Pre-Treatment Instructions for Dermal Fillers

Dermal Filler Pre-treatment do's and don'ts

Your injectable treatment is coming up and we have some important pre-treatment instructions for you. Please review the following to ensure you have as smooth and successful treatment as possible and to reduce the risk of complications.

Do

• Schedule your Dermal Filler appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Dermal filler injections may cause some bruising and swelling that can take time to resolve.
• If you have a history of cold sores, please let your provider know, they may put you on an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
• Be sure to be well hydrated before the appointment, this helps to reduce the likelihood of feeling faint and keep the skin well hydrated.
• Be sure to have a meal or snack, including fluids, before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of light-headedness during your treatment.
• Come make-up free- your face needs to be cleaned well before any local injections. Before applying the medical skin disinfectant all make up should be removed.

Don't

• Avoiding alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment can help to reduce bruising.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications, if possible, for a period of 5 days 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. This is particularly important for dermal filler injections. Please inform Dr Kate at least one week before your appointment if you are on a regular NSAIDs or taking any other blood thinners.
• Please ensure that you do not have a dental appointment or vaccine within 2 weeks before or after your dermal filler appointment. This will reduce the risks of complications such as infections.
• Avoid sun exposure and sunburn before your appointment.
• Dermal fillers are not recommended if you have an active skin infection. Please reschedule your appointment if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.
• If you use retinoids or exfoliating topicals avoid them for 3 days before the procedure.
• Menstruation. Often women report being more sensitive to pain during their menses, if this affects you considering scheduling dermal filler treatment to another time in your cycle.
• Dermal fillers are not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.