If you've been considering dermal fillers to smooth wrinkles or enhance your facial features, it's natural to feel a little nervous—especially if it's your first time. Whether you've delayed your treatment due to recent events or are simply feeling unsure, it's important to know what to expect. At Imagelab, dermal fillers are a safe, non-surgical option to rejuvenate your appearance, but proper preparation and aftercare can help ensure the best results. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before and after your filler appointment to make the experience smooth and stress-free.

General Precautions Before Dermal Filler Treatment

Share your medical history: Make sure to inform us of any medications you're taking, supplements, and past cosmetic treatments. This helps us ensure the treatment is safe and customized for you.
Avoid fillers if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have known allergies to any ingredients. Safety is our top priority, and it's best to wait until it's safe to proceed.
Cold sores or herpes simplex outbreaks can be triggered by needle pricks. If you're prone to these, notify us ahead of time so we can prescribe preventative medication.
Skip dental work: Avoid any dental procedures or cleanings two weeks before and after your filler injections to reduce the risk of infection.
Vaccinations, including CoVax: Avoid getting any vaccinations two weeks before and after your filler treatment.
Notify us if you have an active infection, such as a sinus, ear, or dental infection, as this could affect your treatment.
If you're on immunosuppressive medication, let us know, as this may impact the treatment and your recovery process.
Share your medical history: Make sure to inform us of any medications you're taking, supplements, and past cosmetic treatments. This helps us ensure the treatment is safe and customized for you.
Avoid fillers if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have known allergies to any ingredients. Safety is our top priority, and it's best to wait until it's safe to proceed.
Cold sores or herpes simplex outbreaks can be triggered by needle pricks. If you're prone to these, notify us ahead of time so we can prescribe preventative medication.
Skip dental work: Avoid any dental procedures or cleanings two weeks before and after your filler injections to reduce the risk of infection.
Vaccinations, including CoVax: Avoid getting any vaccinations two weeks before and after your filler treatment.
Notify us if you have an active infection, such as a sinus, ear, or dental infection, as this could affect your treatment.
If you're on immunosuppressive medication, let us know, as this may impact the treatment and your recovery process.

How to Prepare for Your Dermal Filler Appointment

One week before your appointment:

Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements: Stay away from Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, and supplements like fish oil, Vitamin E, and herbal remedies such as Ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginseng. These can increase the likelihood of bruising.
Avoid alcohol and green tea (herbal and black tea are fine) during this time.
If you need pain relief, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the best option leading up to your filler appointment.

48 hours before your appointment:

Stop using skincare products containing Retinol, Tretinoin, Glycolic Acid, or any other exfoliating agents to avoid irritation.
Do not shave, wax, thread, or pluck the area being treated, as this can cause unnecessary sensitivity.
If you are prone to bruising, consider taking Arnica or eating fresh pineapple to help minimize bruising.

On the day of your treatment:

Come with a clean face: Wash your face and avoid applying makeup to the treatment area.
Eat and drink beforehand: Don't arrive on an empty stomach.
Relax: A topical numbing cream may be applied to ensure your comfort. We'll make sure you're in good hands throughout the procedure!

What to Do After Your Dermal Filler Treatment

Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least 4 hours. Let the filler settle naturally for the best results.
Skip strenuous activities for the first 24 hours. Exercise or heavy lifting can increase your risk of bruising.
Stay away from alcohol and blood thinners for 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising.
Avoid intense heat on the day of treatment, including hot yoga, tanning, hot tubs, and saunas.
You can gently apply sunscreen and makeup about 90 minutes after treatment.
Some redness, swelling, or firmness is normal and should subside within 2 weeks. Remember, fillers act like a soft implant, and the firmness will settle.
Notify us if you experience any severe pain, increasing redness, or unusual symptoms, such as blotchy discoloration or a fever, as these could indicate a reaction or infection.

When to Contact Your Doctor

While most people tolerate dermal fillers very well, it's important to know when to reach out. Please notify us immediately if:

You experience severe or worsening pain in the treated area, especially if it's accompanied by increased redness or warmth.
Blanching or blotchy discoloration appears away from the injection site, as this could indicate a vascular issue.
You develop a fever or chills after your treatment, which could be a sign of infection.
Any areas feel hot to the touch or show signs of an unusual reaction—your safety is our priority, and we're here to help.

Wrapping Up Your Filler Experience

Dermal fillers are a simple, non-surgical way to enhance your appearance, but the best results come from proper preparation and care. By following the recommendations before and after your treatment, you can minimize side effects and maximize your satisfaction with the outcome.

If you need dermal fillers in Chicago, we're here to help guide you through the process and ensure your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. With a little care and attention, you'll enjoy beautiful, long-lasting results that help you look and feel your best!

Your Guide to Dermal Filler: What to Do Before and After