Do's and Dont's Before & After Your Filler Treatment
You may feel nervous getting JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, RADIESSE®, or other dermal fillers for the first time. At Starlit Aesthetics, we believe that educating our patients allows them to make the best decisions for their individual needs. We understand that, although it's a small, nonsurgical and relatively painless procedure, receiving fillers or BOTOX® can be intimidating for someone who's never done it. Because of this, we've put together a little guide for what to expect before and after having a filler treatment.
JUVÉDERM® Lip Filler Before & After
Before and After Lip Augmentation With Dermal Fillers by Our Providers in Pasadena, California
What To Do Before Lip Fillers and Injections
In order to reduce the amount of bruising and swelling at the injection site, Mimi Bao, RN makes the following recommendations about how to prepare for fillers:
One Week Prior to Lip Injections
Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, and Aleve.
Avoid supplements, including St. John's Wort, Gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E.
2 Days Prior to Injections
Avoid topical products such as tretinoin (Retin-A), retinol, retinoids, glycolic acid, or any "anti-aging" products.
Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or using hair removal cream on the area to be treated.
Do start taking Arnica montana two days prior to the procedure. (This is not required, but it will help to lessen bruising.)
24 Hours Prior to Injections
Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior.
General Recommendations
If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to an outbreak. Please let your registered nurse know if you are prone to them.
Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any ingredients or suffer from neurological disorders. Please inform us if you have any questions about this prior to your treatment. You can learn more about what to expect from lip fillers in this related blog post.
The Day Of Treatment
Arrive at the office with a "clean face"—washed and without makeup.
In order to maximize your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic may be applied. In some cases, a local numbing medication will be injected into or around the area (s) to be treated.
Your provider will skillfully inject the chosen filler under your skin to achieve the desired lift, contour, or volume. The areas treated may be gently massaged to evenly distribute the filler and optimize the contouring effect. Typically, the injection process itself is quick, lasting only about 15 minutes.
Nasolabial Fold / Smile Line Filler
Before and After Dermal Fillers by Our Providers in Pasadena, California
What To Do After Fillers: The First Hour
Apply an ice pack and Arnica topically—Arnica + bromelain tablets are both natural supplements to reduce bruising. These are available for purchase in our offices.
Take acetaminophen to reduce pain as necessary.
Avoid scratching, massaging, or picking around the injection site. Itching and discomfort is normal and generally disappears within a few hours to a few days. If these symptoms last more than 3 days, please contact our office.
How To Reduce Swelling After Lip Injections
6 to 10 Hours After Treatment
Until the swelling and redness have resolved, avoid intense heat in the treated area (s). This includes sunbathing, tanning, saunas, hot tubs, or hot wax.
To help alleviate swelling, we recommend an antihistamine during the day, such as Zyrtec or Claritin, and Benadryl at night.
If there is a visible bump, you can massage the area. Depending on the areas treated and the product used, you may feel "firmness." These areas will soften and settle with time (usually 1-2 weeks).
Sunscreen and makeup can be applied, and you may use a gentle cleanser on the area.
How To Reduce Bruising After Fillers
Avoid drinking alcohol or partaking in strenuous exercise, as it may result in additional bruising.
To help alleviate bruising, we recommend taking Arnica or bromelain, eating fresh pineapple, and applying ice to the area.
Important Lip Filler Aftercare Notes
PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU:
Have fever and/or chills
Have discolored blotches in areas not injected
Have blanching of injected areas
Notice the area appears red and/or hot to the touch
Have severe or increasing pain
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
To help maintain the effects of your fillers, consider implementing a skincare routine that includes hydration, sun protection, and gentle cleansing. Avoiding extreme temperatures and staying hydrated may also prolong the effects of your treatment.
Regular maintenance injections are the best way to maintain your new look.
Chin augmentation with dermal filler before and after at Starlit Aesthetics
Before and After Chin Augmentation With Dermal Fillers by Our Providers in Pasadena, California
FAQ and Common Concerns
Many patients have questions about the procedure, and we're here to answer them:
Will it hurt? Most patients report only mild discomfort due to the numbing cream applied before the procedure.
What are the side effects? Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These typically resolve within a few days.
How long will the results last? Depending on the type of filler used, results can last from 6 months to 2 years or more.
What if I'm not happy with the results? We strive for patient satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with the results, please contact us to discuss possible corrective measures. Hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.
For more information on injectables and other cosmetic services we offer at Starlit Aesthetics in Pasadena, contact us online or give us a call at 626-877-4552.
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