Thank-you for visiting the clinic today. Please read this information carefully and contact the clinic if you have any questions or concerns.

This aftercare advice is essential to help reduce the risk of treatment complications, improve your comfort and healing, and help achieve the best possible results from treatment.

• Immediately after dermal filler injections, the treatment area may be red, tender, or swollen. The redness and tenderness should improve after 48 hours. Swelling is often worse on days 2-3 after injection, improved by day 5, and resolved by 2 weeks.

• For significant swelling, contact your practitioner for advice. Swelling may be reduced by regular cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medicines such as Ibuprofen (after 24 hours, if safe for you to take), antihistamines.

• Bruising is common following treatment; this will resolve naturally but may take up to 2 weeks to settle.

• Regular application of Arnica (or a cream recommended by your practitioner) may be helpful for bruising.

• Tenderness is normal when the injected area is touched afterwards, but active pain at rest is not normal. If you experience pain, you must contact your practitioner as soon as possible.

• While bruising is considered normal, significant or 'greyish' bruising with poor blood flow, may be a sign of an occlusion. If you experience this symptom, please contact your practitioner immediately.

Aftercare following skin booster treatment is crucial for ensuring optimal results and minimising the risk of complications. Here are some general aftercare instructions for dermal filler treatment:

• Avoid touching or applying pressure to the treated area: To minimise the risk of displacement or uneven distribution of the filler, avoid touching or applying pressure to the treated area for at least 6 hours post-treatment.

• Avoid wearing make-up for 24 hours.

• Apply ice or cold packs: Applying ice or cold packs to the treated area can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Use them intermittently for short periods in the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment.

• Avoid strenuous activity: Refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise or vigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours post-treatment. Exercise increases blood flow and may exacerbate swelling or bruising.

• Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications: Refrain from consuming alcohol and avoid taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a few days post-treatment. These substances can increase the risk of bruising at the injection sites.

• Sleep with your head elevated: Sleeping with your head elevated on pillows can help minimise swelling and promote proper circulation to the treated area.

• Avoid excessive heat exposure: Avoid exposure to excessive heat, such as saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or prolonged sun exposure, for at least 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. Heat can exacerbate swelling and increase the risk of complications.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and promote overall healing.

• Follow post-treatment instructions from your clinician: Your clinician may provide specific post-treatment instructions tailored to your individual needs. Follow these instructions carefully for optimal results and to minimize the risk of complications.

• Be patient: Results from dermal filler treatment may take a few days to settle, with full effects becoming apparent within two weeks. Be patient and allow time for the filler to integrate with your tissues and for any swelling or bruising to resolve.

• Attend follow-up appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to assess your progress and ensure optimal results.

IMPORTANT: Vascular occlusion is a serious complication that can occur after dermal filler injections, particularly when the filler is inadvertently injected into a blood vessel. Recognising the signs of vascular occlusion early is crucial for prompt intervention and minimising potential complications. Here are some common signs of vascular occlusion:

• Blanching or whitening of the skin: The affected area may appear paler than the surrounding skin due to compromised blood flow.

• Localised pain or discomfort: You may experience pain, burning, or stinging sensations at the injection site.

• Coolness or coldness: The skin overlying the occluded blood vessel may feel cooler to the touch compared to surrounding areas.

• Delayed onset of bruising: While bruising is common after dermal filler injections, a delayed onset of bruising, particularly in areas not typically prone to bruising, can be a warning sign of vascular compromise.

• Mottled or livedo reticularis-like appearance: The affected skin may develop a mottled or bluish discoloration.

• Tissue necrosis: Tissue necrosis (death of tissue) may occur in rare cases. Ulcer formation or blackened areas of skin need to be reported to your clinician asap.

• Vision changes: If vascular occlusion affects blood vessels around the eyes, patients may experience vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss.

• Other neurological symptoms: In rare cases, patients may experience other neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or paralysis, in the affected area.

Recognition of the signs and symptoms and prompt intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Signs of Infection following a dermal filler injection can vary but may include:

• Increased pain or tenderness: While some discomfort is normal after a dermal filler procedure, persistent or worsening pain at the injection site could be a sign of infection.

• Swelling: Swelling is common after filler injections, but if it worsens or becomes increasingly localised, it could indicate an infection.

• Redness: Mild redness at the injection site is normal, but if it spreads beyond the immediate area or becomes more intense, it may indicate an infection.

• Heat or warmth: The skin around the injection site may feel warmer than usual, which can be a sign of inflammation or infection.

• Pus or discharge: Any discharge or drainage from the injection site, particularly if it is thick, yellow, or green, may indicate an infection.

• Fever: A fever is a common sign of infection. If you develop a fever after a dermal filler injection, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.

• Increased swelling or red streaks: If you notice significant increases in swelling or red streaks extending from the injection site, it could indicate an infection spreading through the lymphatic system.

• Delayed onset of symptoms: While it's normal to experience some swelling and redness immediately after a filler injection, if these symptoms worsen or appear several days after the procedure, it could indicate an infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a dermal filler injection, it's crucial to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Infections can be serious and may require medical treatment, including antibiotics or drainage of any abscesses. Early recognition and treatment of an infection can help prevent complications and promote optimal healing.