Over the past decade, injectable fillers have become more and more popular. One in four Canadian women are open to an injectable treatment and 34 percent of them consider injectables to be an everyday procedure similar to teeth whitening or hair colouring. There are a lot of questions before going under the needle for the first time—here’s what to expect.
What to do before
Before your injectable procedure, educate yourself on your preferred fillers. Know its functions and establish realistic expectations so you avoid any disappointment. For example, if you are looking to temporarily volumize an area of your face (such as your lips or cheeks), Dr. Brace may recommend a hyaluronic acid filler (Restylane or Juvederm). Alternatively, if you’re looking to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles (or even prevent them from forming), a muscle relaxing injectable like Botox or Dysport would be best suited. There are a lot products on the market, ensure you know which best suits your needs. Although this information will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation with Dr. Brace, it’s good to educate yourself as well with platforms such as Real Self.
Before your treatment, avoid taking certain painkillers or blood thinners to help prevent bruising. Although any bruising that can occur is minor, consciously avoiding the use of certain medication or supplements such as Vitamin E, Aspirin, Ginseng, or anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, etc.) will lessen the risk. Other substances to avoid prior to treatment are: garlic, alcohol, Omega 3 fatty acids, and St. John’s-wort.
Come to your first injection appointment relaxed and with the treatment area clean of oil, dirt and makeup.
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What to expect during
After during this initial consultation, Dr. Brace’s team will work with you to schedule the date and time for your procedure. The average length of a filler injection procedure usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes per session, depending on the patient and how large the treatment areas. Dr. Brace will ensure the area is clean of makeup, dirt and oil before injecting the filler. The injected fillers used are prepared with lidocaine to ensure a comfortable procedure.
Dermal filler results are instantly noticeable, while Botox or Dysport take a few days to reveal their full effects. The most common side effects immediately post-procedure are swelling, minor bruising at injection site, numbness and temporary redness. A cold will be provided to the area to lessen any of these effects. It’s recommended to avoid scheduling an injectable treatment within 48 hours of an event. It can take anywhere from 24 hours to one week post-treatment to be completely clear of side effects. Dermal fillers have longer-lasting swelling and bruising. Again, be informed of the product prior to your first injection.
What you should and shouldn’t do after
After the procedure is complete, Dr. Brace will review your specialized aftercare instructions to ensure fast healing. The golden rule after any injectable treatment is to avoid strenuous activity and excessive sun or heat exposure, as the increase in blood pressure can result in more visible bruising. Painkillers, blood thinners, alcohol and garlic should also continue to be avoided for up to two weeks post-treatment to again avoid excessive bruising.
To further prevent or reduce your chances of bruising here are a few post-treatment remedies: daily supplement of Arnica (can be ingested or applied topically), incorporate pineapple into your diet, apply sunscreen regularly or apply a cold compress to the area. We also recommend the area is not touched or squeezed excessively post-treatment, as the filler will need time to settle. Do not book any facial treatments or perform aggressive at-home masks for two weeks post-treatment.
When it comes to injectable treatments, trust an expert. Dr. Brace performs all injectables at Guelph Facial Plastics. Click here to book for free consultation today.
