DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a common anesthetic, which helps patients tolerate the minor pinching feeling associated with injections. Topical numbing agents can be utilized to lessen discomfort.

One of the things that makes dermal fillers so great is there's little downtime. Immediately after the procedure, there may be redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness and/or itching at or near the injection site. These symptoms are normal and should resolve within a few days. But for this reason, we do not recommend scheduling your appointment right before a big event.

Results can be seen immediately after the procedure and will get better over the course of 2-3 weeks as the filler integrates with your own tissue. Filler can last anywhere from 6-24 months depending on the filler used and the injection area.

We carry a range of dermal fillers. Your aesthetic nurse will discuss best options to meet your goals during your consultation.

Immediately after the procedure, there may be redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness and/or itching at or near the injection sites. Applying ice packs and carefully following post procedure instructions are key. As with any procedure, there are always risks, however, your aesthetic nurse will cover all the bases prior to the procedure.

• Avoid:

  • Alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours prior to (and after) treatment to decrease bruising and bleeding at the injection site.

  • OTC medications and herbal supplements such as Aspirin and NSAIDS (i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Celebrex), fish oil, Gingko Biloba, St. John's Wort, garlic, Omega-3 capsules and Vitamin E for 1 week prior to treatment. If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor prior to stopping use of Aspirin.

  • 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.

•  Best Practices:

  • Take Arnica OTC to help the bruising and swelling, start at least 2 days prior to injections.

  • Schedule your dermal filler appointment at least 4 weeks prior to a special event that you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. While you see results immediately, optimal results for dermal filler are seen at 3-4 weeks after injection. 

  • Dermal fillers must not be administered if you have had any vaccines, immunizations, procedures, illnesses, or dental work in the past two weeks and for an additional two weeks after fillers.

  • Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of the ingredients, suffer from any neurological or autoimmune disorders, are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, or have any active inflammatory processes (cysts, pimples, rashes, hives).

Do not love it or hate it for 4 weeks!

• Reminders for the Day of Treatment & up to 72 Hours After:

  • Do not touch, massage or put pressure on the treated area unless instructed to do so by the injector for 72 hours after treatment.

  • Cosmetics, moisturizers, & lotions may be used 4 hours after the treatment; but do not apply extreme pressure or do anything that may cause discomfort.

  • Do not do heavy aerobic exercise or any other activity that will raise your core body temperature or blood pressure for 24 hours after treatment

  • Avoid consuming excess amounts of salt to decrease the chance for swelling

  • Avoid consuming alcohol to decrease bruising

  • Avoid direct sunlight or extreme cold weather until initial swelling and/or redness subsides

  • Avoid NSAIDS (i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Celebrex), Fish oil, Gingko Biloba, St. John's Wort and high doses of Vitamin E for 3 days after treatment

• Possible Side Effects include:

  • Swelling, bruising, redness, firmness, itching, and tenderness may all be present for up to two (2) weeks.

    • Bruising – topical OTC Arnica gel can be applied to treated areas. Keep your head elevated above the heart for the first few days after treatment to decrease or help alleviate bruising.

    • Swelling – apply an ice pack to the treated area 10-15 minutes every hour. Please note, you may notice increase swelling in the morning after a night’s sleep – this is a normal response. 

    • Itching – OTC Benadryl tablets may be taken as directed on the label if not contraindicated by your physician.

    • Tenderness – OTC Tylenol tablets may be taken as directed on the label if not contraindicated by your physician.

    • Lumps, bumps, or irregular/asymmetrical areas may be noted; especially once swelling has subsided. It is normal to feel these lumps and bumps, however, they should not be visible. These areas will be assessed at your follow-up visit.

    • In case of an adverse reaction, patients should promptly contact the med studio & a follow-up evaluation may be schedule.

• Best Practices:

  • Sleep on your back with your head elevated to reduce the amount of swelling.

  • While you see results immediately, optimal results for dermal filler are seen at 3-4 weeks after injection. 

  • Avoid Retin-A, Tretinoin, and Retinoids for 1 week after treatment

  • Develop and maintain a daily skin care regimen

  • Apply sunscreen daily

  • Schedule dental appointments 2 weeks after treatment

• Follow Up:

  • With dermal fillers you will see results immediately, but optimal results are seen at 4 weeks. Do not love it or hate it for 4 weeks! We are all different and we must allow the product to integrate into our tissue and conform to our facial expressions. It is important to attend your 4-week follow-up appointment to evaluate the end results. Additional filler may be added if necessary. Please note this may be an additional cost.