Dermal Fillers: What to Expect?

So, the time has come – you and your aesthetic provider have come up with a plan that involves dermal filler.

What’s next? How do you prepare? What do you expect?

Before Your Treatment:

  • Avoid vaccinations for 1 month before your appointment.

  • Avoid dental cleanings or procedures for at least 2 weeks before your appointment.

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure before your appointment (i.e. just coming back from beach vacation). We cannot treat sunburned areas.

  • Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and high doses of vitamin E or C for 7-10 days before the procedure. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at treatment sites.

  • Start taking OTC Arnica tablets 4-5 days before your treatment. Arnica assists with healing time and bruise recovery.

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages 24-48 hours before treatment as this also increases the risk of bleeding and bruising at treatment sites.

  • Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal creams over treatment sites for 24-48 hours.

 

Day of Treatment:

  • Come to your appointment with a clean face (no makeup or moisturizer)

  • Arrive hydrated and fed before your appointment. We want to avoid low blood sugar levels during treatment; remember to eat a snack or small meal if you have a busy day.

  • Always inform your treating provider of all medications, including supplements during your medical assessment.

 

During Treatment:

  • Before photos are taken and are kept within your patient chart.

  • Numbing cream is applied for 15-20 minutes on treatment areas and then removed.

  • Treatment areas are cleansed and disinfected.

  • Dermal fillers can be injected by using (1) a needle, or (2) a cannula. A needle is very commonly used for filler placement, especially in the lips. A cannula is a flexible tube that allows for filler to be placed through a main port hole where you can reach multiple areas of the face (i.e. less needle pokes)

  • Depending on your treatment plan, this process can take 25-75 minutes. Your aesthetic provider will check in with you and allow for any breaks during treatment (if needed).

  • After Photos are taken and are kept within your patient chart.

 

After Your Treatment:

  • Treatment Day:

    • Your immediate results are swollen and potentially bruised.

    • Avoid touching or applying makeup to post-injection sites to avoid contamination or infection.

    • Refrain from strenuous activity or saunas for the remainder of the day. These activities contribute to swelling.

    • Continue Arnica for 3-4 more days (if needed for healing)

    • Try to sleep with your head slightly elevated the night of your treatment to assist with swelling.

  • Days 1-2:

    • Peak swelling! You are going to be the most swollen during this time and results may appear uneven or asymmetrical.

    • Avoid touching or applying makeup to post-injection sites to avoid contamination or infection.

    • Do not manipulate any treatment areas for 48 hours.

  • Days 3-7:

    • Swelling decreases and bruising lightens over the next several days.

  • Days 7-14:

    • Majority of swelling has subsided and the final results start to become more apparent.

  • Day 15-30:

    • Final results visualized. Residual inflammation may still be present.  

    • Contact your aesthetic provider after 2 weeks for any concerns regarding your treatment.

    • Avoid dental cleanings and vaccinations for 1-month post-treatment.

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Dermal Fillers: How to Prevent Complications?

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Dermal Fillers: Off-Label Uses