Before Treatment
- Avoid blood thinners including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and fish oil for 7-10 days before your appointment
- Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before treatment
- Avoid vitamin E, St. John's Wort, and high-dose vitamin C supplements for 7 days before, as these can increase bruising
- Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment — hyaluronic acid fillers perform better in well-hydrated tissue
- Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks before your appointment
- Do not get a facial, laser treatment, or chemical peel within 2 weeks of your appointment
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and do not come in with a sunburn
- If you have a history of cold sores and are receiving lip or perioral filler, contact us before your appointment — antiviral medication may be recommended
- Reschedule if you have an active skin infection, cold sore, or any open wounds in the treatment area
- Arrive with a clean face and no makeup
After Treatment
- Some swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness at the injection sites is completely normal and expected for 3-7 days
- Apply a cold compress gently to the area for 10-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling — do not apply ice directly to the skin
- Do not touch, rub, or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours unless specifically instructed to do so by your provider
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours — increased blood flow can worsen swelling and bruising
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment
- Avoid excessive heat including saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for 48 hours
- Avoid blood thinners for 24 hours post-treatment unless medically necessary
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first night to minimize swelling
- Avoid makeup on the treated area for at least 4 hours, and be gentle when applying makeup in the days following
- Avoid facials, laser treatments, and chemical peels for at least 2 weeks
- Do not fly within 24 hours of treatment if possible, as cabin pressure can temporarily worsen swelling
- Swelling peaks around 24-48 hours and gradually resolves — final results are visible at 2 weeks once all swelling has fully subsided
- If you notice any unusual symptoms including blanching of the skin, severe pain, or vision changes, contact us immediately
If you experience unusual side effects or have concerns after your treatment, contact us immediately at 818-839-1799.