Aftercare
PLANNING AHEAD
Some small steps before treatment will reduce any aftercare required. Avoid aspirin and vitamin E supplements for a few days before the treatment as they thin the blood which can increase bruising. Avoid any laser/heat treatments on areas of skin to be treated 1-2 weeks prior to treatment. Avoid topical prescription products, excessive sun exposure and sunbeds 7 days prior. Don’t drink alcohol 24 hours before the procedure. On the day of the treatment don’t apply heavy makeup or use exfolients or any active skin care products. For some treatments, a few clients prefer to book on a Friday to allow any visible effects to minimise before returning to work. If you have any special events planned we recommend to get fillers done at least a week before and give plenty of time to settle. It’s also best to avoid long flights within the first few days.
SWELLING and BRUISING
Your lips will most likely be slightly swollen after the treatment. This is normal and will gradually diminish. Most people can resume their daily activities shortly after the procedure.
In some cases swelling may increase on the second day before starting to fade. Bruising may also appear on the second day which can usually be concealed with makeup. The majority of swelling and bruising is usually gone by day 5, but can last 7-14 days in some cases.
Avoid scratching or picking any spots where injections took place. These are normal and usually disappear within a few hours to a few days. You can add a bit of Vaseline or Nivea balm in the following days or use Arnica – a natural ointment commonly used to reduce bruising.
COMPLICATIONS
COMPLICATIONS and infections are rare, but if you suspect something is wrong then contact us on whatsapp or email with a photo of any area of concern.
PAIN RELIEF
Your lips may feel numb or tingling for a few hours as most injectable fillers include a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. Take paracetamol to help ease any pain from swelling, itching or bruising. Some people experience a dull ache and tenderness, which subsides between 2 to 3 days. Softly applying a covered ice pack may also help.
Be gentle to your lips as the area can become pretty sensitive, especially during the first 24 hours after the procedure. After the procedure, there may be some tiny dry bits and pieces which consist of dead tissue, blood and pigment. If you wish to wash your face do it very gently with clear water, avoiding any heavy pressure on the treatment area.
Don’t scratch your skin as this can increase the healing time.
SLEEP
We recommend not going to bed immediately following any filler procedures. Wait at least a few hours and try to sleep flat on your back with your head elevated on a pillow to reduce any pressure on the treatment areas.
AVOID HEAVY EXERCISE
AVOID HEAVY EXERCISE for 24 or 48 hours after you get a lip treatment or other dermal fillers. Avoid high temperatures such as steam rooms, saunas or heated exercise classes for 48 hours after treatment. High heat or increased blood pressure can increase swelling. Avoid swimming for 2-3 days as the chlorine in pools may have a negative effect on your skin.
NO HEAVY MAKE-UP OR ANTI-AGING CREAMS
Avoid make-up on your lips for up to 24 hours after. Avoid kissing or massaging your lips directly after the procedure and up to 24 hours, especially if it is your first lip filler injection. We recommend to avoid having a facial massage for at least 2 weeks.
MINIMIZE MOVEMENT
MINIMIZE MOVEMENT on treated areas, however if there is a visible bump you can gently massage the area. Depending on the areas treated and the product used you may feel increased firmness. These areas will soften over time, usually within 1-2 weeks.
FLUIDS
Drink plenty of water! Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours, Avoid drinking through a straw, which can increase pressure on any sensitive areas. Smoking should also be avoided for the same reason.
DO NOT CONSIDER THE INITIAL RESULTS TO BE FINAL.
Some of our clients have experienced mild anxiety if they notice the shape of the lips or smile lines changing during the first couple of weeks. This is completely normal and no need to worry. In the beginning the treatment area may look slightly swollen or asymmetrical and will completely settle during the first few weeks following the procedure. Keep in mind the final result can be evaluated correctly after any touch-up procedure has been performed if necessary.
ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS
Following treatment with toxin, there may be some small bumps or swelling in the areas where the needle was inserted. These usually disappear within the first hour.
Some slight bruising may develop the following day, although this is unusual for most patients. Any bruising can be easily concealed with makeup and will disappear within a few days.
Mild headaches are common after anti-wrinkle injections – around 10% of patients experience this, but not to the degree where painkillers are needed. Headaches typically disappear within a few days. Paracetamol can be taken if the pain is more noticeable – avoid ibuprofen or aspirin which may increase any bruising.
The full effects of the treatment will normally take two weeks to develop. Most patients start to notice changes as soon as 2-5 days afterwards, but only after 2 weeks can you fully judge the outcome.
If there are any unusual effects or if one area is still moving more than desired, then you can arrange a follow-up appointment at this time, where a small adjustment or top-up may be performed.
After 3 or 4 months the effects of the treatment will begin to wear off and you may choose to arrange another treatment session if you are satisfied with the results.