Pre & Post Care

Dermal Filler Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment, as it may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible, for 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
• Schedule your dermal filler appointment at least 3-4 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.
• Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment.
• Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you’re feeling ill, have a rash, cold sore or blemish in the area.
• If you have a history of facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could trigger another break out of cold sores. Please let us know as you may be prescribed antiviral medication prior to treatment.
• Avoid dental procedure (including cleaning) 2 weeks pre treatment and 1 month post treatment
• Be sure to have food in your stomach and drink non-caffeinated fluids before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
• Arrive at the office with a clean face which means NO makeup or tinted moisturizer.
• You are not a candidate for treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dermal Filler Post-Treatment Instructions

You have received a hyaluronic acid facial filler treatment. The results are apparent immediately and will last for several months to several years depending on the filler used, treatment area and patient injected. In the rare case of an adverse event, we can use the antidote to partially or fully reverse the effects of treatment. 

What’s Normal after a Procedure? 

• Due to the lidocaine anesthetic in the gel, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure which will resolve within the hour.
• Bruising is usually visible initially, then more obvious the next day before fading over 7 to 14 days.
• Some people may have significant swelling after injections, especially if your lips were treated. Applying clean cool compresses to the treatment area helps to reduce swelling.
• Do not apply make-up over injection points until the day after the procedure. If you need to apply something for hydration to your lips then please use Aquaphor, Vaseline, Arnica Ointment or Metta Lips CBD gloss with a clean q-tip or clean finger.
• Mild, non-painful swelling can last for up to 2 weeks. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the filler to fully settle and heal.
• Some people experience a dull ache, and tenderness over the treated areas which subsides between 48-72 hours.
• Reduce the risk of infection and reaction by not touching the area for 4 hours.
• Avoid exposure to UV light and heat i.e. sauna, steam, sun beds, hot showers, hot yoga, strenuous exercise etc, as this may increase discomfort and swelling.
• Topical and oral Arnica + Bromelain are natural supplements to help reduce bruising. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine (Zyrtec, Claritin) daily may help minimize swelling.
• You may take acetaminophen/Tylenol for pain. It is best to avoid aspirin or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, which may increase bruising.
• Avoid unnecessary pressure over any areas treated, especially in the first 24 hours including facial massages, facial treatments, facial cradles. Do not to drink from a straw and no aggressive kissing for 72 hrs.
• The treated areas can be washed with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil or cerave after treatment.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for a minimum of 12 hours as this may contribute to bruising and/or swelling.
• Avoid dental procedure (including cleaning) 4 weeks post filler
• At two weeks your hyaluronic acid filler has integrated into the tissues. It is ok to feel a cushion of product but not to see product irregularities. Please let the office know if you have any visible lumps or bumps.
• Additional treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired look.

What's not normal after your procedure? 

• It is important for us to inform you of the rare events that could happen. We are not trying to worry you but keep you well informed because fast treatment is key here.
• Contact us immediately if you have any symptoms of a blocked blood vessel. (Your provider will go over these signs in detail at your appointment). This is associated with blanching (white patches on the skin), pain, which is beyond the level that you would expect. You may notice a cold area to your face or a tingling sensation. You may notice that the area starts to feel quite sore, or a rash could appear, causing a dusky discoloration of the skin, which is called livedo reticularis. Pustules/pimple like lesions may also emerge
• Have fever and/or chills
• Have discolored blotches in areas not injected
• In urgent cases like this the antidote for hyaluronic acid fillers will be used to dissolve the filler and restore blood flow. It is important to act swiftly to prevent scarring. If it is not during office hours, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department and text the business number @ 951-291-0844.
• If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact The Retreat Rx Med Spa at:  951-291-0844