As aging progresses, a natural decline in volume and bone mass occurs. Here at GoodSkin, we firmly believe that fillers serve a greater purpose than simply creating a plumped appearance. Our approach emphasizes the preservation and correction of facial bone structure. This approach applies to treatment and filler aftercare.
We utilize The GoodSkin Method to understand each client’s features and develop the best treatment options. We begin with a thorough diagnosis, carefully assessing the issues and examining your bone structure and fat pads. Based on our findings, we select the most suitable filler product that effectively preserves the structure, mitigates signs of aging, and enhances facial lift and contours.
When receiving fillers, it’s essential to understand how to care for yourself before and after treatment. Following these filler aftercare instructions helps promote positive, efficient healing.
Pre-Treatment Considerations
You can take several preparatory steps before treatment to minimize recovery time and achieve the best results. To lessen the likelihood of bleeding or bruising, you should stop using blood thinning products for 10-14 days before treatment. However, you should only discontinue use if your primary care provider approves. This includes avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen, Aleve, fish oil, St. John's Wort, flax, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, and turmeric. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours pre and post-injectable treatment, as it also works as a blood thinner.
If you would like to reduce the likelihood of bruising, consider taking Arnica Montana natural supplements. Take five tablets three times a day, starting one week before treatment.
To take precautions and minimize unexpected reactions, please notify our office if you have any of the below:
- Open sores in the treatment area.
- Any history of cold sores, since we will consider pre-medicating with an antiviral prescription before injections.
- Had any infection, cold, virus, or flu in the past 30 days.
- Had extensive dental procedures in the past two weeks or are anticipating invasive dental procedures in the following two weeks.
- Had a surgical procedure in the past 30 days or are anticipating a surgery or procedure.
- Had any immunizations in the past 30 days, or you’re anticipating immunizations.
- Take any immunosuppressive/injectable medications (ex: Biologics such as Humira, Skyrizi, Stelara, Enbrel, Taltz, Cosentyx, Tremfya).
Day Of Filler Aftercare
Avoid applying anything to the skin for 6-8 hours post-treatment. This means no cleanser, moisturizer, or makeup. Clean and clear skin helps prevent secondary infection after treatment.
Immediately after your appointment, you may experience redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness, and itching near the injection site. Avoid itching, massaging, or picking around the injection site to allow for proper healing.
As part of your filler aftercare, we will provide ice and low-dose prednisone to minimize swelling. Both of these help reduce or resolve potential bruising and swelling. Ice packs may be used in the treated area during the first 12 hours. Ice for only 15 minutes every hour. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce any pain as necessary.
Avoid activities that could encourage secondary infection, such as:
- Pets near the face where there are open injection points.
- Touching any contaminated surface and then touching your skin.
- Lying down on dirty linens– i.e., change your pillowcases.
Please avoid exercise for the rest of the day. We recommend waiting 2-3 days after dermal fillers before doing any strenuous exercise—this will limit bruising and swelling. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it contributes to possible bruising. Do not sleep on your side or stomach for 24 hours post-treatment to prevent swelling. We recommend sleeping elevated on your back and using pillows to stabilize yourself.
Filler and Injectable Reminders
Fillers take 3-4 weeks to settle and integrate into your tissues properly. During this period, there may be swelling, soreness, and bumps that will all eventually smooth out. If you see any irregularities after 3-4 weeks of the treatment date, do not worry. These get accessed and, if needed, corrected in your follow-up appointment via touch-ups.
It is important not to focus on little details/asymmetries during the first couple of weeks, as the product is still settling in, and swelling often occurs. If there is any soreness/tenderness/inflammation, it is okay to take Tylenol. We try our best to avoid bruises, but in the event of this, please refer to the FAQ below.
The GoodSkin Approach to Filler
Our filler technique at GoodSkin blends our European aesthetic and training with preventative science. We use filler to maintain and correct bone structure. Our proprietary method of injecting filler under the muscle, rather than on top, mitigates the chance of migration and avoids the “puffy” or overly “filled” look.
General Filler Aftercare Tips
Avoid drinking alcohol or partaking in strenuous exercise, as it may contribute to additional bruising for 24-48 hours. Until the swelling and redness have resolved, avoid intense heat in the treated area(s). Avoid sunbathing, tanning, saunas, hot tubs, or hot wax. Also, avoid extreme cold temperatures, such as skiing or other winter sports.
To help alleviate bruising, we recommend the topical application of Arnica, a natural ointment commonly used to reduce bruising. You can find this in the natural foods section of your grocery store or at local pharmacies.
During filler aftercare, minimize moving the treated area(s) for the first few days. However, you can massage the site if there is a visible bump. Depending on the areas treated and the product used, you may feel "firmness." These areas will soften and settle with time (usually 1-2 weeks).
If you experience swelling, continue to sleep with your head elevated for 2-3 days to see a reduction. You may take acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience mild tenderness or discomfort.
Additional Information Per Treatment
Individual treatment areas may come with specific injectables and filler aftercare instructions. Before treatment, GoodSkin staff will review all necessary precautions and instructions to follow. Below are some of the area-specific tips to help with recovery.
Blanching™
This specialized technique is a skin and filler treatment in one, so it is normal to see minor poke marks. Starting the next day, we ask you to press firmly on the areas treated. Doing this a minimum of two times per day for 3-5 min with firm pressure and the heat from your fingers is essential. The filler will integrate with your skin and look smooth over 3-6 weeks, depending on the area treated and the client’s skin type. You cannot move the filler or press it too much, so do not worry. Please contact the office if you have given the area time to smooth out, and it is unsatisfactory. We can easily smooth the area for you with an in-office treatment.
