Dermal Filler: Essential Before and After Care Instructions for Optimal Results

Thinking about booking an appointment for lip filler or other Dermal Filler treatments? Want to know what you should and shouldn't do before and after your Dermal Filler treatment? Below we discuss the Dermal Filler before and after care instructions to help you plan for your appointment and optimize your Dermal Filler results.

Related: Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Filler Appointment

Dermal Filler Before Care Instructions

1. Bring Reading Glasses for Paperwork if Needed

Paperwork will be completed during your appointment. If you require reading glasses, please bring them to your appointment.

2. Take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 1 Hour Before your Dermal Filler Treatment

Because Dermal Fillers are injected with a needle, mild to moderate pain may be experienced during treatment. To help minimize pain associated with injections, we suggest taking Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 1 hour before your appointment if not contraindicated. Tylenol is suggested as it does not have a blood-thinning effect and does not increase the risk of bruising, unlike other over-the-counter pain medications. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medications.

3. Eat a Small Meal or Snack Before your Dermal Filler Treatment

Because Dermal Fillers such as lip fillers are injected with a needle, we suggest eating a small meal or snack before your Dermal Filler appointment to minimize any risk of nausea that may be experienced.

4. Come with a Clean Face (No Makeup) to your Dermal Filler Appointment

Because Dermal Fillers such as lip fillers are injected with a needle, you must come with a clean face to your Dermal Filler appointment to prevent the risk of infection. Additionally, your Injector will thoroughly cleanse the treatment area before treatment to minimize the risk of infection.

5. Inform your Injector of Medications you take & your Medical History

You must inform your Injector of any medication you take and your medical history as Dermal Fillers are not right for everyone.

When receiving dermal fillers, it is crucial to be able to dissolve in the event of an emergency. Hyaluronidase is used to dissolve fillers, which is an enzyme also found in bee and wasp venom. Therefore, if dissolving is needed, this could trigger an anaphylactic reaction. Individuals with a bee or wasp allergy are advised not to have Dermal Filler treatments.

If you have had a previous allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to Hyaluronic Acid or Lidocaine in the past, it is best to avoid Dermal Filler treatments. These reactions have been rarely reported. At your appointment, you will be screened for any allergies or previous hypersensitivities. In the rare case that a serious allergic reaction occurs, epinephrine is on-site and will be injected immediately.

For all pregnant and breastfeeding women, treatments with Dermal Fillers are not recommended. There is insufficient evidence to support the safety of Dermal Fillers in pregnant women and its effects on breastfed children. Therefore, it is best to wait to receive Dermal Filler treatment.

If you have an active skin infection or inflammation such as acne, rash or cold sores near the site of injection, it is best to wait until these have resolved to prevent it from becoming worse or spreading to another area. Individuals with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring may not be suitable for treatment due to the increased risk.

Because Dermal Fillers are injected by needle, there is a risk of bleeding. Individuals with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners should avoid Dermal Fillers due to the increased risk.

Individuals taking medications that reduce or inhibit metabolism (Beta blockers, Cimetidine, etc), are advised not to have Dermal Filler treatments. At your appointment, you will be screened for any medication contraindications.

At your appointment, you will be screened for any contraindications to Dermal Fillers and will be required to provide your medical history to your Injector. This all remains confidential.

Related: 9 Reasons to Avoid or Wait to Receive Dermal Filler Injections

6.  Don't Drink Alcohol 24 Hours Before your Dermal Filler Appointment

Alcohol thins the blood and therefore, increases the risk of bruising. Because of this, we recommend you do not drink alcohol 24 hours before your Dermal Filler appointment.

7. Don't Take Blood Thinners or NSAIDs for 7-10 days Before your Dermal Filler Treatment

Don't take any blood thinners or NSAIDs for 7-10 days before your Dermal Filler treatment, unless medically necessary. 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. Always consult with your doctor before stopping any medications.

8. Don't Wax or Tweeze 24 Hours Before your Dermal Filler Treatment

Do not wax or tweeze 24 hours before your Dermal Filler treatment as it may cause skin irritation. Injecting irritated skin can lead to further irritation.

9. Wait 2 Weeks After Other Facial Treatments to Receive Dermal Fillers

If you have received treatments such as facial peels, micro-needling, micro-blading, lasers, ultrasound-based treatments or dental procedures it is recommended to wait 2 weeks before receiving treatment with Dermal Fillers. These treatments can cause skin irritations. Injecting irritated skin can lead to further irritation.

10. Wait 2 Weeks After your Covid-19 Vaccine to Receive Dermal Fillers

If you have received the Covid-19 vaccine in the past 2 weeks, treatments with Dermal Fillers are not recommended. There is insufficient evidence to support the safety of Dermal Fillers and the Covid-19 vaccine. Therefore, it is best to wait to receive Dermal Filler treatment until it has been more than 2 weeks since you received the Covid-19 vaccine.

11. If You're Sick Please Reschedule your Appointment once all Symptoms Resolve

If you are feeling unwell, please call to cancel your dermal filler appointment and reschedule once all symptoms have resolved. If you receive Dermal Fillers while sick it can increase the risk of an inflammatory response and this can increase your risk of adverse complications.

12. Contact your Injector with any Questions or Concerns

Before receiving Dermal Filler treatment, contact your Injector with any questions or concerns you have. Aestheticnursekatrena@gmail.com or (289) 688-8469.

Dermal Filler After-Care Instructions

1. Expect Redness, Tenderness, Swelling, Bruising, Lumps & Bumps

Common side effects of Dermal Fillers include redness, tenderness, swelling, bruising, lumps and bumps at the site of injection. Typically, these side effects range from mild to moderate and typically resolve within a few days to a week. It is recommended to receive Dermal Fillers at least 2 weeks before any big events.

