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DERMAL FILLER

Dermal fillers address volume loss. Filler can be placed in lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette or smile lines, jaw line and chin to re-establish the structure of your face that is lost over time.  When done properly the end result is a vibrant, alert looking face. Dermal fillers can last from 8 months to 2 years. They are a fantastic investment for subtle, yet significant youthful results.

before your appointment

In an ideal situation it is prudent to follow some simple guidelines before treatment that can make all the difference between a fair result and a great result by reducing possible side effects. We realize this is not always possible; however, minimizing these risks is always desirable.

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  • Schedule filler appointments at least two weeks prior to any special events for ideal results. Bruising and swelling may be apparent for up to four weeks after treatment.

  • Avoid aspirin for ten days prior to injection.

  • Avoid Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vitamin E, Ginseng, St John’s Wort, Omega 3 Fish Oil for five days prior to your procedure. These medications will make you more likely to bruise. Please call the office with any medication questions.

  • You may take arnica tabs for 7-10 days prior to your injection appointment if you are prone to bruising.

  • Tylenol will not cause bruising and is preferred for the week prior to treatment if needed.

  • Alcohol is a blood thinner and should be avoided for 48 hours prior to the procedure to minimize bruising.

  • To minimize the risk of infection, it is important to avoid dental work, including cleanings, for two weeks before and afteryour filler procedure.

  • Avoid vaccines 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your filler procedure.

  • Reschedule your appointment if you have a cold sore. Please discuss antiviral medications with your Primary Care Provider. Recommend clients with a history of herpes simplex over the injection area be pre-treated with acyclovir 400mg three times per day for 5 days and a further 2 days after treatment by primary care provider.

after your appointment

You have received a hyaluronic acid facial filler treatment. The results will be apparent immediately and will last from several months to several years depending on the filler used, treatment area, and your individual biology.

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Please follow the instructions below after your facial filler treatment.

In the rare case of an adverse event, an antidote can be administered to partially or fully reverse the effects of treatment.

If you have any questions, please call our office.

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What is normal after your procedure?

  • Due to the presence of lidocaine anesthetic in the gel, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure. This will resolve within the hour.

  • Bruising may be visible initially, and then become more obvious the next day. It will fade over the next 7 to 14 days.

  • You may experience significant swelling after injections, especially if your lips were treated. Applying clean, cool compresses to the treatment area helps to reduce swelling.

  • Do not apply make-up over injection points for 24 hours after the procedure. If you need to hydrate your lips, simply apply Aquaphor with a clean cotton bud.

  • Mild, non-painful swelling may last for up to 2 weeks.

  • Some people may experience a dull ache and/or tenderness in the treated areas. This will subside in 48-72 hours.

  • Refrain from touching the treatment area for the remainder of the treatment day to reduce the risk of infection.

  • Avoid exposure to UV light and extreme heat from saunas, steam, sun beds, hot showers, hot yoga and strenuous exercise, as these may increase discomfort and swelling.

  • Topical and oral Arnica+Bromelain are natural supplements that help reduce bruising. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine (Zyrtec, Claritin) daily may help minimize swelling.

  • You may take acetaminophen/Tylenol for pain. It is best to avoid aspirin or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, which may increase bruising.

  • Avoid applying unnecessary pressure over any areas treated, especially in the first 24 hours. This includes facial massages, facial treatments and facial cradles.

  • Treated areas can be cleaned with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil or Cerave after treatment.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol for a minimum of 12 hours as this may contribute to bruising and/or swelling.

  • Avoid dental procedures and vaccinations for at least 2 weeks after a filler treatment.

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At 2-6 weeks your hyaluronic acid filler has integrated into the tissues. At this point, it is normal to feel a cushion of the product but not to see product irregularities. Please let the office know if you detect any visible lumps or bumps.

Additional treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired look.

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What is not normal after your procedure?

It is important for us to educate you about the rare risk of complications. Do not be alarmed—but please understand that it’s important to be well-informed. Bottom line—immediate treatment is the key to any unwanted symptoms. Contact us immediately if:

  • You observe any symptoms of a blocked blood vessel. This condition is associated with blanching (white patches on the skin) and pain beyond the level that you would expect. You may notice a cold area on your face or a tingling sensation. You may notice that the area starts to feel quite sore. Alternatively, a rash known as livedo reticularis--which is a dusky discoloration of the skin-- may appear. Pustules may also emerge.

  • You develop fever and/or chills.

  • You observe discolored blotches in areas not injected.

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In urgent cases like these, the antidote for hyaluronic acid fillers will be used to melt the filler and unblock the blockage. It is important to act swiftly to prevent scarring. If complications arise outside of normal office hours, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department.

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact us.

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