Post-Treatment Care – Injectables and Fillers

Overview

It’s likely that your doctor will first administer a nerve block or apply a numbing cream. Some of the longer-lasting and more permanent fillers and injectables contain lidocaine, “making them pretty painless after the first injection or so,” Dr. Minas Constantinides says. Your doctor may suggest you avoid taking aspirin, as well as other medications, a few days before.

Post-procedure you can expect swelling, redness and bruising, which can last from a few hours to up to a week or more. Once the swelling and bruising go down you’ll be able to see the results right away, but it may take a week or so for the filler to fully settle in. “Even though the results can last anywhere from four months to two or three years—depending on the fillers used and maintenance work—it’s important to realize the limitations of injectables and fillers. While they can provide fullness, they can’t lift or tighten sagging skin,” explains Dr. Minas Constantinides. Another word to the wise: An excess amount of fillers can result in an unnatural appearance.

8.1        Risks

You may experience temporary bruising, swelling, possible infection. Semi-permanent and permanent fillers may migrate or cause lumpiness and granulomas. 

Any potential side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. Occasionally there is no improvement and another form of treatment may be required.

A rare side effect of Botox is “eyelid droop.”

Individuals, who are pregnant, have egg allergies or have a neuromuscular disorder are advised to avoid Botox.