Dermal fillers

In order to reduce the amount of bruising and/or swelling from the injection sites, please follow the instructions below. ​

Day of treatment

• Arrive to the office with a "clean face" - washed and without makeup.
• In order to maximize your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic may be applied around the area(s) to be treated.
• Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve for 1 week prior. Please consult our Cosmetic Surgery Staff if you are taking Aspirin for medical reasons!
• Avoid supplements including St. John’s Wort, gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E for 1 week.
• Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoid, Glycolic Acid, or any "Anti-Aging" products for 2 days prior and 2 days after.
• Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or hair removal cream on the area to be treated for 3 days prior and after.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to treatment.
• If you have a history of cold sores please let your provider know, they may put you on an anti-viral medication day of treatment.
• Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
• You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

After treatment

• Do not massage or manipulate treated areas for 3 days.
• Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.
• Avoid irritating products & strenuous exercise for 24 hours following Dermal Fillers.
• Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours.
• Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excess swelling.
• If you have swelling you may apply a cool compress for 10-15 minutes each hour as needed.
• Tylenol may be used for discomfort.
• Arnica is a non-drowsy, natural pain relief dissolving tablets that work to alleviate muscle pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising. They can be purchased over the counter and have no known drug interactions.
• Make-up may be applied gently before leaving the office, remember to wipe away from your eyes.
• Follow-up visit at 2-4 weeks is necessary to assess results for subsequent treatment if necessary, as well as for post treatment photo comparisons.
• Possible side effects include; pain, swelling, redness, or numbness at the injection site, nausea, tenderness, bruising, firmness, lumps/bumps, discoloration, itching, dryness, headache, and risk of infection. Most side effects are mild or moderate and last 30 days or less.

In order to reduce the amount of bruising and/or swelling from the injection sites, please follow the instructions below.​

Before treatment

• If you’ve started any antibiotics or other medications since your initial visit, please let us know. You may not be treated if you are pregnant or nursing, have difficulty swallowing, nerve injury or weakness in the lower face, or an infection in the area.
• Inform your medical provider if you are on blood thinners, or have had procedures or surgery of your lower face or neck.
• Avoid aspirin for 7 days, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), other non-steroidal medications (Aleve) and Vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and fish oil supplements for 5 days prior to the procedure, because these medications will make you more likely to bruise. If you have been prescribed one of these medications, ask your doctor before you stop taking it. Tylenol will not cause bruising and is preferred for the week prior to treatment. To avoid possible discomfort, you may take 1g of acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) one hour prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Plan your procedure so that you can have 4 full days before returning to work or important social engagements. Consider having a scarf or other neck covering available to camouflage any swelling or bruising.
• Have ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and Zyrtec/Benadryl (an antihistamine) available at home for discomfort and itching that may result from the procedure. Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that reduces bruising & swelling.
• Treatments are spaced 4-8 weeks apart.

After treatment

• After your treatment, you should expect swelling and redness. You may also experience bruising, pain, numbness, and induration. This will normally last less than 5 days, and for some patients may last up to 1-2 weeks.
• You may elect to ice the area post treatment but must do so very carefully. Use an ice pack with the fabric side against the skin, or wrap a soft plastic ice pack in a wet thin towel. Apply the ice pack approximately 15 seconds on, and 15 seconds off. Icing too vigorously can cause frostbite and scarring. You may apply a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes per hour, and you may do this hourly for up to 3 days.
• Do not participate in strenuous activity for 3 days following treatment.
• Gently clean the area twice daily with mild soap.
• Avoid irritants (glycolics, acids, retinoids, etc.) until all redness/swelling resolves.
• Make-up may be used as long as skin is not broken or irritated.
• Avoid strenuous exercise/activity and alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
• Try to sleep upright, not on your side for the first 48 hours to take the pressure off your neck.
• Do not have major dental work (excluding routine cleanings) for 2 weeks after proposed injection procedure.
• No facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments for 14 days after the Kybella®️ treatment. Facials, chemical peels, laser, and light treatments may be done immediately prior to Kybella®️ treatment. HA fillers such as JUVÉDERM®️ XC and / or Botox may be injected before Kybella®️; if you have any questions regarding this, please ask your provider.
• To maximize your results and prevent adverse effects:
  • Avoid routine exercise for at least 72 hours.
  • Avoid rubbing, massaging, or scrubbing injection sites for 24 hours after treatment.

If the symptoms continue beyond 10 days or if other reactions occur, please call our office during regular business hours at 859-257-7171.

For medical concerns after hours please call 859-323-5321, and ask them to page the Plastic Surgery Service.