What You Need To Know Before Your Next Filler Appointment

Nearly 3 million dermal filler injections were performed in the United States last year. High-profile celebrities like Kylie Jenner also advocate for them. Fillers are growing in popularity around the world. As these non-invasive procedures become more mainstream, it is important to recognize that treatment with Botox and injectable fillers is a medical procedure. Both you and your cosmetic injector or skin care clinic must treat it as such. To get the most out of your next filler appointment, here are some important facts you should know before going under the needle.

Clear Your Schedule For A Few Days

When scheduling your filler visit, do your best to build in recovery time. If you have an important social engagement coming up, having your lip injections or under eye wrinkles filler the day before probably isn’t a good idea. After your filler injection, you may experience redness, swelling and possibly bruising. These are normal reactions post-treatment and will resolve within a few days. A good concealer can help, but allowing yourself time to heal without the stress of a hot date the next night will ease your stress level.

Stay Away from Alcohol and Advil

In the days leading up to your dermal filler treatment and for a few days afterwards, avoid substances that can dehydrate your skin and thin your blood. That glass of Pinot may be tempting, but it can contribute to excessive bleeding, swelling and bruising at the injection site. If possible, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or any blood thinner for several days before your appointment. These can compromise your blood’s ability to clot. Vitamin E and fish oil can also increase bruising, so take a break from them as well.

Nourish Your Body

Bruising and swelling may be inevitable for some. But altering your diet the week or two before your next filler treatment can make a difference. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Eat more leafy greens and foods rich in vitamin K to help minimize bruising and swelling. Arnica, a homeopathic medicine from the natural Arnica Montana plant, can be taken 24 hours before your appointment and for 2 to 3 days afterwards to treat any bruising or swelling.

Sometimes You Will Just Have to take a Raincheck

You are getting your wrinkles injected or your lips plumped. You may wonder why your injector must review your medical history again. Though fillers are considered medically safe, a few reasons may require you to postpone your treatment. The jury is still out on how fillers affect pregnant or breastfeeding women. No scientific studies have tested filler safety in pregnant women. It is best to wait until after the baby arrives to schedule your treatment. If you have a sinus infection, hold off on fillers. Any facial infection can spread to the injection site. And what about dental work? Teeth cleaning and other dental treatments right before or after fillers can shed bacteria into the bloodstream. This can cause infection and potentially misplace filler. Postponing your filler treatment 2 to 4 weeks before or after any dental procedure is ideal.

If you want more information on when to schedule your next dermal filler appointment, schedule a free consultation today with APT Medical Aesthetics.