Are you considering Juvéderm? Dermal fillers can take years off your appearance by smoothing out wrinkles and restoring volume to your face. Elevate at Alaska Women’s Health is your top choice medical aesthetics company in Anchorage, Alaska. All cosmetic services are performed by skilled medical professionals with either a clinical nursing background or a medical degree. Our mission is to help you achieve your cosmetic goals and provide the highest quality care that is holistic and nothing short of luxurious.
At Elevate, it is our privilege to serve in helping create the youthful look you are longing for. While dermal filler injections are safe and effective, it is still a medical procedure that is not without minor discomfort. We know proper planning makes incredible difference in our clients’ experience, and the best time to discuss aftercare is before we even begin. So, we have prepared a List of Do’s and Don’ts to help make your aftercare a breeze.
Considering dermal fillers to get the youthful skin you’ve been dreaming of? Elevate your confidence and schedule your consult with one of our aesthetics medical professionals today!
Dos: Tips for a Speedy Recovery After Dermal Fillers
Ice, Ice Baby
A cold compress is great for easing pain and reducing both swelling and redness. Short intervals of no longer than 10 minutes at a time work best. Be sure not to apply ice directly to your face. In fact, you’ll want to avoid exposure to both extreme cold and hot temperatures. While this is imperative immediately following the cosmetic procedure, it is good practice going forward for anyone wanting to keep their skin looking as beautiful and healthy as possible.
Soothe Your Skin
Use a topical treatment like Arnica or Bepanthen to help calm your skin. These can be applied 3 times a day for the first week. Typically, these can be found at your local drug store. Ask your aesthetic nurse for guidance. She may send some home with you along with your aftercare guide.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Can we say it enough? Drinking plenty of water and fresh, cold-pressed juice can do wonders. You’ll want to stay hydrated with healthy fluids and avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary sodas. This will help flush out toxins, reduce swelling and promote the healing of skin cells. When ordering or making juice, stick with more alkaline ingredients, such as cucumber, celery and apple. Avoid nightshades and citrus for a few days, until your skin is restored to its calmed state.
Schedule a Facial Soon… (But Not Too Soon)
Healthy skin is beautiful skin. There is nothing like a facial from a professional aesthetician to revitalize your skin. However, timing is everything. Give your skin a break for a week or two before scheduling any facial appointments. Take time to consult with your aesthetician as well. She will definitely wish to be informed of your cosmetic procedure and tailor her treatment plan accordingly.
Skip the Gym
This may seem counterintuitive but go ahead and plan on giving yourself a week off from exercise. This will help avoid risk of infection. Also, as surprising as it may seem, we recommend you hold off from Yoga too. The inverted positions can actually increase swelling and bruising to the face. Go ahead and give your body a break for the first week. You’ll look like a million bucks next time you see your workout partners.
Save the Date
Bruising is a normal side effect of dermal fillers and injections. So please do not schedule last minute dermal fillers days before your wedding. It generally takes 7-10 days to see the final results of your cosmetic treatment. So, plan ahead and consult with your Elevate medical professional to coordinate the perfect timing for treatment in light of important social occasions.
Fly Away
Some have proposed possible concerns regarding the effects of changes in altitude or cabin pressure following dermal filler injections. However, there is no evidence to support such claims. While you may want to stave off the paparazzi and forego any photo ops upon landing, there is no reason to postpone flying to your favorite destination.
Beauty Sleep
Your body heals while you sleep. For the first week, be sure to sleep on your back, not on your side or tummy with your face buried in your pillow. Particularly on the first night, try propping your head up slightly with an extra pillow to help reduce swelling.
Patience Is a Virtue
While both Juvéderm and Botox provide immediately noticeable results, it does take a week to 10 days to enjoy the full benefits. Over time, the filler integrates into the skin causing asymmetries to even out. Some patients require follow up treatment to achieve optimal results. Be patient and trust the skilled hands of your Elevate professional with the process. We can always schedule a follow up appointment 3-4 weeks to discuss next steps in achieving your skincare goals.
