Frequently Asked Questions — Aesthetic Nurse Erica

Everything you want to know before your first appointment. If you don’t see your question here, reach out — (484) 898-5459 · DMs open on Instagram.

Getting Started

I’ve never had injectables before. Where do I even begin?

The best place to start is with a consultation — and there’s zero pressure to commit to anything. I’ll take time to assess your facial structure, listen to what’s been on your mind, and walk you through exactly what’s possible and what I’d personally recommend for your goals. Many of my clients come in thinking they want one thing and leave with a completely different (and better) plan. You don’t need to know what you want before you book — that’s what the consultation is for.

Am I a good candidate for Botox or fillers?

Most healthy adults are good candidates for neuromodulators or dermal fillers. That said, certain conditions and medications may affect eligibility — including pregnancy, breastfeeding, some neurological conditions, and blood thinners. During your consultation, I’ll review your medical history thoroughly before recommending any treatment. Safety always comes before aesthetics.

What’s the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?

They work very differently and address different concerns. Botox (and similar neuromodulators like Dysport and Xeomin) temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles — the lines caused by repeated movement like squinting, frowning, or raising your eyebrows. Dermal fillers are injectable gels that add volume. They’re used to restore lost volume, enhance features like lips and cheeks, define the jawline, or smooth deeper folds. Many clients benefit from a combination of both, which is exactly what facial balancing addresses.

What is facial balancing and how is it different from just getting filler?

Facial balancing is a whole-face approach rather than treating one area in isolation. Instead of simply adding volume to a single spot, I assess your entire facial structure — the relationship between your forehead, eyes, nose, lips, chin, and jawline — and create a customized treatment plan designed to improve overall proportion and harmony. The goal is for everything to look like it belongs together naturally. It’s the difference between patching a painting and restoring it.

What to Expect During Treatment

Does it hurt?

Most clients describe Botox as a quick pinch — the needles are very fine and the injections are fast. Filler can involve slightly more sensation depending on the area being treated, but I use topical numbing cream and techniques to keep you as comfortable as possible. The lips are more sensitive than the cheeks. I’ll always check in with you throughout the appointment and go at a pace that works for you.

How long does an appointment take?

A full consultation typically runs 30–45 minutes, especially for first-time clients — I want to make sure we have enough time to talk through your goals, review your history, and answer every question before we do anything. Treatment-only appointments are faster: Botox usually takes 15–20 minutes, and filler appointments vary from 30–60 minutes depending on the areas being treated. I don’t rush appointments.

Will I look overdone or fake?

Not with my approach — and this is something I feel strongly about. My entire philosophy is built around working with your natural facial structure, not overriding it. I pay close attention to symmetry, proportion, and restraint. The goal is always for people to think you look refreshed, rested, or somehow better — not to know exactly what you had done. If you’ve been hesitant because of dramatic results you’ve seen elsewhere, I want to be the injector who changes that experience for you.

Can I come in on my lunch break?

For Botox, absolutely. There’s no downtime, and most clients return to their normal activities immediately. With filler, some mild swelling or redness at the injection site is common, especially in the first few hours, so it depends on your comfort level and the area being treated. If you’re planning a big event, I always recommend scheduling at least two weeks in advance to allow for full settling and any touch-up if needed.

Results & Recovery

When will I see results?

Botox results typically begin to appear within 3–7 days, with full effect visible by 10–14 days. Filler results are immediate — you’ll see volume and change right away, though some initial swelling is normal and will settle within a few days to two weeks. I always recommend giving results a full two weeks before evaluating them.

How long do results last?

Botox and other neuromodulators generally last 3–4 months, though individual results vary based on your metabolism, muscle activity, and the area treated. Dermal fillers have a wider range — lips typically last 6–9 months, cheeks and jawline can last 12–18 months or longer. Over time, with consistent treatment, many clients find they need less product to maintain their results as the muscles soften with regular relaxation.

What are the side effects? Is it safe?

Botox has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002, and hyaluronic acid fillers have an excellent safety record and the added benefit of being reversible. The most common side effects are mild and temporary: some redness, minor swelling, or light bruising at the injection site. These typically resolve within a few days. Rare complications can occur with any injectable treatment, which is why every treatment begins with a thorough clinical assessment. My background in NICU nursing means I take clinical precision and patient safety seriously — it’s not something I treat as a formality.

What do I need to do before my appointment?

To minimize bruising risk, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment, and pause blood-thinning supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, and ibuprofen for 5–7 days prior if medically safe to do so. Always check with your prescribing doctor before stopping any prescription medication. Arrive with a clean face — no makeup required, but it makes the assessment and injection process easier. Come with photos of results you love (and results you don’t) — that context is genuinely helpful.

What should I do after my appointment?

After Botox: stay upright for 4 hours, avoid touching or rubbing the treated areas, and skip intense exercise for 24 hours. After filler: avoid significant heat (saunas, hot yoga) and pressure on treated areas for 24–48 hours. I’ll go over personalized aftercare instructions at the end of every appointment, and I’m always reachable if questions come up afterward.

If I don’t love my results, can anything be done?

Yes — and this is one of the reasons I favor hyaluronic acid fillers. They can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if a result isn’t what you hoped for. Botox is not reversible, but because it’s temporary, any unwanted effect will naturally wear off. That said, I work very hard to prevent dissatisfaction before it happens — through thorough consultation, conservative initial dosing for new clients, and honest conversations about realistic expectations from the start.

About Erica & Her Practice

What are your qualifications?

I’m Erica Otto, BSN, RN — a Pennsylvania-licensed Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, advanced aesthetic training, and several years of experience in a Level III/IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. My NICU background isn’t just a credential I mention — it genuinely shapes how I approach every treatment. High-stakes, precision-based clinical care is where I came from, and it’s the standard I hold myself to in aesthetics.

Why should I choose an independent nurse injector over a large MedSpa?

When you come to me, you get me — every time. There are no rotating staff, no quotas to meet, and no cookie-cutter treatment plans. I take time with each client to understand their goals, their anatomy, and their history before I ever pick up a syringe. Independent practice allows me to give you the kind of personalized attention that larger clinics often can’t prioritize. My reputation is built entirely on the quality of my results and the relationships I build with my clients.

Where are you located?

I see clients at locations in King of Prussia and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Reach out to confirm availability at each location when booking. Both areas are accessible to clients throughout Chester County, Montgomery County, and the greater Philadelphia suburbs.

How do I book an appointment?

You can book directly through the button on this site, or call or text me at (484) 898-5459. My DMs are also open on Instagram. I respond to all inquiries personally and will get back to you promptly. If you’re not sure which service is right for you, book a consultation — we’ll figure it out together.

Still have questions?

That’s exactly what consultations are for. Book yours — no obligation, no pressure, just an honest conversation about what’s possible for you.

(484) 898-5459 · aestheticnurseerica.com · @aesthetic.nurse_erica