Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Versa, Belotero Balance, Teoxane RHA 1, Teoxane RHA 2, Teoxane RHA 3, Teoxane RHA 4)
What are hyaluronic acid fillers?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are sterile gels consisting of non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar-based gel substance that is naturally found in the dermal portion of the skin. It binds to water molecules to give the skin a substantive, revolumized appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers are used to diminish the appearance of facial wrinkles, improve contour defects, and enhance lips.
What is the treatment like?
Your healthcare provider will decide how much of which product(s) to use based on your desired outcome. Fillers are expected to last 1-2 years depending on the product and volume used, area and condition treated, and other patient factors. The longevity of the filler used determines how often treatments are scheduled for maintaining and improving long-term results.
Please eat before your appointment. Topical anesthesia is applied 30 minutes prior to treatment. Then the treatment area is cleansed, and filler is injected under the skin. Pain is minimal and the treatment area is iced during and after injections to minimize discomfort.
Are there any possible side effects?
The most common side effects from filler treatment include mild pain, bruising, and temporary swelling or redness at injection sites. Bruising is a possibility but can be minimized by avoiding blood thinners (ibuprofen and aspirin) 2 weeks before and not drinking red wine the night before treatment. Most side effects are mild to moderate in nature. Though rare, there is a potential for more serious complications which can be discussed with your provider.
Are there any contraindications?
You should not use fillers if you have an infection in or around the area to be treated. To make sure fillers are safe for you, please inform your doctor of the following:
- Medical history
- List of medications
- History of severe headaches
- History of TMJ
- History of excessive scarring
- History of allergies to Gram-positive bacterial proteins
- Taking substances that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E
- Taking immunosuppressive therapy that could increase your risk of infection
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Bruise Prevention and Treatment Tips
NEVER STOP PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED OVER-THE-COUNTER OR PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS FOR AESTHETIC TREATMENTS UNLESS DISCUSSED WITH PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN AND DERMATOLOGIST.
Things That Can Be Stopped to Minimize Bruising
NSAID medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen/Aleve) two weeks before your treatment. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an alternative which will not make you more likely to bruise.
Herbal and vitamin supplements associated with thinning the blood (fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, Co Q-10, saw palmetto) one week before your treatment.
Alcohol 3 days before your treatment.
All can be restarted following your appointment, even if you bruise.
Things to Start
Arnica Montana can help prevent bruising and speed the resolution of bruises. Start the oral or topical form 2 days before your treatment.
Bromelain, found in pineapple, also helps to prevent and treat bruises. Eat fresh pineapple the two days before your appointment.
Try to relax. Elevation of blood pressure also contributes to bruising. We use numbing cream, play music, and provide squeezy balls and ice during treatments. BUT always tell us if you need a break.
PLEASE EAT before your appointment. This can help with feeling light-headed during the procedure.
If you develop a bruise
Ice the bruised areas for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours for the first 48 hours to minimize bruising and swelling. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. Oral and topical arnica, pineapple and 200mg of vitamin C daily have also been shown to speed recovery. Continue these steps until bruises resolve.
If you have significant bruising, pain or changes in skin color after a procedure please call our office immediately.