Dermal Filler Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• If you have a special event or vacation coming up, please keep in mind that you may want to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance to allow time for swelling and bruising to settle.
• It is recommended to discontinue the use of Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week before and after treatment to minimize bruising or bleeding. Please consult with your primary provider prior to discontinuing any medications.
• Taking arnica tablets beginning 3 days prior to your injections may help minimize bruising. Eating pineapple for a few days may also be helpful. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which may decrease swelling & inflammation.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment. These items may contribute to increased swelling or irritation.
• If you have had ANY of the following two weeks before or after your filler appointment, you are not a candidate for treatment and will need to reschedule:
  
  • Dental cleaning or any other dental procedure
  • Lesion excision or biopsy
  • Surgery of any kind
    
  • Tattoo or permanent makeup
    
  • Illness, even a minor "cold"
• If you had a vaccine within 4 weeks of your appointment, you are not a candidate and will need to reschedule your dermal filler appointment. Please do not schedule a vaccine for at least 4 weeks after your appointment.
• If you have a history of oral herpes infection ("cold sores") and you are having treatment around the mouth, it is required to start an anti-viral medication (i.e. acyclovir or valacyclovir) one day prior to treatment and continue for 5 days after to reduce the risk of an outbreak. Notify the office if you need a prescription.
• You should wait at least 2 weeks to have dermal filler treatments performed if you have previously had cosmetic treatments with laser, ultrasound, peels, facials or micro-dermabrasion.

Post-treatment instructions

• Do not wear makeup for 24 hours. You may cleanse your face and apply moisturizer with CLEAN hands. Moisturizer from a pump should be used, not from a tub.
• No exercise for 48 hours.
• Avoid putting significant pressure on the areas for 2 weeks. You may feel some subtle lumps, particularly at the beginning of treatment. These will slowly integrate with the tissue over 4 weeks and lessen. Do not massage as you can displace or breakdown the filler.
• Stay in driving distance of the office for 48 hours in case of a complication.
• Swelling and bruising is normal. It tends to be worse in the lips but can be present in other areas. Sleeping upright for a few days after treatment will help, as well as an antihistamine.
• Notify the office immediately if you experience any of the following:
  
  • Pain that is not treated by Tylenol and is significant. Mild discomfort and soreness are normal at the injection sites.
  • Any change in skin color, particularly paleness, blue/gray discoloration, or redness. If there are any questions, feel free to text a picture to the office text #.
  • Fever, discharge such as pus, or other sign of infection.
  • Rash, particularly if it looks like a little collection of acne breakouts, even in an area that is different than the treated area.

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