Understanding the Before & After of Your Treatment at Sharief Aesthetics
Injectable fillers are among the most effective and trusted non-surgical options for rejuvenating your appearance. Many people are curious about the “before and after” of dermal fillers and what results they can realistically expect. As a physician-led practice, our mission is to provide clear, medically sound guidance so you understand every step—from your first consultation through your long-term results.
Whether you are considering your first treatment or looking for ways to maintain your results, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are medical-grade, gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance contours. Results are immediate yet natural, offering a refreshed look without the downtime or invasiveness of surgery. While temporary, fillers deliver lasting improvement that evolves gracefully over time.
Our Gold Standard: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
At Sharief Aesthetics, we exclusively use Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers. This is a deliberate clinical choice rooted in an unwavering commitment to patient safety, predictability, and natural-looking outcomes.
HA occurs naturally in your skin, making it highly biocompatible. Most importantly, HA fillers are fully dissolvable, offering an unmatched safety advantage over other filler types. We proudly feature the Revanesse® family of fillers for two key reasons:
- Canadian-Made Innovation: As a Halifax clinic, we are proud to support this world-class Canadian brand.
- Tailored Versatility: The Revanesse portfolio offers specialized products for every need, allowing Dr. Al-Sharief to select the ideal formula for each treatment area—from sculpting the jawline to subtly hydrating the lips.
“Over the course of my training and practice, I have used nearly every major filler brand available worldwide, including Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Belotero®. Each has its place and unique qualities. However, when I began working with Revanesse, the difference was remarkable. Its unique structure and smooth consistency allowed me to deliver results that both patients and I found exceptional—natural, refined, and harmonious. While Restylane has long been seen as one of the strongest options in this field, Revanesse consistently goes a step further in terms of precision, safety, and patient satisfaction. This is why it has become my filler of choice.”
— Dr. Al-Sharief
Why We Do Not Use Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers
You may come across other fillers, such as Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA). We believe it’s important to explain why we choose not to use these substances. Unlike HA, CaHA fillers are not reversible. They can cause long-term inflammatory reactions (granulomas) and unwanted changes in skin texture or scarring that are extremely difficult to correct. For these reasons, Hyaluronic Acid fillers remain the undisputed gold standard in modern aesthetic medicine.
Fillers vs. Neuromodulators (like Botox®)
Fillers and neuromodulators serve different purposes but work beautifully together for total facial harmony.
- Fillers add volume, contour, and smooth static lines (lines visible at rest).
- Neuromodulators (like Botox Cosmetic®) relax muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles caused by movement (such as crow’s feet and frown lines).
When combined, they create a comprehensive and natural-looking rejuvenation.
The Consultation: Your Personalized Blueprint for Success
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Al-Sharief, including:
- An assessment of your facial anatomy and skin health.
- A discussion of your goals and expectations.
- A review of your medical history.
- A customized treatment plan tailored to you.
Setting clear expectations is key to satisfaction. While fillers can restore youthful volume and enhance features, they do not replace surgical options for advanced skin laxity.
The Procedure: What to Expect on Treatment Day
Appointments are efficient, typically lasting between 15 and 60 minutes.
- The area is cleansed, and a topical numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
- Dr. Al-Sharief maps out injection points based on your unique anatomy.
- The filler is injected using a fine needle or cannula. Revanesse fillers also contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort.
- The filler is carefully shaped and smoothed to ensure natural integration with your tissues.
Most patients see immediate improvement, with final results settling in two to four weeks as any minor swelling subsides.
After Your Treatment: Recovery and Results
Within the first 24–48 hours, some swelling, redness, or bruising—especially in delicate areas like the lips—is common and temporary.
To support your recovery:
- Apply cool compresses as needed.
- Sleep slightly elevated to minimize swelling.
- Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and excessive heat for 24 hours.
Your “after” will continue to evolve in the first few weeks, revealing natural and refreshed results. While mild side effects are normal, urgent symptoms like severe pain, skin blanching, or visual changes require prompt medical attention.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
HA fillers typically last 6 to 18 months, depending on the product, treatment area, and your individual metabolism. We recommend follow-up treatments before the effects completely dissipate to maintain seamless, consistent results.
The Most Important Factor: Your Injector
Your safety and satisfaction hinge on the expertise of your injector. Dr. Al-Sharief is a certified physician with specialized training in aesthetic medicine and advanced knowledge of facial anatomy. This ensures your treatment is performed with precision, artistry, and the highest medical standards.
Your Next Step in Halifax
Injectable HA fillers, when administered by a qualified physician, are a safe and effective way to refresh and restore your appearance.
Take the first step toward natural, confident rejuvenation. Book your consultation with Dr. Al-Sharief at our Halifax clinic to explore your personalized treatment plan.
