Injection Therapy Pre + Post-Care
Injection Therapy Pre + Post-Care: Toxin + Dermal Filler
To ensure the best results + minimize any potential complications, it's important to follow both pre- and post-care instructions carefully. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth as possible, from preparation to aftercare. Please take a moment to review these guidelines + reach out if you have any questions before or after your treatment.
Injection Therapy Pre-care:
- Avoid Alcohol: Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising).
- Avoid Exercise: Do NOT workout for 48 hours prior to treatment.
- Medications & Supplements: Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible, for at least 2 weeks 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.
- Timing of Appointment: Schedule your Dermal Filler and Botox appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event that you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from Dermal Filler will take approximately 7 days to appear. Results from Botox injections will take up to 14 days to appear. Also, bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.
- Discontinue Retin-A: Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment.
- Rashes & Cold Sores: Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore, or blemish in the area.
- Cold Sore History: If you have a history of cold sores, please let your provider know, as they may prescribe antiviral medication prior to treatment.
- Eat Before Your Appointment: Be sure to eat something before your procedure. This helps decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
- Arnica for Bruising: You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment.
Toxin Post-care:
- Stay Upright: Remain upright for 4 hours after treatment.
- Avoid Massaging & Facial Treatments: Do not massage the injected areas or receive facial or any skincare treatments for two weeks post-treatment.
- Laser Services: Receiving laser services on treated areas at any time can reduce the efficacy of the Toxins.
- Bruising: Use Arnica Montana post-injection (cream or pills) to heal bruising. Ice may be applied as needed to reduce swelling.
Follow-up & Touch-ups:
- Follow-up at 2 Weeks: A follow-up appointment is recommended at 2 weeks to check the effects, symmetry, and appearance. Adjustments can be made to correct any imperfections. Additional touch-ups/adjustments may incur additional costs.
Common Side Effects, Risks, and Complications:
- Common Side Effects: Headache, brief redness, swelling, twitching, numbness, bruising, eyelid or eyebrow droop, unevenness.
- Rare Risks: Eye muscle or other distant muscle paralysis (very rare).
Dermal Filler Post-care:
- Swelling & Bruising: Swelling and bruising are the two most common and expected post-care reactions to filler therapy. Ice can help with the swelling as needed. You can also purchase topical or oral Arnica products at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
- Uneven Swelling: UNEVEN swelling is common and is reflective of tissue reaction, not filler placement.
- Avoid Touching: DO NOT TOUCH, PUSH, or MASSAGE the treated area at any time.
- Post-Procedure Expectations: It is common for there to be lumps, bumps, uneven swelling, and lingering swelling for up to 4 weeks post-procedure.
- Filler Adjustment: The filler may remain pliable for up to 6 weeks and can migrate, which can vary in the final result. This is normal and may require additional filler to adjust once it settles or to achieve your desired results.
Common Side Effects, Risks, and Complications of Dermal Filler:
- Common Side Effects: Bruising, swelling, redness, pain, itching, infection, cold sore outbreak.
- Rare Complications: Granuloma (rare).