The Do-s and Don’t-s of Dermal Fillers, Before and After!

Whether you’re preparing for your first dermal filler appointment or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s important to follow certain protocols, before and after your treatment, to ensure your health, safety, and a successful injection.

Before your Dermal Filler Appointment

Prior to your injection appointment, you’ll need to prepare your body for the procedure, with the goal of minimizing swelling and bruising around the injection site.

One Week Out

• Stop taking over-the-counter medications that cause blood thinning such as aspirin, Motrin, Advil, ibuprofen, and Aleve.

• Avoid various supplements including but not limited to St. John’s Wort, Gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E.

• Inform your provider if you have ever experienced cold sores. Dermal fillers can trigger an outbreak and alerting us at least a week prior to your appointment gives us time to prescribe medication that can prevent a new sore from forming.

*It is essential that you discuss any medications and supplements you are taking with your provider prior to your appointment*

48- 72 Hours Before Your Appointment

• Stop the use of topical skin care products that include Retin-A/Tretinoin, Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, and any others that offer “anti-aging” benefits.

• Refrain from waxing, tweezing, or using other methods of hair removal on the treatment area.

• Stop drinking alcoholic beverages. They have a similar blood-thinning effect to over-the-counter pain medications and can cause dehydration.

• Start taking Arnica. Though not mandatory, it has shown to be effective at bruise prevention.

The Day of Procedure

• Arrive to your appointment with a clean dry face, free of makeup.

• Make sure you are hydrating well, and drinking plenty of water.

• Make sure to ask your provider any lingering questions you may have.

After Your Dermal Filler Appointment

Your medical professional will provide you with a set of care instructions for post-treatment management. Ask any questions you may have before you leave the office, and don’t hesitate to call our office if a question pops up after you’ve arrived home. Be sure to ask your provider about icing your treatment periodically. It is often recommended but for some treatment areas, it is not advised.

The First Hour Post Injection

• Take acetaminophen/Tylenol as directed to reduce your pain and tenderness.

• Avoid touching, scratching, and picking around the injection site. Touching and rubbing the treatment area increases blood flow to the site and can push the filler out of place. You can also introduce bacteria from your hands into the site through the needle puncture which can cause infection. The itching you may experience is normal and typically dissipates within a few hours after treatment, potentially up to three days after. If it persists longer than three days, please call our office.

• Avoid direct sunlight, including tanning beds. Your skin will be extra sensitive, and much more likely to burn or experience sun damage.

• Do not engage in exercise after your injections. Exercise also increases blood flow and vigorous movement can cause the fillers to migrate out of place.

Six to Ten Hours After Treatment

• Avoid exposing the treatment areas to intense heat like saunas, hot tubs, and hot wax until swelling and redness have subsided.

• To alleviate swelling, take an antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin during the day and Benedryl at night.

• You may use a gentle cleaner in the treatment area.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Fillers respond better to a well-hydrated body.

• Do not lie down completely flat and avoid leaning forward.

24-48 Hours After Injection

• You can start wearing makeup products over the treatment site IF your skin has healed from the needle punctures.

• You may put GENTLE pressure on the treatment site, such as when washing your face or applying sunscreen and makeup. If your provider has instructed you to do so, you may gently massage the area. If you’re not sure, clarify massage instructions with your medical professional.

• You may begin to venture into the sun but be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

• You may return to your exercise routine.

Extra Tips

• Take Arnica or Bromelain and eat fresh pineapple to help alleviate bruising after treatment.

• Continue to avoid drinking alcohol while you heal as it increases bruising and dehydrates the skin.

Questions? Call our office or book a consultation online.