Dermal Fillers Do’s and Don’ts

As an effective alternative to surgery, injectables are painless and address the signs of aging, ultimately helping you look youthful and radiant with little-to-no downtime. After your dermal filler treatments, you’ll be able to return to work or your usual activities immediately. While you can expect minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection sites, these side effects don’t last long and usually disappear within a few days.

It’s essential to care for yourself after treatment, even though you won’t need much downtime. Some dos and don’ts to help your facial fillers remain highly effective and last as long as possible include:

Dermal Filler Do’s

Educate and prepare yourself before getting dermal fillers

Research the different types of fillers available so you can have an informed discussion with your provider during your consultation. At Acqua Blu, we feature Juvederm and Restylane because of their impressive results and immaculate safety record.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not get dermal fillers, nor should people allergic to the filler’s ingredients. Ask about the ingredients and share any concerns with your provider.

Follow instructions about skincare and supplements before the injections, such as which products and treatments to avoid for best results.

Use a cool pack

You should apply a cool pack to the injection site on the first day after treatment to reduce swelling, continuing as needed over the following days.

Use arnica

Topical arnica reduces the chance of bruising, but you can also take oral arnica supplements. If you’re a fan of pineapple, eating this fruit also helps reduce bruising!

Gently apply makeup or creams

Using makeup or sunscreen within 24 hours of completing your treatment is acceptable. However, be very gentle when you rub the treated area. Harsh rubbing can irritate the skin and redistribute the filler to unwanted areas.

Sleep on your back

After facial fillers, sleep on your back for the first night to ensure the filler sets well. Doing so can also help reduce any swelling.

Stay hydrated before, during, and after

Staying hydrated will help you feel good overall, and fillers respond better to a hydrated body.

Dermal Filler Don’ts

Rub or pick at the area

Don’t rub, scratch, pick at, or massage the area where you were treated. Some dermal filler treatments require rubbing the treatment size, but unless you are specifically directed to, do not massage the area.

Sunbathe or tan

Excess sun exposure and heat can degrade the hyaluronic acid in many dermal fillers, reducing the intended effects. Avoid sunbathing, tanning, and any other intense heat, such as:

• Hot tubs
• Steam rooms
• Saunas

Take over-the-counter painkillers before the procedure

Discontinue using any over-the-counter pain relievers at least one week before you get dermal fillers. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve) are blood-thinning and can increase the chances of:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Complications

Drink alcohol

Don’t drink alcohol the day you get dermal fillers; avoid it for at least two days after your treatment. Alcohol can act as a blood thinner, which increases the likelihood of:

• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Dehydration

Exercise

You should skip your workout for a couple of days until the swelling subsides. Elevating your heart rate can make bruising more visible, so keep your heart rate down for a couple of days and skip the gym.

Do Choose Acqua Blu Medical Spa for Dermal Fillers in Pittsburgh

When choosing the proper injectable treatment in Pittsburgh, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable, experienced provider determine which option is best for you. That’s why Dr. Heil and his staff are just who you should talk to. Our physician assistants are licensed and trained by Dr. Heil, and our clinic is comfortable and sophisticated, with a friendly staff always ready and happy to help our patients.