What Should I Avoid Before and After Dermal Filler Treatment?

Proper preparation for a dermal filler treatment is vital to achieving the best possible results while minimizing side effects. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned client, knowing what to avoid before and after your appointment is crucial for a smooth, successful experience. At Glo Medical Aesthetics, we prioritize delivering a personalized approach to wellness and beauty. Following simple precautions can significantly reduce the chances of swelling, bruising, or other issues. We cover what to do and what to avoid for optimal, long-lasting results from your dermal filler treatment. Ready to enhance your skincare? Let’s dive in.

What to Avoid Before Dermal Filler Treatment

1. Blood-Thinning Medications and Supplements: Before dermal filler treatment, avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen to reduce the risk of bruising and swelling. Additionally, supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal remedies like ginkgo biloba or garlic can have similar effects on the blood. Hence, it’s essential to stop using them as well.
2. Alcohol: While it may be tempting to relax with a glass of wine the night before your dermal filler treatment, it’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Blood thinners such as alcohol can result in more bruising and inflammation following surgery. Skipping alcohol before your treatment can help ensure a smoother recovery process.
3. Excessive Sun Exposure and Tanning: Protecting your skin from the sun is always necessary, but it’s especially crucial before a dermal filler treatment. Sunburned or irritated skin can increase discomfort during the procedure and heighten your risk of post-treatment complications. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least a week before your appointment, and apply sunscreen regularly.
4. Facials, Peels, and Laser Treatments: While facials and peels are great for maintaining healthy skin, avoiding them the week before your dermal filler treatment is best. Chemical peels, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion can irritate your skin. Give your skin time to heal from aggressive treatments before getting fillers to reduce the risk of reactions or discomfort.
5. Vigorous Exercise: Although exercising is part of a healthy lifestyle, avoiding workouts 24-48 hours before your filler appointment is advisable. This will increase blood flow, contributing to bruising and swelling after treatment. Before your procedure, walk or do yoga if you are used to a daily fitness routine.
6. Caffeine: Like alcohol, caffeine can act as a stimulant and increase blood flow, which may contribute to post-treatment bruising. Limit caffeinated beverages, such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks, on the day of your appointment.

What to Avoid After Dermal Filler Treatment

1. Touching, Rubbing, or Massaging the Treated Area: One of the most important things to avoid after your dermal filler treatment is touching or massaging the treated areas. While it may be tempting to feel the results, manipulating the filler can cause it to shift and lead to uneven results. For the filler to settle, you should leave it undisturbed for 24 hours.
2. Intense Heat or Cold Exposure: After your dermal filler treatment, avoid extreme temperatures, including saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and freezing environments. Heat can increase inflammation and swelling, while cold can cause discomfort. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can irritate skin and prolong healing.
3. Alcohol and Smoking: Alcohol dilates blood vessels, increasing the risk of swelling and bruising. Smoking should also be avoided, as it can interfere with the healing process and may contribute to complications or delayed recovery.
4. Strenuous Exercise: Following your dermal filler treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24-48 hours. High-intensity workouts can increase your heart rate and blood flow, exacerbating swelling and bruising. Give your body time to heal and allow the filler to settle before resuming your regular fitness routine.
5. Facials, Chemical Peels, and Skin Treatments: Avoid aggressive skin treatments for at least two weeks after your dermal filler appointment. It includes facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments. These procedures can disrupt the filler and irritate the treated areas. If you want to schedule a facial or other skin treatment, consult your aesthetic provider to determine the best time after your fillers have settled.
6. Sleeping on Your Face: Avoid sleeping on your face for the first few nights after your treatment to prevent the filler from shifting and ensure optimal results. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated minimizes pressure on the treated areas. If you’re prone to moving around while you sleep, consider using pillows to prop yourself up and stay in a comfortable, elevated position.
7. Makeup Application: After dermal filler treatment, your skin may be slightly sensitive or red at the injection sites. For at least a day, avoid applying makeup to the treated areas. Once your skin has settled, you can resume your regular makeup routine, but be gentle when applying products around the treated areas.

Key Tips for Aftercare

While avoiding the things listed above is essential, there are a few positive steps you can take to ensure your dermal filler treatment heals smoothly and delivers long-lasting results:

1. Use Ice Packs: An ice pack or cold compress can help reduce swelling after treatment. Apply the ice pack for short intervals (around 10-15 minutes) and avoid pressing too hard on the treated area.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water to speed healing and keep your skin fresh and healthy after your dermal filler treatment. Hydrated skin tends to heal quickly and maintain a smooth, plump appearance.
3. Follow Your Provider’s Instructions: Your aesthetic nurse will give you detailed instructions for your treatment. Follow these guidelines carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact your aesthetic nurse with any concerns or questions.

Why Aftercare Matters

Proper pre- and post-treatment care is critical to getting the most out of your dermal filler treatment. Avoiding certain activities and following the recommended guidelines can significantly reduce bruising, swelling, or uneven results. These precautions help ensure that your fillers settle correctly, providing smooth, natural-looking results that last.

Consult a Professional

Dermal filler treatments can enhance and rejuvenate your facial features. Still, to achieve the best results, following the steps before and after treatment is essential. Avoiding certain medications, activities, and skincare routines can ensure a smooth, successful outcome. Consulting with a professional aesthetic nurse will guide you toward the best skin treatment option.

Takeaway

Dermal filler treatments are most effective when prepared and aftercare is performed correctly. By avoiding certain activities and following our guidelines, you can enjoy smoother, long-lasting results while minimizing the risk of complications. Our expert team at Glo Medical Aesthetics guides you through every step of the dermal filler process. Schedule a dermal filler consultation today, and let us help you achieve your aesthetic goals!