Dermal Fillers

(Juvéderm, Belotero, Restylane, Teoxane)

Pre-Treatment Instructions

· 3 DAYS BEFORE treatment: AVOID using active ingredients such as Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic, etc. Also, AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated.

· 7 DAYS BEFORE treatment (to prevent bruising): AVOID blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. Also avoid herbal supplements, such as Garlic, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 capsules. Please note: If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor prior to stopping the use of Aspirin.

· DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising.

· Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.

· Avoid dental work (including standard teeth cleaning) at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and one month following treatment. Avoid oral surgery at least 4 weeks prior to treatment and one month following treatment.

· Treatment should not be undertaken while you are ill or have received a vaccination.

· DO NOT use Dermal Fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or suffer from any neurological disorders. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment.

Day of Treatment

· To maximize your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic may be applied. In some cases, a local numbing medication will be injected into or around the area(s) to be treated.

· To ensure a smooth and even correction, your provider may massage the area(s) treated, which may cause a temporary, minimal amount of swelling and redness to your skin.

Post-Treatment Instructions

· You may experience tenderness, redness, swelling, asymmetry, or itching to the treated area(s). This is a normal result of the injection and generally resolves in a few days. Bruising generally peaks around day 3 and begins to heal subsequently (on average, 7-10 days to resolve); please keep in mind social events when booking your appointment. If you experience severe pain or increasing pain, blisters, red, hot, and inflamed skin, discoloured blotches in areas not injected, or blanching (white), please contact us immediately.

· Depending upon the area(s) treated and product(s) used, you may feel “firmness” in the treated area(s) for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Over time, the area(s) will soften and “settle”. If there is a visible bump, you can gently massage the area.

· AVOID alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. 48 hours after your procedure, you may begin adding ginkgo biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E and/or any other essential fatty acids.

· AVOID exercise or strenuous activities for the remainder of the treatment day; you may resume normal activities/routines the following day.

· You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness or discomfort. AVOID Ibuprofen/Advil for 24 hours.

· AVOID extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Be sure to apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. AVOID extreme heat such as sauna and steam rooms etc.

· No cosmetic makeup for 24 hours. To cover bruising, a green concealer followed by your normal foundation works best. All brushes and sponges should be cleaned prior to use.

· If bruising appears, we recommend arnica pellets (oral) &/or gel (topical). We also recommend eating fresh pineapple as it is really rich in the enzyme Bromelain which will help to settle inflammation. Untreated bruising will generally fade in 5 to 14 days.

· Apply an ice or cold gel pack to the area(s) treated (avoiding pressure) as this helps reduce swelling and the potential for bruising.

· It is advisable that you sleep on your back for the first 2 nights following treatment. AVOID sleeping directly on your face or applying pressure to areas injected.

· If laser treatment, chemical peel, or any other procedure is considered after dermal filler treatment, the risk of eliciting an inflammatory process may be possible. Consider such treatments 1 week before and/or 2 weeks after the procedure.

· Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.