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Plan your procedure with the best timing in mind 

The timing of your procedures and the steps to take beforehand should be planned in advance. These steps below help you plan with the best timing in mind.

One to two weeks in advance of your filler treatment

  • If you have a special event/vacation coming up, you may want to schedule treatment at least two weeks in advance.
  • Be sure not to schedule any physical procedures for two weeks before or after treatment, including dental work and tattooing, other cosmetic or facial treatments, and vaccinations.
  • Discontinue any of the following potential “blood thinners” at least one week before and 
    after treatment:
    • Aspirin, Clopidogrel/Plavix, Coumadin/Warfarin, Motrin/Ibuprofen, Naproxen/Aleve, 
      Gingko, Garlic, Flax Oil, Fish Oil, Vitamin A/E.
    • Note: Please consult with your primary physician prior to discontinuing any medications.

One to three days in advance of your filler treatment

For 1-2 days before and after treatment, decrease the risk of increased swelling or irritation by avoiding alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplements, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, pastries, white flour, white rice, spicy foods), and cigarettes.

If you have a history of frequent cold sores with outbreaks occurring four or more times a year, we recommend that you be pretreated with an antiviral medication three days prior to your treatment visit. Please consult with your primary care doctor or contact our office for a prescription.

We recommended discontinuing Retin-A three days before treatment to avoid any increased redness and irritation.

illness or new skin concerns 

 If you develop a cold or flu, cold sore, blemish, rash or other skin concern in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, we recommend that you please reschedule your appointment until after it resolves, as these issues increase the risk of complications.

Aftercare recommendations for dermal filler treatments

Once your filler treatment is complete, we recommend some steps to take, including what to expect and how to improve any recovery time.

Immediately after your treatment--self-care

The most common reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within 3-5 days. We have provided some directions you may be advised to follow immediately after your treatment: 

  • Applying gentle cold compresses for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day for 3 days.
  • Taking over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl or, Allegra daily for 3 days.
  • Taking the over-the-counter homeopathic remedies Arnica and Bromelain (pineapple extract). 
  • Taking prescribed Systemic steroids such as Prednisone for 3-5 days.

Note: If the redness or swelling continues beyond 3-5 days, or if other reactions occur (blisters, persistent pain, redness, increased swelling) please contact our office immediately or visit the nearest emergency room if you think it necessary.

Immediately after your treatment--things to avoid

Within the first day, for the first eight hours after your injection, do not do any of the following:

  • exercise
  • strenuous activity
  • bending over
  • hair washing or blow-drying
  • wearing hats
  • touching or massaging the injected areas
  • swimming
  • showering

Within one to three days after your treatment

Do:

  • Gently wash with soap and water after the first eight hours have passed. You may bathe or shower as well. 
  • Ice the area to minimize bruising or swelling in the first day or two. Use gentle applications of ice for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  • Sleep upright--Sleeping upright can minimize or limit bruising.
  • Take homeopathic remedies such as Arnica or Bromelain to minimize bruising or swelling. 
  • Gently massage the lips for the first 1-2 days to soften any lumps/bumps.
  • Schedule a touch-up or maintenance treatment for 6 months after your filler treatment to enhance the lasting effect.
  • Fly on a plane or take any other transportation you would like to if you would like to travel.
  • Restart your medications and supplements 24 hours after your filler injections.
  • Visit your nearest pharmacy for Abreva if you start to experience a facial cold sore (a herpes outbreak).

Within one to three days after your treatment

Don't:

  • Worry if the filler feels “lumpy” or “bumpy,” especially in the lips and under the eyes, or where a stronger filler was used (jawline, chin, cheeks). This “bumpiness” typically resolves within 7-14 days without any additional intervention.
  • Exercise or engage in strenuous activity.
  • Drink alcohol.
  • Take medications that thin the blood.
  • Exposure the treated area to intense heat (sunlamp or sunbathing) for three days. 
  • Wear makeup or lipstick until 24 hours after treatment. Earlier use may cause pustules. If you must wear makeup, we recommend a good quality mineral makeup for the face and/or Vaseline ointment (e.g., Aquaphor) for the lips.

Other information to know

The results of a filler treatment can often be seen immediately and are usually carried out with minimal complications. Results last 6-18 months, depending on the type of filler injected, amount, location, depth, technique, and patient factors. Within one or two weeks, the results will be maximized and more noticeable.

If you want to make a follow-up appointment for further treatment, be sure to schedule it after two weeks. At this time, any enhancements may be done. Please know that it is not uncommon to require multiple treatments over several weeks to achieve the desired effect.

Some dermal filler materials may be dissolved or “reversed” if necessary. The dissolution of any filler material is relatively imprecise compared to the filler placement, and unpredictable results may occur. Life-threatening side-effects from the dissolution material may occur as well, although this is rare. If the filler is requested to be dissolved, you will be required to sign a procedure consent form. The dissolving of any filler would not be done until two weeks after treatment.

Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. If you experience an emergency, please call 911 or visit the Emergency Room.

Dermal fillers from Montgomery MedSpa

Our team at the medical spa in Montgomery, Alabama, is dedicated to personalized care, customized and cutting-edge treatment plans, and warm, professional service. We are here to guide you through every step of your treatment, from preparation to recovery. We are home to a team of facial cosmetic specialists who provide extraordinary attention to detail from every touchpoint to achieve natural-looking and beautiful. To find out more about dermal fillers or any other treatment, we invite you to contact us today. 

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