If you’ve been thinking about trying a dermal filler for the first time, or maybe you have postponed your wrinkle filler treatment due to Covid-19 (lockdown/shut down/mask requirements) you may be feeling a little intimidated. Although injectable dermal fillers in my clinic are a safe and effective non-surgical treatment, a little apprehension is understandable. I’ll review what to expect before and after a dermal filler appointment at my Mississauga clinic to keep your anxiety at bay.
General recommendations
1. Avoid fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or allergic to any ingredients.
2. If you have a history of cold sores, there is a risk that needle pricks could activate a recurrence of cold sores. Please advise Dr. O’Neill if you are prone to cold sores or herpes simplex infections so she can prescribe an oral medication called Valtrex to be started prior to your appointment.
3. Avoid dental procedures or cleanings 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after filler injections.
4. Avoid CoVax or other vaccinations 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after a filler treatment.
5. Please notify us in advance of your appointment if you have an active infection (such as dental infection, ear infection, sinusitis, urinary tract infection)
6. Please be sure to share with us your current medications and supplements, and history of allergies
7. We need to know about your previous cosmetic treatments and surgeries
8. Tell us if you are on immunosuppressive medication
What to do before lip filler and dermal filler injections?
1. One week before your filler appointment:
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- Avoid Aspirin (ASA, baby aspirin), Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen
- Avoid supplements including Omega 3 (fish oil capsules, flaxseed oil, chia, and hemp seeds), Vitamin E, Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ginger, St John’s wort
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Avoid Green tea (herbal and black tea are fine)
- If you need pain medication in the week before your filler treatment, use Tylenol (acetaminophen) if possible
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2. 48 hours prior to your filler appointment
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- Stop anti-aging skincare products containing Tretinoin (Retin-A, Steivaa), Retinol, Retinoid, Glycolic Acid, or other exfoliating agents
- Do not shave, wax, thread, pluck or use depilatory cream on the area to be treated
- If you are prone to bruising consider taking Arnica or eating fresh pineapple (contains bromelain which may reduce bruising)
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3. Day of treatment
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- Arrive with your face washed, and without makeup
- A topical numbing cream may be applied for your comfort
- Please have something to eat and drink prior to arriving so you are not on an empty stomach
- Relax! We’ve got you covered!
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What to do after lip filler and dermal filler injections
1. In general, dermal filler in Mississauga treatments is easy to tolerate.
2. Do not rub, touch, wash or massage the treated area for 4 hours
3. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after filler injections, as it can trigger bruising
4. Avoid blood thinners and alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after treatment to avoid bruising
5. Avoid intense heat the day of treatment, including hot yoga, hot tubs, tanning, facials, or a massage the day of your filler treatment
6. Sunscreen and makeup may be gently applied 90 minutes following injections
7. You may have some redness or swelling the day of your procedure
8. You may have some firmness (depending on the product used and the area injected). Remember, the filler is like an implant made of jelly. The firmness typically resolves in 2 weeks.
Please notify us if:
1. You have severe or increasing pain, increasing redness or hot to touch in the treatment area.
2. You have blanching in the treated area
3. You have blotchy discoloration away from the injected areas
4. You have fever or chills
Dr. O’Neill personally performs all dermal filler injections at our GTA clinic. She is known for creating natural results. She will customize a treatment plan based on your needs, wants, and budget.