Dermal fillers and Neurotoxin injections have become one of the top five cosmetic procedures in the beauty industry in the last decade. More than 3 million men and women annually choose these popular facial rejuvenation treatments, which can be a very cost-effective way to look younger without cosmetic surgery or downtime.
First, let’s understand the difference between derm fillers and neurotoxins, how they are used and what to expect when these injectables are administered. You will also learn 7 tips for best results before and after your visit that will minimize the effects of the initial injection procedure thus promoting timely healing. Following these tips and the injector’s instructions can enhance your experience resulting in the the best results you expect.
Derm fillers are substances injected into the skin to smooth wrinkles, plump the lips and replace volume lost due to age or illness. On the other hand, neurotoxins, such as Botox, are injected into the muscle to relax muscle movement thereby smoothing dynamic wrinkles, like laugh lines, crows feet, forehead lines and those vertical lines between the brows called “11”.
So now, let’s talk about what to expect when being treated with cosmetic injections. After the initial exam and consultation, numbing cream is applied to the areas where the injections will be administered. This may be enough to help you through the needle pricks or even the fear of needles. However, some patients may still experience mild discomfort, bruising and swelling that can last up to a week.
Additionally, it’s common in treatments involving cosmetic injections to return for touch up injections depending on the patient’s goals. Of course, touch up visits are only scheduled after swelling has diminished, typically about 2 weeks later.
Because we know each patient will respond differently, we believe these 7 tips provided to the patient community at large, will assist in decreasing pain, bruising and swelling.
Because our first tip is not broadly known, we have provided more detail. Although, any and all of these tips work to minimize or rid pain, bruising and swelling that a patient may experience. Begin taking Arnica 2 days prior to the injection procedure to minimize pain, bruising, and swelling. Arnica Montana is a plant found in the northwestern parts of the U.S. This is a homeopathic method used in a very diluted form. Arnica has not been tested for these specific uses, however, the fresh plant has been chewed to reduce inflammation, pain and bruising for centuries. Studies have found Arnica to have in vitro anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and other healing properties. The quick-dissolve pellets are fast-acting because they bypass the stomach, going directly into the bloodstream. Today, Arnica is used in the diluted form of pills or pellets, creams, gels, and ointments all of which are available over the counter at your local pharmacy or online.
The 7 tips (plus a bonus tip at the end) you must know are:
1. It is always safe to check with a medical provider if you have a chronic illness. It is not recommended if the you are taking blood thinners or high blood pressure medication. Arnica Montana is said to encourage the body’s natural healing process. When applied topically, it works by increasing blood flow through the affected capillaries, thereby reducing swelling, relieving pressure on the nerve endings, and decreasing stiffness. The recommended dosage is to take 5 pellets of Boiron Arnica 3 times daily, beginning 48 hours prior to the procedure. Continue taking Arnica until symptoms improve up to a week after the procedure. The topical creams may be used in addition to the pellets. It can be applied immediately after facial procedures and injections up to 3 times daily for a week after the procedure unless symptoms improve before that.
2. Stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs, and other blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as vitamins A, E, K and any herb starting with a G, Ginko Bilboa, Ginsing, and Glucosamine all have blood thinning properties, for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
3. Avoid alcohol for a couple of days before and after treatment. Alcohol has antiplatelet effects, making it easier to bruise.
4. Pick up some fresh pineapple. It contains bromelein-an enzyme for decreasing bruising and inflammation or find tablets of Bromelein at the pharmacy to take instead of pineapple if preferable. Eat ½ cup pineapple or take the supplements at least a week prior to injection.
5. Use ice and cold packs following treatment. If needed, use 2-3 times a day for several days.
6. Refrain from vigorous exercise or sweatytype labor for 48 hours after treatment.
7. If you’re new to injectables and not yet sure how your body will react, schedule your appointment with ample time to heal before a big event, typically 2 weeks to return to normalcy. Even if you do tend to bruise, it shouldn’t last long if you follow the tips and instructions provided by your injector.
As previously noted, everyone is different. Some don’t bruise at all after injections, while others experience some bruising and swelling no matter how well they prepare. For this reason, here’s a bonus tip — concealers are a great way to mask bruises and put a radiant glow on.
Bonus: Always use a concealer color that is opposite to the color of your bruise on the color wheel. Therefore, use:
✔️ green concealer for red bruises
✔️ blue concealer for orange bruises
✔️ yellow concealer for purple or bluish bruises
✔️ white concealer for brown bruises
If the concealer seems to be too thick or a powder concealer, you can mix it with your favorite serum.
Lastly, the procedures generally take less than a hour and can last from months to 1- 2 years based on the type of injectable used and the patient’s metabolism and health. Non-surgical injectables are a medical procedures that require specific training, knowledge and skill to ensure safe treatment and natural-looking results.
Our medical providers are master injectors with extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, a well-developed aesthetic eye, and a surgeon’s skill and precision.
If these tried and true tips are followed, you will likely be raving about what a breeze it was to treat yourself to injectables. Frankly, it’s one of the best personal investments you can make to soften or remove fine lines and wrinkles in addition to treating and preventing volume loss and skin laxity.
Contact us to schedule your cosmetic injection procedure today.
