Dermal filler can help restore volume to your face and smooth some wrinkles and shadows caused by facial aging or rapid weight loss. We recommend booking a consultation with Dr. Chin to explain the aging process and see whether dermal filler treatment with us is right for you and your concerns. As a boutique medical aesthetics practice, we believe in tailored treatments suited towards your individual goals.
We all want the best results for your dermal filler treatment with us here at Koru Wellness Aesthetics! Here are some tips on how to minimize bruising and swelling to get the optimal outcome.
Before Treatment
- You should be in good overall health. A full medical and dental history must be performed on all patients for optimal results. We recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Chin before treatment with dermal filler so we have enough time to talk with you about expectations. In general, we discourage booking the consultation on the same day as the filler treatment for new patients to our practice. We will discuss possible contraindications, risks, and benefits to the procedure.
- Please reschedule if you develop a cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. around the area to be injected prior to your dermal filler appointment.
- If you have a special event or vacation coming up, we recommend scheduling your treatment at least 2-4 weeks in advance.
- Stop any blood thinning medications like aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen), fish oil, or gingko biloba 5-7 days before treatment to prevent bruising, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional.
- Let us know if you are prone to cold sores – a pre-treatment medication may help prevent cold sores after treatment.
- Discontinue prescription tretinoin/Retin-A two days before treatment.
- Alcohol and caffeine can increase bruising and swelling, so we recommend stopping them for 24 hours before and after treatment.
- Plan to have your filler either after flying on a plane or 10-14 days before flying on a plane. Flying too soon after filler treatment can increase swelling of the filler due to the different pressurization in the air.
- Schedule any face treatments before injectable treatments if you would like to book same-day services. We do not do filler on the same day as microneedling or laser services in the same area. Treatments like chemical peels, DiamondGlow, or custom face treatments are fine.
- Patient “before” baseline photos are required prior to treatment to measure your progress, but don’t worry – we take privacy very seriously and won’t share any photos without your permission.
- We offer and accept Allergan Allē rebates for additional savings! Ask our friendly Patient Concierges for more details.
After Treatment
- Remember that one side may heal faster than the other side.
- Avoid touching, pressing, prodding, and massaging the area for at least 6 hours unless directed to do so. Massaging can increase swelling and bruising.
- It is normal to swell a little after hyaluronic acid filler treatment as it is hydrophilic and will absorb water. If anything feels lumpy, we recommend waiting the recommended 2 weeks before coming in for a follow up for us to check the area. Oftentimes, lumps can be due to swelling and will resolve on its own. Massaging the area too much can enhance water retention and increase swelling.
- Try to avoid strenuous red-faced exercise, hot baths/showers, saunas, and other heat exposure for 48-36 hours after treatment.
- If you are having your lips injected, avoid very spicy foods afterwards as your lips may be more sensitive! Spicy foods can also cause vasodilation and thus even more swelling.
- We recommend pausing very active skincare (strong retinols, alpha hydroxy acid-containing products, etc.) for 3-5 days after injection as it can irritate the skin at the injection sites. You can use gentle skincare products afterwards. We love the Faith skincare products!
- To decrease swelling, you may take your favorite antihistamine (allergy medication) for a few days and apply cold packs to the area.
- To address bruising, we recommend applying arnica gel or taking arnica pills 3x daily, and to eat fresh pineapple and/or take bromelain pills. (If you know you bruise easily, you can also pre-treat with arnica gel/pills.) If you are likely to bruise, we will likely have applied a special anti-bruise serum, CytoActive, right after treatment. If you are given a sample, apply a thin layer 2-3 times per day for the next 2 days. It won’t rub in, but allow it to stay on your skin for 30 minutes to help the bruising resolve more quickly.
- Keep in mind that some fillers take up to 4 weeks to really settle.
- Do not love or hate your lips for the first two weeks – lip swelling is very common and will go down! If you would like more lip filler, we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after the first treatment.
- If you have any skin discoloration that doesn’t look like a normal bruise, or have pain after injection, please contact us!
- If you have any questions or concerns with how something looks, we recommend sending a selfie to our email address.
If you have any other questions or concerns, or to book your consultation or appointment, please feel free to call our friendly and helpful patient concierges at 212-396-3672.
This post does not contain medical advice and should not be construed as such. Speak with your healthcare provider regarding any healthcare issues before treatment.