Call Us with Any Concerns
No doubt your medical aesthetics professional will provide plenty of guidance for both pre-treatment and aftercare. Still, if you have questions or concerns, please call. If pain and swelling persist, or if you notice areas where your skin looks a bit blanched, give us a call.
Don’ts: What To Avoid During the Recovery Period
Hands Off!
That’s right. For at least the first 6 hours, keep your hands off your face. First and foremost, we want to avoid the possibility of infection. Touching, picking or scratching can irritate the skin and introduce unwanted bacteria to already sensitive skin. Second, touching your face can cause the filler to migrate. You do not want to interfere with the artistry of your skilled Elevate professional.
Curve the Chemicals
Avoid active cosmeceutical products, such as AHAs, retinols, Vitamin C and oil-based makeup for at least 24 hours. While you may be tempted to cover up using concealer or makeup, give it a little time. After six hours, you can gently wash your face and apply water-based or mineral makeup.
Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Blood Thinners
Both aspirin and ibuprofen have a blood thinning effect, which can exacerbate bruising. A better choice for OTC pain relief is Tylenol or acetaminophen. However, since it is not anti-inflammatory, you may want to use a cold compress in conjunction for best pain relief and reduction in swelling. If you take aspirin or blood thinners regularly, please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your regime.
Forego the Cocktails
Like aspirin, alcohol is a known blood thinner. We recommend avoiding alcohol both 24 hours before and after dermal filler treatment. Because the blood vessels of your face are close to the surface, even one cocktail can have a large impact on bruising and inflammation.
Hold the Spice
Zesty foods can increase inflammation, especially if you are already prone to flushing when indulging in hot, spicy, tangy or savory dishes. Exercise prudence when cruising the menu for your favorite flavor-filled foods. Do not be afraid to ask your server to communicate with the chef your temporary dietary needs. Most chefs are happy to accommodate.
Don’t Double-Book with Your Dentist
We appreciate the whole package of health, beauty and wellness. However, once again, timing is imperative! Dental procedures include plenty of stretching and applied pressure, which can cause fillers to shift and migrate. There is also a risk for infection we want to avoid. Plan your dental and your cosmetic treatments, accordingly, allowing 3 weeks in between visits to keep yourself safe and comfortable. In the long run, it will be worth it.
Say No to Sunbathing and Saunas
Alaskans love soaking up Vitamin D, whether it is enjoying a glorious (and sometimes rare) summer day or indulging in the indoor tanning salons in the winter. For the first week after treatment, you will want to avoid, sunbathing, tanning beds and any intense heat, such as saunas and Turkish baths. If you do go out in the sun be sure to use sunscreen.
Say No to Snow
Alaska winters can be brutal, but somehow, we endure and even find joy in outdoor activities like skiing, skating, snowshoeing and sledding. For the first week or two, protect your skin from the wind and cold. Wrap up in a scarf when going outside and postpone the sledding parties and other outdoor adventures.
Careful I’m Hot!
While nothing is more comforting than a piping hot cup of your favorite beverage, hold off for the first day or two. Coffee, tea or hot soup may sound appealing, but the heat and even caffeine can elevate blood pressure and heighten inflammation.
Treatment Temptation
With so many cosmetic treatments out there to help you look your best, it may be tempting to get on a roll and try them all. Whether you are considering facial waxing, laser treatments, microdermabrasion or chemical peels, keep in mind you’re your skin will be very sensitive for the first week or two following Botox or Juvéderm injections. Speak to your aesthetic medical professional about timing and the best course of action to help you achieve your skincare goals.
Elevate Your Confidence Today
At Elevate, we believe you deserve to love every inch of your skin. We love to seeing our clients radiate with confidence are here to help you achieve your skincare goals. When you come for your initial consultation we will discuss steps to prepare you beforehand as well as aftercare instructions to help make your recovery as smooth as possible.
Ready to get started? Call us today and let us help you look and feel your very best!
