ABOUT DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Common treatment areas include lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, chin, and under eyes.
Proper preparation and aftercare are essential to achieving smooth, beautiful, and natural results.
PRE-TREATMENT CARE
Scheduling & Planning
- If you have a special event, photo session, or vacation, schedule your appointment at least 4 weeks in advance to allow time for any swelling or bruising to subside and for the filler to settle naturally.
- Avoid scheduling your filler treatment within 2 weeks of dental work, vaccinations, or other facial procedures (e.g., lasers, microneedling, peels).
One Week Before Treatment
- Avoid blood-thinning agents and supplements to reduce bruising and bleeding:
Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen, ginkgo biloba, garlic, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and other omega fatty acids.
(Consult your physician before stopping any prescribed medication.) - If you have a history of cold sores (Herpes Simplex virus), please inform your provider — antiviral medication (e.g., valacyclovir) may be prescribed prior to lip or perioral filler to prevent recurrence.
- Optional: Begin taking Arnica montana or Bromelain supplements 2–3 days prior to your appointment to help minimize bruising and swelling.
24–48 Hours Before Treatment
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Stay hydrated and eat a light meal before your visit to prevent dizziness.
- Avoid active skincare products (retinol, glycolic acid, or exfoliants) and any skin irritation near the injection site.
Day of Appointment
- Arrive with a clean face — no makeup, lotions, or sunscreen.
- For lip treatments, please arrive 30 minutes early for numbing.
- Avoid wearing tight headwear or anything that applies pressure to the face.
- Inform your injector if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any active infection, rash, or dental concerns.
POST-TREATMENT CARE
Following these guidelines helps ensure optimal filler results and minimizes complications.
Immediately After Treatment (First 24 Hours)
- Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness is normal and may last up to 2 weeks.
- Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the treated areas for 24 hours.
- Do not apply makeup, lipstick, or lip balm for 12 hours.
- You may use Aquaphor or other sterile ointments to keep lips hydrated.
- Keep your hair away from your face, and ensure your hands and pillowcases are clean.
- Change your pillowcases and sheets the night of your treatment.
- Do not allow pets to sleep with you that night.
For Lip Filler Treatments
- Avoid sucking through a straw, heavy kissing, or pressing your lips firmly together for 24 hours.
- When using your phone, use speaker mode to avoid contact with the treated area.
- Do not apply pressure or heat to your lips (no saunas, hot yoga, or facials).
24–48 Hours After Treatment
- Avoid intense exercise, excessive heat exposure, or alcohol consumption.
- Avoid baths, pools, lakes, hot tubs, or ocean water — no standing or contaminated water for 24 hours to reduce infection risk.
- Do not have dental work or vaccinations for 2 weeks after filler treatment.
- If you experience tenderness, mild pain, or swelling:
- You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort.
- Arnica or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may help with swelling or bruising.
- Cold compresses can be gently applied for 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling (avoid direct ice contact with skin).
First 7–14 Days
- Swelling and bruising may fluctuate and are normal during the healing phase.
- Avoid massaging the area unless specifically instructed by your injector.
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first 1–2 nights to reduce swelling.
- You may gently resume skincare and makeup after 24 hours if there is no open skin.
- Avoid facials, peels, or laser treatments for at least 2 weeks.
RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP
- Final filler results are typically visible in 2 weeks after swelling subsides and the filler integrates naturally into the tissue.
- Filler longevity varies by product and area:
- Lips: 6–9 months
- Cheeks, jawline, chin: 9–18 months
- Nasolabial folds and under eyes: 9–12 months
- Schedule a follow-up appointment at 2 weeks for assessment and, if necessary, minor touch-ups.
WHEN TO CALL OUR OFFICE
Please contact Specialty Wellness & MedSpa immediately at 469-442-4442 if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or increasing pain (beyond mild tenderness).
- Pale, white, blotchy, or lacy discoloration in or near the treated area (may indicate vascular compromise).
- Coldness, numbness, or skin changes near the injection site.
- Sudden swelling or redness that worsens after 24 hours.
- Signs of infection (fever, drainage, or excessive warmth).
Have Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Specialty Wellness & MedSpa at 469-442-4442.
Our providers are here to ensure your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.
