Setting you up for success with dermal filler treatment: What to expect before your procedure At drs skincare Hamilton, ON
Volume loss, Improvement in skin quality, Improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
Dermal or soft tissue fillers are popular because they are considered a low-risk method to effectively soften wrinkles, add volume to depressed areas, and otherwise inject youthful vibrancy into the face. As with all procedures available at the office of drs skincare in Hamilton, Ontario, injections have special considerations. Since there are dozens of fillers on the market today, the specific requirements to prepare for your treatment session depend on the product that is being used to bring out your best features.
Our philosophy is to provide subtle changes in potentially a number of areas to provide impactful results that further enhance your aesthetic.
We utilize a variety of different injectable products whether it be hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juverderm, Restylane, Teosyal, Belotero or Radiesse and/or Sculptra. In many cases we combine products with energy based devices to achieve your goals.
Our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rahul Shukla, plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Chuback and/or nurse team will go over everything you need to know about every stage of treatment – before, during, and after. Adhering to any instructions to prepare your skin and body for treatment can minimize the risk of undesirable side effects and complications following your treatment session.
The consultation
Generally, before recommending filler treatment, Dr. Shukla, Dr. Chuback and team will review your medical status and evaluate for any pre-existing diseases or comorbidities that could increase your risk of complications.
Likewise, he’ll assess for any medications (prescription and OTC) and therapies to treat these conditions. Here again, these medications and treatments (as well as supplements) can increase your risk of complications, such as bruising.
We will review your goals and design a treatment plan to achieve your desired aesthetic if possible. Our aim is to provide you the best choice (s) to get you to your goals. In many cases, this may mean combining technologies such as lasers or energy based devices or neuromodulator with filler. In other cases, this may mean not proceeding with filler at all.
Additionally, good candidates for fillers should be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That includes refraining from smoking and the use of tobacco-containing products, which interfere with healing. Dr. Shukla will also go over ways to sustain the results of treatment. This requires a commitment to good skincare!
Before
If we decide to move forward with the following may be helpful before therapy:
- Avoid dental work two weeks before filler as there is potentially slightly increased risk of nodule formation
- Avoid immunizations two weeks before filler as there is potentially slightly increased risk of nodule formation
- Avoid alcohol ideally at least three days prior to the procedure to minimize potential for bruising
- Avoid supplements that may “thin” blood such as vitamin E to minimize potential for bruising
- It is important to consider your social calendar within two weeks of injection date as bruising can happen any time a needle is injected into any part of your body
- If you are leaving the country or boarding a plane within three days of filler treatment we are unlikely to proceed with filler as it is important the patient is nearby in the event of an urgent complication which if occurs, typically happens within 72 hours
The “day of” preparation
Before injecting the filler, Dr. Shukla will ensure the precise application of the product by pinpointing and marking the specific areas of the face to be treated. The sites are then thoroughly cleansed. As needed, a numbing topical or anesthetic will be applied. Some fillers are also formulated with lidocaine for comfort.
After Treatment
A number of changes after treatment can occur outlined below:
- After your injections it is common to notice some swelling, redness, bruising and mild tenderness at the injection site. This will subside within 1 week of injection.
- Gently apply a cool compress to the treatment area for 10 minutes of every hour if needed for comfort.
- To decrease swelling sleep on your back with an extra pillow.
- Do not have a facial, rub or massage the treated area for 1 week after hyaluronic acid fillers.
Avoid dental work two weeks after filler as there is potentially slightly increased risk of nodule formation - Avoid immunizations two weeks after filler as there is potentially slightly increased risk of nodule formation
- Avoid alcohol ideally at least three days after the procedure to minimize bruising
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs or any situation with a lot of heat as will increase your risk of bruising
In the event you notice the following symptoms of vascular occlusion or concern post injection, it is important you contact our office immediately:
- Experiencing extreme or worsening pain in or around the area of injection
- Blistering in area of treatment
- A “net like” pattern of red/blue on the skin
Thankfully, these symptoms are rare. If they are to occur, it usually happens within 72 hours or three days from the date of injection. Therefore, it is imperative you are able to come in to an office that can help manage these symptoms. We suggest that you adjust your schedule accordingly and plan to be local within 72 hours of the injection date.
Just as proper preparation is vital to support optimal, predictable, and safe treatment, so is proper after-care. Specific instructions are based on your unique needs and the filler we use.
Together, you and the skilled team at drs skincare in Hamilton, ON, ensure the treatment experience from beginning to end goes as smoothly as possible. Call (905) 524-1712 with initial questions and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shukla today.
Why Choose
Dr. Rahul Shukla
Dr. Rahul Shukla is a modern dermatologist staying in line with the advancements in the field by being a member in numerous associations. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Brock University, and later attended medical school at McMaster University, and completed dermatology residency at University of Toronto. He is Board-certified in dermatology, in both Canada and in the United States. Meet Dr. Rahul Shukla