Dermal fillers are a powerful and popular way to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. While the procedure itself is relatively quick and minimally invasive, proper care before and after your treatment is essential to ensure the best possible results — and minimize potential side effects like swelling or bruising.
Below, we’ve outlined what to expect and how to prepare for your filler appointment.
Before Your Treatment: How to Prepare
To optimize your experience and results, we recommend the following steps prior to your dermal filler appointment:
- Plan ahead: Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal. Allow several days of recovery time in your schedule.
- Medical conditions: You cannot be treated if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, or if you’ve used Accutane in the past 12 months.
- Share your medical history: Inform your provider of any prior treatments, surgeries, medications, allergies, or skin conditions.
- Cold sores or shingles: If you have an active outbreak, your treatment will need to be rescheduled. If you’re prone to them, contact us at least one week in advance for guidance.
- Dental work and vaccines: Fillers should not be performed within 2 weeks of any major dental procedures or recent vaccinations.
- Avoid blood thinners: Refrain from taking NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.), Vitamin E, Fish Oil, and herbal supplements like garlic or St. John’s Wort for 5–7 days prior, unless medically necessary. Always consult your prescribing doctor before stopping any medication.
- No alcohol: Avoid drinking 48–72 hours before your appointment.
- Supplements: Start taking antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, Loratadine) 3 days prior, and consider Arnica or Bromelain supplements 7–10 days before to help minimize bruising.
- Preferred pain relief: You may take Tylenol (not exceeding 3000mg in 24 hours) up to one hour before treatment for comfort.
After Your Treatment: Recovery and Care
Post-treatment care is just as important as your preparation. Follow these guidelines to support healing and optimize your results:
- Swelling and bruising: These are normal and may last up to 14 days. Use cold compresses to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
- Continue antihistamines and Arnica: Antihistamines (especially for tear trough and lip fillers) can help control swelling. Arnica tablets may reduce bruising.
- Under-eye fillers: Expect this area to swell more than others; healing may take longer.
- Avoid pressure: Don’t touch, rub, or press the injection sites for at least 72 hours. For lip fillers, gentle massage may begin on day 3 if any lumps or bumps are felt.
- Healing takes time: Full healing may take 4–6 weeks. Minor lumps or firmness may be part of the healing process, not product-related.
- No exercise: Avoid working out for 24–72 hours to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Contact us if needed: If you experience blanching (white patches of skin), severe pain, or anything unusual, call our office immediately.
Your Comfort and Safety Matter
At our clinic, patient safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Following these pre- and post-care instructions helps ensure a smooth experience and optimal results. Have questions or need clarification? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Ready for your glow-up? Book your appointment today and feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands.