2. Take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) for Pain (if not contraindicated)

Because Dermal Fillers are injected with a needle, mild to moderate pain may be experienced after treatment. To help minimize pain, we suggest taking Tylenol (Acetaminophen) if not contraindicated. Tylenol is suggested as it does not have a blood-thinning effect and does not increase the risk of bruising, unlike other over-the-counter pain medications. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medications.

3. Apply a Cold Compress

Because Dermal Fillers are injected with a needle, swelling may be experienced after treatment. To help decrease swelling, apply a cold compress, such as an ice pack.

4. Do Not Massage the Treated Area for 2 Weeks

Massaging the treated area can increase the severity of redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising at the site of injection. Additionally, if massaged incorrectly the dermal filler can be displaced, changing its appearance and leading to unevenness or lumps. Before leaving your appointment, your Injector will massage the filler for you. It is recommended to not massage the treated area for 2 weeks to allow side effects to resolve and the filler to settle into place.

5. Don't Touch your Face for 4 Hours After your Dermal Filler Treatment

Anytime the skin is broken, in this case, with a needle puncture, there is a risk of infection. Our hands can be dirty and carry microorganisms that cause infection. To prevent the risk of infection, do not touch your face for 4 hours after your Dermal Filler treatment. This allows enough time for the skin to heal to protect itself. Additionally, wash your hands thoroughly after receiving Dermal Fillers in case you unintentionally touch your face.

6. Don't Apply Makeup for 4 Hours After your Dermal Filler Treatment

Anytime the skin is broken, in this case, with a needle puncture, there is a risk of infection. Our makeup products can be dirty and carry microorganisms that cause infection. To prevent the risk of infection, do not apply makeup for 4 hours after your Dermal Filler treatment. This allows enough time for the skin to heal to protect itself.

7. Don't Exercise for 24 Hours After your Dermal Filler Treatment

Exercising raises blood pressure and doing so too soon after your treatment can negatively impact your results. Increased blood pressure can increase the risk of bruising and swelling, and degrade the hyaluronic acid found in dermal filler which can compromise the intended effects and longevity. Exercise that causes sweat can increase the risk of infection. To decrease the likelihood of any complications and for optimal results, avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your Dermal Filler treatment. Take a rest day or do a low-intensity workout.

8. Avoid Intense Heat for 72 Hours After your Dermal Filler Treatment

Excessive heat can degrade the hyaluronic acid found in dermal filler and compromise the intended effects and longevity. Additionally, heat can cause blood vessels to expand which can increase swelling and bruising. This includes sunbathing, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs and steaming hot showers. Therefore, It is recommended to avoid intense heat for 72 hours after your Dermal Filler treatment.

Related: Maximize Your Lip Filler Results: 5 Tips for Longevity

10. Don't Smoke for 24 Hours After Receiving Dermal Fillers

If you smoke or vape within the first few days after receiving Dermal Filler injections, it may take longer to heal and increase the risk of side effects such as redness and infection. Over the long term, while smoking and vaping do not affect the dermal filler itself, it can increase the risk of lip filler migration and lumps.

11. Don’t Travel by Plane for 2 Weeks after your Dermal Filler Treatment

Allow at least 2 weeks after your Dermal Filler treatment to travel by plane to prevent an increased risk of bruising and swelling caused by cabin pressurization. When planning Dermal Filler treatment before a vacation, we suggest appointments be made at least 2 weeks before departure to allow all side effects to resolve and heal.

12. Don't get the Covid-19 Vaccine for 2 Weeks After your Dermal Filler Treatment

Do not get the Covid-19 vaccine for 2 weeks after your Dermal Filler treatment. There is insufficient evidence to support the safety of Dermal Fillers and the Covid-19 vaccine. Therefore, it is best to wait to receive Covid-19 vaccine until it has been more than 2 weeks since you received Dermal Filler treatment.

13. Wait 2 Weeks After Dermal Filler Treatment to Receive Other Facial Treatments

For treatments such as facial peels, micro-needling, micro-blading, lasers or ultrasound-based treatments, it is recommended to wait 2 weeks after Dermal Filler treatments to receive these treatments. Dermal Filler injections can cause skin irritations and these treatments can lead to further irritation. Additionally, these treatments can apply pressure and manipulate the dermal filler which can displace it, changing its appearance and leading to unevenness or lumps.

14. Don't get Dental Procedures (Including Cleanings) for 2 Weeks After your Dermal Filler Treatment

When receiving dental procedures after Dermal Filler treatment, there may be an increased risk of manipulating or applying pressure to the treatment areas which could potentially displace it, changing its appearance and leading to unevenness or lumps.

15. Contact your Injector with any Questions or Concerns

If you should experience any signs of infection (abnormal redness, swelling, oozing, fever, heat, pain), any signs of a Vascular Occlusion (bruising that spreads, blanching/white-coloured skin, unusual or continued pain, skin breakdown, or feeling generally unwell), blistering, scarring, or any other complications or have any questions, please contact the provider immediately: Aestheticnursekatrena@gmail.com or (289) 688-8469.

Interested in Booking a Dermal Filler Treatment in Oshawa?

At Aesthetic Nurse Katrena, we are committed to offering our clients accurate information and realistic expectations about Dermal Fillers. If you're thinking about getting Dermal Filler injections in Oshawa, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our experienced team.

We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that helps you achieve your goals safely and effectively. Experience the transformative powers Dermal Fillers have to offer at Aesthetic Nurse Katrena today.

Have any questions about Lip Fillers or Dermal Fillers? Want to schedule a free consultation with Aesthetic Nurse Katrena? Contact Us