Filler Pre-Care and Day of Instructions
Preparing properly for your neurotoxin treatment helps minimize bruising and supports the best possible results. Please review the instructions below before your appointment.
Before Your Appointment
For 3 to 7 days before treatment, avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements unless they are medically necessary or prescribed by your physician. These may include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, and St. John’s Wort.
Please avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment, as it can increase the risk of bruising. It is also best to avoid excessive sun exposure or arriving with sunburned skin in the treatment area.
If you are scheduling treatment before a special event, we recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. Neurotoxin results take time to fully develop, and this also allows any temporary redness or bruising to resolve.
Please let your provider know before treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, have had recent facial surgery, have an active skin infection, or have received neurotoxin treatment within the past 3 months.
Reschedule any waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream in the treatment area for a few days before and after your filler appointment.
If you have a history of cold sores, inform your provider. They may prescribe a prophylactic antiviral medication to be taken before and after your injection to prevent an outbreak.
If you are scheduling treatment before a special event, we recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. Neurotoxin results take time to fully develop, and this also allows any temporary redness or bruising to resolve.
Please let your provider know before treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, have had recent facial surgery, have an active skin infection, or have received neurotoxin treatment within the past 3 months.
Day of Treatment
Come to your appointment with a clean face, free of makeup or heavy moisturizers.
Your provider will cleanse the treatment area with an antiseptic solution and may apply a topical numbing cream to enhance comfort.
The dermal filler will be injected using a very fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula. You may feel a slight pinch, pressure, or stinging sensation during the injections.
The injection process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
It is common to experience temporary swelling, redness, tenderness, and minor bruising at the injection sites immediately following the procedure.
After Your Treatment
Immediate expectations after dermal filler treatment (first 0–72 hours):
Swelling is common and usually most noticeable in the first 24–48 hours. Lips and under-eye areas tend to swell more than other regions.
Mild redness may occur and typically resolves within a few hours. Bruising can develop right away or within the first day and may last 3–7 days. Tenderness or soreness is expected, especially with touch or movement.
The treated area may feel firm or slightly lumpy at first; this usually softens over several days as the product integrates. Temporary asymmetry can occur and is often related to uneven swelling rather than the final result.
Immediately after treatment, the area may appear overfilled or exaggerated due to swelling. The final, settled appearance is usually seen at 1–2 weeks.
Patients may notice mild pressure, tightness, or occasional itching as the tissue responds. Small injection site marks may also be visible.
Aftercare includes avoiding touching, massaging, or applying pressure unless specifically instructed.
Remaining upright for several hours is recommended. Patients should avoid exercise, alcohol, heat exposure such as saunas or hot yoga, and excessive sun for the first 24 hours. Cold compresses can be used gently in short intervals to help reduce swelling.
Less common but important symptoms to monitor include increasing pain rather than gradual improvement, skin blanching or dusky discoloration, or a livedo pattern. Significant asymmetry that worsens after the initial swelling phase should also be evaluated
Questions?
If you have any questions before your appointment, our team is happy to help. We want your treatment to be safe, comfortable, and tailored to your goals.
Phone: 423-996-9642
Email: info@highlandaesthetics.org
