What can men expect during their dermal fillers recovery?

One of the fastest growing groups turning to cosmetic plastic surgery is men. Many procedures that were once thought of as only for women are now routinely requested by male patients. As the stereotypes melt away, men are using their voice to show the aesthetic world that they, too, want to look younger, smoother, softer and more refreshed.

Noninvasive techniques, such as injectable dermal fillers, offer men the advantage of a quick, in-office procedure with immediate results and no downtime. Men who have started to notice the deep facial creases or lines around their eye or mouth that result from skin laxity will see excellent improvements with a dermal filler. Additionally, features that have lost their definition or look hollow can dramatically improve as fillers replenish lost facial volume. They can take years off their appearance during a lunchtime treatment, and no one will ever know they had any work done.

The five things men can expect during their dermal fillers recovery

Fast recovery

While the recovery time from each filler application will depend on the individual patient, the target area and the extent of correction, it generally lasts 24-48 hours. For most men, recovery takes from one to two days, with no downtime necessary. Men can have their injections, then get right back to work or school.

Little to no restrictions

Fillers require no limitations on activities after treatment. However, vigorous exercise is not recommended during the first 24-48 hours after an injection session. This time allows the filler to settle and the treatment area to heal, minimizing the chance for swelling and bruising to occur.

Minimal discomfort

Noninvasive facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers is not painful, so no general anesthesia is necessary. The individual doctor may use a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic to make the injections more comfortable. Once the treatment is over, the target area may remain tender for a few days. However, this is normally well managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen.

Immediate improvement in appearance

Dermal fillers provide immediate results, so wrinkles and deep facial lines will look better right away. During the first few days, as the filler settles, the treated area can sometimes look slightly overfilled or swollen, although this will quickly resolve. As any post-treatment swelling or bruising diminishes, men can expect their results to continue to improve. Best of all, if after a few weeks the results fail to hit the desired mark, additional filler can be applied.

Few side effects

Fillers are a trusted way to restore volume and smooth facial lines that occur as part of the normal aging process. While fillers are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe, there is a small chance for side-effects to occur. These can include redness, bruising, tenderness and pinpoint bleeding along the injection site. Hypersensitivity or numbness is also common for the first week. More serious complications, such as infection, are rare when using a board-certified plastic surgeon or experienced injector.

Dos and don'ts for men during their dermal filler recovery

• Do apply an intermittent ice pack after treatment to relieve swelling or tenderness.
• Do take acetaminophen or an over-the-counter pain reliever for discomfort.
• Do wear sunscreen to protect the treatment area.
• Do follow your provider's specific instructions for a safe recovery.
• Don't hit the gym or play any sports for the first one to two days after treatment.
• Don't rub, itch or massage the treatment area for the first 24 hours. In some cases, this may cause the filler to migrate to surrounding areas.
• Don't drink alcohol for the first 24 hours as this can contribute to swelling and bruising.
• Don't wait to contact your doctor if you run a fever or if redness, tenderness or hard areas do not resolve in a few days.

The best way to ensure a short and safe dermal filler recovery is to put your trust in a board-certified plastic surgeon or experienced injector. Check before you inject; discuss your provider's accreditation and experience prior to your injectable procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website is a good place to begin your aesthetic journey.