Dermal fillers aftercare

* Immediately after treatment, there may be slight redness, swelling, tenderness and an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. The inconvenience is temporary and generally disappears in a few days. If it continues or if other reactions occur, please call your practitioner.

* The initial swelling after lip treatment may last longer. Some patients experience swelling for about a week and the lips can look somewhat uneven during this time. This means that the results directly after the treatment should not be seen as the final result.

* Avoid touching the treatment area 6 hours after the treatment. After that the area can be gently washed with soap and water and light make-up can be applied.

* If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores.

* If you are using aspirin or any similar medication, be aware that these may increase the bruising and bleeding at the injection site.

* Bruising may occur following treatment, bruising will resolve naturally but may take up to 2 weeks to settle. Regular application of Arnica cream may be helpful for bruising. Tenderness is normal when the injected area is normal and any discomfort should settle with some over the counter pain relief.

* Avoid any makeup for 24 hours after treatment as this will reduce the risk of infection.

* Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours after treatment.

* Avoid medications such as aspirin or Ibuprofen for 24 hours as they are blood thinning agents and may worsen bruising (if these medications have been advised by your GP you must check with your GP before stopping them).

* Avoid supplements such as multivitamins, fish oils, glucosamine and Vitamin B or Vitamin E, which are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising for 24 hours (if these supple- ments have been advised by your GP please check with your GP before stopping them).

* Avoid any excess sun exposure, extremes of hot/cold, saunas, swimming or strenuous exercise until the redness and swelling has settled.

* A complication of dermal fillers is vascular occlusion in which a blood vessel is accidentally blocked with filler. Signs and symptoms include throbbing and aching pain which can be se- vere, paleness, a cold feeling to the tissue and purple streaky mottling tissue changes. If you notice any of these symptoms you must contact your practitioner as soon as possible, they will guide you through how to perform a capillary refill test and then assess you fully and advise further action if required.

* You must seek medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms of infection after treatment. Infection can present as hot, red shiny skin, there may be pus formation and you may have a fever or feel generally unwell.

* You must seek emergency medical attention if you experience any severe allergy symptoms after treatment. Symptoms may include rash, facial swelling and breathing difficulties.