Question 1

Does filler migrate?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is: it can — but it shouldn't. When dermal filler is placed in the appropriate tissue plane, in the correct amount, and in the right patient, it generally stays where it's intended. Migration is more commonly associated with overfilling, repeated treatments without allowing previous filler to settle, or injecting areas that aren't well suited for large amounts of filler. At BioLume, my philosophy is conservative. I would rather build beautiful results gradually than chase volume. Thoughtful treatment planning and appropriate product selection are the best ways to minimize the risk of filler migration while keeping your results looking natural.

Question 2

Will I look fake?

Accepted Answer

Probably my favorite question. My goal is for people to notice that you look rested, healthy, and refreshed — not "done." The best aesthetic treatments don't change who you are. They restore what time has taken away. Whether we're relaxing wrinkles, restoring volume, rebuilding collagen, or improving skin quality, the goal is always the same: to help you look like the best version of yourself. If people are noticing your filler or your Botox, we've probably done too much.

Question 3

Does Botox hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable treatment is. The needles used for wrinkle relaxers are extremely small, and each injection lasts only a second or two. Most people describe the sensation as a tiny pinch or mosquito bite. A typical treatment takes about 10–15 minutes, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterward.

Question 4

What age should I start Botox?

Accepted Answer

There's no perfect age — only the right time for your face. Some patients begin wrinkle relaxers in their late 20s or early 30s as a preventative treatment, while others don't start until much later. Rather than focusing on your age, I look at how your muscles move. If expression lines are beginning to linger after your face is at rest, wrinkle relaxers may help soften those lines and prevent them from becoming more deeply etched over time. The goal isn't to freeze your face — it's to age gracefully.

Question 5

Can filler be dissolved?

Accepted Answer

Yes — hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved. One of the advantages of HA fillers is that they're reversible using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Occasionally, patients come to me with filler from another practice that they're unhappy with. Sometimes dissolving a small amount before starting fresh creates the best long-term outcome. Not every filler is reversible, however. Products such as Radiesse and Sculptra work differently and cannot simply be dissolved, which is why choosing the right treatment — and an experienced injector — is so important.

Question 6

How long does Sculptra last?

Accepted Answer

Sculptra is different from traditional filler because it stimulates your own collagen production rather than simply replacing lost volume. Most patients complete an initial series of treatments over several months and then enjoy results that can last up to two years or longer, depending on age, lifestyle, and individual collagen production. Many patients choose a maintenance treatment approximately once a year to continue supporting collagen as the natural aging process continues.

Question 7

How many syringes of filler will I need?

Accepted Answer

This is probably the question I get asked most often — and the honest answer is: it depends. The number of syringes isn't determined by your age. It's determined by your anatomy, your goals, and how much support your face has naturally lost over time. Some patients are thrilled with one syringe in the lips. Others benefit from two or three syringes to restore facial balance, while patients experiencing more significant volume loss from aging or weight loss may require four or more syringes for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. During your consultation, we'll discuss your priorities and create a treatment plan that fits both your goals and your budget.

Question 8

What's the difference between filler, Radiesse, and Sculptra?

Accepted Answer

Although they're often grouped together, they do very different things. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Filler provides immediate volume and support — perfect for lips, cheeks, chin, jawline. Radiesse® provides immediate structural support while also stimulating collagen production; it can also be hyperdiluted and used as a collagen and elastin biostimulator for the face, neck, chest, and hands. Sculptra® works differently — instead of adding immediate volume, it stimulates your body to gradually rebuild its own collagen over months, making it ideal for overall facial rejuvenation and long-term restoration. Sometimes the best treatment isn't choosing one product — it's combining them strategically.

Question 9

How long is the recovery after filler?

Accepted Answer

Most patients return to their normal routine immediately after treatment. Expect some swelling, tenderness, and occasionally bruising for several days. Lips tend to swell more than other areas and often look their fullest during the first 24–48 hours before settling. Most swelling improves significantly within one week; the final result is typically appreciated around two weeks after treatment. If you have an important event, schedule your filler at least two weeks beforehand.

Question 10

Can I work out after Botox or filler?

Accepted Answer

For wrinkle relaxers such as Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify, I recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours after treatment. After dermal filler, avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the treatment area. Increased blood flow may contribute to additional swelling and bruising during the initial healing period. Light walking is perfectly fine.

Question 11

Can I get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Out of an abundance of caution, I do not perform cosmetic wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, or biostimulator treatments during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is a little more nuanced because there is limited research available. While some providers are comfortable treating breastfeeding patients, my practice is to postpone elective cosmetic injectables until breastfeeding has been completed. Your safety — and your baby's safety — will always come before cosmetic treatments.

Question 12

What if I don't know what treatment I need?

Accepted Answer

Perfect. Honestly, I don't expect you to. One of the biggest misconceptions about aesthetics is that patients are supposed to know exactly what product they need before they walk through the door. That's my job. You don't need to know whether you need filler, Sculptra, Radiesse, wrinkle relaxers, skincare, or simply reassurance that you don't need anything today. We'll start by talking about your concerns, evaluate your facial anatomy together, and build a treatment plan that's personalized to your goals.

Question 13

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer financing options through Cherry and Care Credit to help make aesthetic treatments more accessible. During your consultation, we'll review available payment options, discuss treatment packages, and help you create a plan that fits your goals and your budget. Beautiful results don't have to happen all at once.

Question 14

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

To help minimize bruising and ensure the best results, I recommend: arrive with clean skin, stay well hydrated for 24 hours beforehand, eat a meal (a little protein goes a long way), avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment, and — if medically appropriate — avoid ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), and other NSAIDs for 24–48 hours (Tylenol® is a better choice). If appropriate, consider avoiding fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and St. John's wort for about a week before treatment. Never stop prescription medications without discussing it with your prescriber. Most importantly — come with questions.

Question 15

How often will I need maintenance treatments?

Accepted Answer

Every treatment is different. As a general guideline: Wrinkle Relaxers every 3–4 months. Dermal Fillers approximately 9–18 months depending on product and area. Sculptra: initial series, then maintenance approximately once yearly. Hyperdiluted Radiesse: typically every 12–18 months. Chemical Peels: every 4–8 weeks depending on your goals. Medical-Grade Skincare: every morning and every night. The goal isn't constant treatment — it's maintaining natural-looking results over time.

Question 16

Can I combine multiple treatments in one appointment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine treatments because they complement one another beautifully. Common examples include: wrinkle relaxers + dermal filler, filler + Sculptra, microneedling + PRF, and chemical peel + skincare consultation. Combining treatments often creates more comprehensive, natural results while reducing the number of appointments needed. During your consultation, we'll discuss what's safe to perform together, create a timeline if needed, and prioritize based on your goals and budget.

Questions, answered honestly.

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