Taking care of the treated area after a successful filler injection procedure is important. This article explains things to avoid after filler treatment, the filler treatment procedure and the frequently asked questions about fillers.
The use of dermal fillers for cosmetic treatments is increasing. Most patients use dermal fillers to refresh their look and attain a youthful appearance. Even if dermal fillers are associated with many benefits, their effects are not permanent. They require some weeks before they fully settle into place to show the full effect. Once the treatment is done correctly, the patient must observe some aftercare tips to facilitate a smooth recovery process and prevent any possible side effects.
Fillers are gel-like substances injected into the skin tissues to create a smoother or fuller appearance. This procedure is designed for facial aesthetic treatments to reduce wrinkles’ appearance, add lost volume and revitalise the skin. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler. It resembles the hyaluronic acid naturally available in the body. Its effect is long-lasting and natural but does not affect your facial expressions. After the treatment, the patient is required to avoid the following:
Avoid Micro-Needling, PRP Injections and Lasers
Procedures like peels, lasers, micro-needling and PRP injections should be avoided for at least two weeks after treatment. This minimizes the chances of complications and side effects.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking Immediately After Filler Injections
Taking alcohol and smoking should be avoided for at least two days after treatment. For the filler to show good effect, they need to be hydrated. Alcohol has dehydrating properties andcan affect the filler’s effect. According to King (2017), alcohol also increases the chances of bruising after filler.
Avoid Using Exfoliation Creams
Exfoliation creams can leave your skin irritated. Avoid using facial scrubs or exfoliation creams for about 48hours after injection.
Avoid Pressure on the Injected Area
Most fillers are gel-like hyaluronic substances that take some time to settle after injection. If too much pressure is applied at the initial stages after injection, the filler can be deformed, affecting the desired result. Do not sleep on the injected area or use pressure while applying anything on your face. After a week or so, the filler starts settling, and you can resume your usual routine without worry after about 7-10 days. Although extremely rare, dermal fillers can migrate if too much pressure is applied.
For this reason, patients should avoid massaging the treated areas. While a massage can improve lumps, avoid it unless instructed to do so by a qualified cosmetic doctor. Wearing eyewear like goggles immediately after fillers can also cause filler migration beneath the skin. After liquid rhinoplasty, avoid wearing glasses for the first week after treatment.
Avoid Taking Blood Thinner Products
According to Funt& Pavicic (2013), taking medications with blood thinning properties can increase the chances of bruising. Always notify your cosmetic doctor about your current prescription for the best advice.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Minimal bruising is common after receiving filler injections. Exposure to the sun may cause the appearance of hyper-pigmented skin in the area injected. You should avoid direct sunshine or protect your body with sunscreen.
Avoid Vigorous Physical Activities
Most cosmetic doctors advise their patients to avoid exercises for about 48-72 hours after a filler treatment. Exercise increases blood flow and may heighten the chances of bruising. After getting fillers, swimming can be considered as an intense workout. It can increase the chances of infection and should be avoided for at least 24 hours after injection.
Dermal Filler Treatment Procedure
The dermal filler procedure involves the following steps;
Facial Assessment and Mapping
The cosmetic doctor assesses the areas of your face that needs treatment. The doctor can mark the areas where injections will be done. He may decide to take photographs of these areas.
Cleaning the Areas to Be Treated
The area is cleaned using an antibacterial agent. This makes it free from bacteria that can cause infection during or after treatment. The cosmetic doctor can apply an anaesthetic cream to numb the area.
Injection
The injection takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on the number of areas to be treated. The cosmetic doctor injects the filler using a fine tinny needle and places the filler into the intended site. No pain is experienced. Patients who have undergone filler treatment describe the feeling as slightly uncomfortable.
Cleaning
The doctor cleans off the marking after finishing administering the injections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filler Treatments
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Take to Settle?
Dermal fillers start working very quickly. You don’t have to wait for months before you start noticing results. The filler takes about two weeks to settle fully in the injected area.
For How Long Does Filler Feel Lumpy?
According to Wollina et al. (2020), a lump can develop in the injected area. After treatment, the most common causes of lumps are bruising and swelling after injection. Lumps should naturally subside in the first week after treatment. If lumps prolong, you should consult your doctor.
Can I Wash My Face After Fillers?
You can wash the treated area with a gentle cleaner. Do not apply too much pressure as you clean the area. Avoid excessive touching or massaging the treated area until the filler has fully settled.
Who Should Not Get Dermal Fillers?
No research shows that fillers are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. For this reason, breastfeeding and pregnant women should avoid getting filler treatments. Patients who show severe allergic reactions after using fillers should avoid filler treatments. De Boulle &Heydenrych (2015) stated that if you have any infection at the injection site, you should avoid filler injections.
Conclusion
After a successful filler treatment, it is important to follow the aftercare tips to facilitate recovery and prevent possible side effects. Since the treatment is temporary, your body naturally breaks down the filler. You can get touch-up injections once or twice a year to maintain your youthful appearance. Most patients prefer fillers because they are reversible. If you get a resultyou did not intend, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected. The enzyme dissolves the hyaluronic acid. You can get another treatment customised to your needs to help achieve a better result. A qualified cosmetic doctor should carry out filler treatment procedures.
References
De Boulle, K., &Heydenrych, I. (2015). Patient factors influencing dermal filler complications: prevention, assessment, and treatment. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 205.
Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2013). Dermal fillers in aesthetics: an overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 6, 295.
King, M. (2017). The management of bruising following nonsurgical cosmetic treatment. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(2), E1.
Wollina, U., Katsambas, E. A., Lotti, T., Jafferany, M., Navarini, A. A., Berg, R. V., … &MDl, M. G. (2020). Complication of soft tissue fillers: prevention and management review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 19(9), 829-832.
- How Much Are Fillers - September 8, 2023
- How to Prepare for Lip Fillers - September 8, 2023
- How Much Is Fillers for Face - September 8, 2023