Tacking™
You can expect soreness and mild swelling on cheekbones for the first few days. You may take Tylenol every four hours to alleviate any soreness. Massaging the area is only necessary if specifically instructed. Asymmetrical swelling is normal and will correct in the coming weeks.
Tacking™: + Calcium Jowl Lift™
This treatment uses a calcium filler and sometimes incorporates hyaluronic acid filler. The calcium filler, Radiesse, will feel firm under the skin for the first few weeks. After the first day of injection, proceed with a “pressing style” massage to injected areas 3-4 times a day using pressure, for two minutes, for two weeks. This will help to smooth out any bumps and swelling. Radiesse promotes collagen formation, and under rare instances, this production forms a small lump under the skin that can be felt, not seen. A lump is normal and does not require treatment. However, if it bothers you, please contact our office.
Under Eye Hyaluronic Acid Filler With a Cannula
Some clients experience minor swelling for the first month, which is normal. Avoid examining this area while it settles in. If you are prone to allergies, you will likely experience more swelling. Try taking Claritin or Benadryl to bring down inflammation. If you notice swelling after a month of treatment and you’ve tried the above filler aftercare recommendations, please contact our office. Sometimes a lymphatic massage is recommended.
PRP/PRF
Mild swelling and a full appearance in the treated area for about 1-2 weeks is expected. Your body will naturally absorb the liquid injected into the area, and the full appearance will gradually disappear over 1-3 weeks. This is a normal process since the injected substance contains your body's own growth factors, which elicit a normal inflammatory response necessary for achieving desired results. There is no restriction on activities.
Forehead Rounding
Minor bumpiness and tenderness are expected for 1-4 weeks. Heavy/low-lying eyebrows for the first few days due to numbing medication in the dermal filler are normal. This look will resolve. Minor asymmetries during healing time are normal.
Filler Brow Lift
Bumpiness and soreness are normal for the first 1-3 weeks while the dermal filler settles. Massaging in an upward direction can help to disperse filler and help it settle. Wait 24 hours before massaging.
Temple Restoration
Soreness and mild swelling on the treated area are typical for 7-10 days. This area is prone to soreness when chewing for the first 24-72 hrs. You may take Tylenol every four hours to alleviate any soreness. Seeing the temple muscle “popping” out upon mastication can be normal for people who clench or grind. In our experience, this resolves on its own. Massaging the area is not necessary unless specifically told.
Earlobe Restoration
Swelling of the earlobe is expected for 24-72 hours and may resemble a bee sting during that time.
Filler Nose Job
This area can be more prone to complications. Keeping that in mind, we request to see photos the day after treatment to ensure no unwanted side effects. As a part of this filler aftercare, we recommend remaining in town until we have confirmed no complications.
Nasal Fold Lift
Due to proximity to nerves and numbing in the skin, it can be normal to have minor sensitivity in the teeth or a slight difference in the smile for the first few days. You can massage the area if you feel any noticeable lump after the first 24 hours. Numbness or tingling when pressing on the site or near the mouth is expected for 1-3 weeks.
Corner Lip Lift
During the initial healing time, it can be normal for corners to appear more elevated and then to settle. It is also typical to feel “balls” on the inner corners of the mouth, which you can massage firmly after the first 24 hrs. You may notice some redness during the initial healing period. Avoid sources of secondary bacterial infection as listed above.
Subtle Lip Restoration
You may see asymmetries and swelling for the first few days to weeks. Please allow the product to settle before evaluating for the full results. If you feel little 'balls' of filler under the lips, you may massage/press with medium pressure to help it integrate into the dermis. Avoid all sexual activity the day of. Do not kiss babies or animals due to bacteria. Do not use chapstick or makeup on the area for 6-8 hours.
Jaw Sculpt
Asymmetrical swelling and tenderness upon chewing are normal. Swelling due to side sleeping is also normal. We recommend eating soft foods for the first few days. It is normal for this type of dermal filler to feel hard and be prone to more swelling due to density during the first few weeks.
Chin Projection/Mouth Jowling Support
Swelling, tenderness, and asymmetries are standard side effects of this technique while the product integrates into the dermis. It is also customary for the chin muscle to feel tender until the filler settles. The chin may be prone to mildly extra swelling. Please advise us if the swelling is more than expected. You may have difficulty smiling, and your facial expressions may seem off for three weeks.
Hand Rejuvenation
You may experience excessive swelling (puffy hands) and bumpiness for 1-3 weeks. Sleep with your arms on pillows slightly elevated to avoid prolonged swelling. You should massage your hands for 2-5 minutes daily with pressure for 1-3 weeks until the filler has settled.
Simple And Safe Recovery
Filler treatments can provide incredible benefits and natural-looking results when done correctly. At GoodSkin, we prioritize your comfort during treatments and a rapid recovery that leads you to achieve a completely healed, Untouched Look™ in the shortest possible time. Following these filler aftercare instructions allows for optimal healing and results.
Our providers possess in-depth knowledge of anatomy and undergo extensive training focusing on aesthetics and injectables. This commitment allows us to remain at the forefront of the industry, consistently staying ahead of the latest advancements and technologies. If you want to learn more or begin working toward healthy aging today, schedule a consultation with our experts.
