintenance appointments before your results fully fade.
- Stay hydrated to support hyaluronic acid’s moisture-retaining properties.
- Use SPF daily to protect your skin and filler longevity.
- Adopt a medical-grade skincare routine—our licensed aesthetician, Maya Newell, can recommend products from Obagi and SkinMedica.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, both of which accelerate skin aging.
With proper care and touch-ups, your results can remain natural and balanced for years to come.
Your First Appointment: Step Toward Confidence
Getting fillers for the first time can feel like a big step, but it’s also rewarding. You’ll leave your appointment with immediate, noticeable improvements and the confidence that comes with looking refreshed. At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, we take pride in combining clinical precision with an artistic eye to deliver elegant, patient-focused results. Whether you’re interested in smoothing fine lines, restoring lost volume, or enhancing facial balance, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule your consultation or learn more about our facial filler treatments, call (850) 530-6064 or book your appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do fillers last?
Most fillers last 6–18 months, depending on the product, treatment area, and individual metabolism.
What happens if I stop getting fillers?
Your face gradually returns to its natural state as the product is absorbed. There are no negative long-term effects.
Are fillers reversible?
Yes, most hyaluronic acid fillers can be safely dissolved by your provider if needed.
Can I see fillers face before after photos?
Yes. During consultation, your provider can show before-and-after images of real Bluewater patients to help set realistic expectations.
