AFTER CARE ADVICE

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After a dermal filler treatment where hyaluronic acid is placed into the skin, you may initially be swollen, red and bruised, which will subside within the next 1-10 days, especially if the bruising is extensive.

It is advised not to touch the area for at least 6 hours post treatment. During this time take extra care with hand washing in case of accidental touching. It is a good idea to use a fresh pillow case for the evening following your treatment.  

Do not apply make up or any other cosmetics to the area for approximately 12 hours. 

Smoking can increase the risk of infection and alcohol can increase the likelihood of bruising and swelling.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours post treatment. Elevated blood pressure and heart rate from exercise can make swelling and bruising worse. 

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, UV, extreme heat i.e. sauna, steam rooms, sun beds etc, as this may cause discomfort and swelling.  Excess sun exposure after filler injections can reduce their effects and irritate your skin as it reacts to the treatment during its healing process. The ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight may even degrade the hyaluronic acid. Patients having dermal filler injections need to bear this in mind.

Avoid extreme cold; this includes ice packs that are placed directly on to the skin, use a barrier between the skin and ice to reduce any discomfort or swelling. These cold compress are recommended for use 20 minutes on/20 minutes off for as long as required. 

Arnica tablets, gel and creams can be used to help reduce bruising.

Lumps are a rarity however some clients lip anatomy are more prone to lumps due to pockets within the lip.  The most common cause of lumps after a filler treatment is swelling and bruising from the injections themselves. These should naturally subside within the first week. If you experience any lumps in the implantation area, it can be gently massaged with clean hands (after 6 hours) with a warm compress to help smooth this out. If small lumps persist please contact you practitioner for a follow up appointment. 

I will examine the lumps to find out where they are and whether they are tender.

Soft lumps are likely to be caused by filler that has settled that way and a good firm massage should smooth them out

Hard and tender lumps suggest that your body might have reacted to the filler. A mild allergic reaction can be sorted out quickly and easily by a prescription of steroids, which our prescriber can provide you with.