Pre & Post Treatment Instructions

Volume Fillers

Dermal Filler Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort and high doses of vitamin E for at least 7-10 days before your appointment, unless medically necessary.

• You may take Tylenol® (unless contraindicated) one hour before your appointment to prevent any discomfort you may experience.

• If you are taking prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix, you should check with the prescribing doctor to see if you are able to stop these medicines for 7-10 days before your appointment and at least 2 days after the procedure has been done.

• If you have any history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face, make sure you inform the doctor or practitioner that you have made your appointment with, one week prior to your appointment. We will need to reschedule your appointment.

• Avoid dental procedures (including cleaning) 2 weeks pre- and post-filler

• Come to your appointment with a clean face. This means NO MAKEUP OR MOISTURIZER.

• Eat a small meal or a snack before your appointment.

• Bruising and swelling will be worse for the first 24-48 hours after you receive your dermal filler injections. Refrain from exercising for the remainder of the day following your injection(s). You may want to refrain from going to any special events during this time.

• Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A) retinols, retinoids, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or any "anti-aging" products for two days before and after treatment.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before or after your treatment to avoid extra bruising.

• Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients or suffer from any neurological disorders.

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Dermal Filler Post-Treatment Instructions

• The majority of reactions to dermal fillers are redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness after the injections. These usually subside a few days after the treatment, but can last up to a week. If any of these symptoms persist longer than a week, or if you develop other symptoms, please contact our office.

• Cold compresses may be used after the treatment to reduce swelling and decrease soreness. You may take Tylenol (if not contraindicated) every 4-6 hours after the treatment to help with any discomfort you may have.

• Make-up may be applied a 24 hours after the treatment, if no complications are present, such as open wounds, bleeding or infection.

• In the first 24 hours following treatment, limit exposure to sunlight or UV lamps. Extensive sun or heat exposure and alcoholic beverages may cause a temporary increase in redness, bruising or swelling at the injection sites. If there is persistent swelling or redness after the injections, you should limit exposure to sunlight or UV lamps until these symptoms subside (for at least 5-7 days). If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a sun block with an SPF of 30 or greater, combined with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

• Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours to prevent moving the filler or increasing blood flow to the face.

• Avoid taking aspirin (unless medically necessary) or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Gingko Biloba , St. John’s Wort and high doses of vitamin E for 5 days after the treatment, as these may cause an increased risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection sites.

• Avoid excessive touching or massaging the treated areas for about 6 hours after the injections. The treated areas can be washed with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil® Cerave® or Dove® unscented.

• Avoid dental procedure (including cleaning) 2 weeks post-filler.

• Studies have shown that having a follow-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect. Consult your physician about recommendations for touch-up or follow-up treatments.

• Remember your sunscreen daily.

• Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area unless instructed by provider.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

• Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours.

• Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excessive swelling.

• If you have swelling, you may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour.

• Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort.

• Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.

• Take Arnica (typically found in health food stores) to help the bruising and swelling. Begin taking at least two days prior to injections.

• Wait two weeks before skin care or laser treatments. 

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Your satisfaction is very important to us! We would like you to return to the clinic in 2 weeks to see whether a touch-up is necessary. If follow up treatments are necessary, there will be additional charges at the regular rate. Additional costs of medical treatment would be the patient’s responsibility. Dermal fillers last, on average, 6-12 months. It is recommended at the time of your treatment to schedule your next appointment for optimal anti-aging benefits. Please call the office to notify us if you experience any additional side effects.