Dermal fillers are gel like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore facial volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or to enhance Facial contours.
Most of these fillers are temporary because they are eventually absorbed by the body.
Some people may need more than one injection to achieve the desired outcome.
Successful results depend on the health of the skin, skill of the healthcare provider, and the type of filler used.
Pre-Treatment:
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
- Schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the injections will take approximately 4 to 7 days to appear. Also bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.
- Reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.
- Reschedule your appointment at least 2 weeks if you have a dental procedure.
- Reschedule your appointment at least 2 weeks if you have received a flu or COVID vaccine.
- Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
Post Treatment:
- No massaging / hard pressure on the injected area(s), especially lips.
- No make up on the injected area(s) for the rest of the day.
- Avoid alcohol, advil and blood thinners the night of.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid kissing, puckering, using a straw, and “lip plumpers”. This can displace the filler material and cause complications.
- Immediately apply ice to the area treated with very light pressure to reduce swelling. Ice should be applied for 10-20 minutes and then removed for 10-20 minutes. This cycle can be continued throughout today.
- Mild to moderate bruising is very common with fillers. Apply Topical and/or oral Arnica Montana to help with any areas of bruising and/or swelling.
- Stay well hydrated can improve results. Filler attracts and binds to water to add volume to the skin.
- Avoid facials, peel, micro-dermabrasion, dental treatment, “face down” massages for two weeks. Also, sleep on your back for the next few nights.
- Avoid vaccines for two weeks
- Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. THIS INCLUDES TANNING BEDS, SAUNAS, JACUZZI, SPAS ETC.
**CALL YOUR INJECTOR OR THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT ANY PAIN, REDNESS, BLISTERS, ITCHING, OR SKIN BLANCHING