Post Care After Fillers Are Crucial

I can’t stress how important it is to follow proper post care instructions after getting dermal fillers! After your injector has done their part to skillfully inject and correct your face, the rest is up to you!  Remember that redness, swelling, and tenderness are completely normal after injections and may last a few hours to about a week.  Bruising after injections is normal.  Some people experience very few side effects, while others bruise quite badly.  To reduce bruising follow These Pre- Treatment Tips to Prevent Bruising. Whether you received Juvederm Voluma XC, Belotero, Juvederm Ultra XC, Restylane, Restylane Lyft, or Restylane Silk, these steps should be followed after your treatment:

• Lumps and bumps in the treated area, as well as some firmness is normal and may last a few weeks while the product settles.
• Do not apply make-up for at least 4 hours after treatment. Tiny injection site holes in the skin are still open and at risk for infection immediately after treatment.
• Tylenol can be taken to relieve pain.
• Alcohol should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment to reduce bruising.
• Stay cool and avoid heat such as hot showers, saunas, washing the face with hot water, and cooking over a hot stove for 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid extended sunlight or UV exposure until swelling has diminished, always apply at least an SPF 30 sunscreen.
• Apply a cold compress gently on and off the treated area for 5-10 minutes each hour the first few days.  Never apply direct ice cubes to the skin.
• No Clarasonic or Nuface use and don’t rub or massage rigorously.
• Elevate your head! Sleep on your back with your head elevated on a few extra pillows to reduce swelling and the risk of rolling over on your face.
• No exercise or strenuous activity for 24 hours after treatment.
• Fillers are still moldable for about a week or two after injections.  After lip fillers avoid drinking from straws or smoking cigarettes for at least 24 hours. Be very gentle with any contact to the treated area.
• Wait at least a week or longer before getting additional cosmetic injectables, IPL, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, laser resurfacing, etc., on the treated area.

Most injectors offer a complimentary follow up visit about 2 weeks after injections.  It is a good idea to see your injector after 2 weeks.  If there is any asymmetry your doctor may correct it by massaging the area, adding more filler to add balance, or dissolving the filler with Hyaluronidase.