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Preparing for Your Dermal Filler Treatment

When it comes to cosmetic treatments, few are as popular as dermal fillers. Dermal fillers provide people with a way to address the signs of aging by plumping up the skin and giving both volume and fullness to specific areas. These injections offer a simple and quick way to get a more youthful appearance. If you’ve recently booked your first appointment for dermal filler treatment, it’s normal to feel a bit nervous and apprehensive about the process. To help ease any fears you may have, here are some tips on how you can prepare.

Book a Consultation – Be Sure to Ask Questions

If you didn’t have a consultation before making your appointment, there is still time to do so. A consultation allows you to ask questions, share any concerns you have and get an idea of what to expect. This simple step alone can be enough to ease your mind and make you feel confident on the day of your appointment.

Reduce the Chance of Bruising

Bruising is a normal side effect of dermal filler injections, and while it may not be bad and will disappear relatively fast, it’s still something you’ll probably want to avoid if possible. There are some steps you can take that can help to at least reduce the amount and severity of bruising after your procedure.

Be sure to avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin one week before the appointment. Also, try increasing how much vitamin K is in your diet for the week prior. Vitamin K-rich foods include such things as celery, kale and spinach. It may also be recommended that you avoid taking vitamin E, fish oil and ginkgo biloba for a week beforehand. You will likely be told to also cut out alcohol 24 hours before your treatment.

Arrive for Your Appointment with a “Clean Slate”

When you arrive for your appointment on the day of the treatment, make sure your face is clean and clear of any makeup. Applying your facial moisturizer should be fine but keep things simple and basic.

Will You Be Getting a Topical Anesthetic?

Many people choose to receive a topical anesthetic before the injection. This does an excellent job of numbing the area so that you won’t feel the needle being injected. This will either be applied as a cream or injected. Again, this is a topic you can discuss in the consultation.

How Long Will the Treatment Take?

As for how long the dermal filler treatment takes, it depends on how many injections are needed. It can be relatively short, lasting as little as 15 minutes, or longer, lasting up to an hour.

Speed Up the Healing Process by Taking It Easy

By following the above-mentioned tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your appointment, but you can also speed up the healing and results by staying well-hydrated and taking it easy in the initial days after your injections. Ice packs are recommended on the first day to reduce swelling, but after that they shouldn’t be necessary.

Understanding how to properly prepare for your dermal filler treatment will help to reduce any stress or anxiety you may be feeling, as it’s a very straightforward process.