How should I prepare for my filler treatment?

One week prior to being injected with any filler, it is a good idea to abstain from supplements or medications that can thin the blood such as NSAIDS (Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen, and aspirin), vitamin E, fish oils, garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba. This can reduce the chance for bruising and bleeding during and after treatment. Also, do not consume alcohol within 24 hours of injection as this can also thin the blood and lend to increased bleeding and bruising. Discontinue use of retinol or Retin-A topical treatments 48 hours prior to the day of injection. It is a good idea to come to your injection appointment without makeup as it will need to be removed before your procedure. It is imperative to tell the injector if you have an allergy to, have ever had an adverse reaction to lidocaine. Pregnant women are not candidates for filler treatments.

What can I expect during treatment?

Before treatment begins, the face will be cleansed with facial wipes. A numbing cream will then be applied to the areas of injection for roughly 30 minutes to allow for maximum comfort. The skin will be sterilized with alcohol immediately before injection. When it is established that the areas to be injected are numb, several injections will be made to the appropriate areas immediately restoring fullness and volume. Depending on the number of areas being treated, injection time is usually anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. A triple antibiotic ointment or a topical ointment to help with bruising and pain will be applied immediately post-treatment.

What can I expect post-treatment?

Avoid massaging or any physical manipulation to the areas injected for 48 hours. Ice can be applied to the area of injection 48 hours after the procedure to decrease pain and swelling. Do not sleep on either side of the face for two nights. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours and extensive sun exposure for 72 hours. Avoid alcohol for 48 to 72 hours post-treatment. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate and can lead to increased swelling and bleeding. Also avoid supplements and medications that can thin the blood such as Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, vitamin E, fish oils, garlic, ginseng, and gingko biloba for up to one week after the injection procedure. If lips have been treated, avoid the use of drinking straws for 48 hours. There may be slight redness, swelling, and itching experienced for up to 4 to 5 days post-treatment. Many people only experience these minor side effects for up to 48 hours post-treatment. All treatments are scheduled for a follow-up appointment 2 weeks post procedure.