After your dermal filler treatment, there may be mild tenderness, bruising, lumps, redness, swelling and asymmetry at the injection sites. These are expected side effects. Redness, swelling and bruising can occur at the treated areas. Redness is short-lived, but swelling and bruising can last up to 2 weeks.
Important aftercare instructions include:
- Remain upright for at least 1 hour post-treatment
- If possible, sleep on 2 pillows the night following treatment to reduce swelling
- Ice packs can be used for the 24 hours following treatment. Use for 10 – 15 minutes every hour
- Topical treatments such as Bepanthen or Arnica can be used to soothe the skin
- For the next 24 hours:
- Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area
- Avoid high intensity exercise
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid oil-based make-up and active ingredient skincare (ie. retinoids, vitamin C, AHA)
- Avoid face-down massages for 7 days
- Try to rest your face for the next 7 days by limiting talking, smiling and laughing
- Avoid facial treatments (including waxing, facials, chemical peels, skin needling, IPL, laser) for a minimum of 2 weeks
- Avoid hot environments such as spas or saunas and prolonged UV exposure for the next 2 weeks
- Avoid blood thinning medication (ie. aspirin or nurofen) for 7 days, unless medically necessary
- Dermal fillers can take 3-4 weeks to heal and integrate into the tissue. Final results cannot be assessed before that time.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
The following symptoms are NOT expected after dermal filler treatment.
If you experience any of the following contact Dr Steph immediately to arrange a medical review:
- Blanching or discolouration of the skin (including purple, blue, white, grey or red colour)
- Ulceration or blistering to the treated area or surrounding skin
- Severe swelling that impacts normal activities (ie. eating, drinking or sleeping)
- Inflamed, hardened lumps with discomfort to touch
- Discharge, ooze or persistent bleeding from the treated area
- Persistent itch with or without a rash
- Unusual pain during or after the procedure
- Any other symptom or concern lasting for longer than one week
If you experience any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention via the Emergency Department at the Cairns Hospital:
- Changes in vision, sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness of the face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or confusion
If you are experiencing any side effects or are concerned about any aspect of your treatment please contact Dr Steph at Cairns Aesthetic Doctor, on 0477 086 073.