Quick Facts: Preparing for Injectable Treatments

What should be done prior to any injection treatment?

Treatments do not require pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores discuss this with Drs. Wright as they may consider prescribing a medication to minimize recurrence. Sometimes (if medically safe) people taking daily aspirin or other blood thinners may temporarily discontinue treatment (always consult your prescribing physician first if you are taking these for medical conditions).

Minimizing any Swelling or Bruising can be as Easy as A-B-C.

A – Arnica Montana

Arnica Montana is a daisy-like plant native to Europe, Asia and North America and is commonly taken for use as a natural treatment for bruising. Arnica is believed to increase the flow of blood around bruised tissue causing escaped fluids to be absorbed by the body. Due to their delicate nature, homeopathic preparations are always delivered sublingually (i.e. under the tongue). Drs. Wright have available at Skin MD and Beyond, VitaMedica’s Arnica Montana Blister Pack, which is designed specifically for injectables and fillers, you will take 4 tablets twice daily. If you are having multiple sites treated or for more invasive procedures, VitaMedica’s Arnica Montana 30X bottle or Arnica Anti-Bruise Kit may be better suited, you will take 3 tablets, three times per day until bruising subsides.

B – Bromelain

Bromelain is a combination of enzymes, called proteolytic enzymes, that help your body absorb and assimilate proteins from foods. Bromelain has also be used for many different conditions but it has documented therapeutic effects in the treatment of inflammation and bruising. Bruises are collections of blood under the skin that heal by breaking up and then being reabsorbed by skin tissues. Bromelain speeds this process up by thinning the collected blood, which in turn makes it easier for your body to reabsorb them. Bromelain is only available in natural form from the pineapple. Drs. Wright recommend taking 1 cup of fresh pineapple daily and it should be taken 3 days prior and continued for 7 days following.

C- Cut Out Foods that can Promote Bruising

It is clear that specific foods can promote the fragility of blood vessels and bruising. Examples include green tea and red wine- and should be avoided prior to treatment. Other foods that should be avoided several days prior to treatment are ;

  • Foods high in Vitamin E – rice, oats, chickpeas (to make a dip called humus, similar to refried beans) and lentils (flat, disc shaped legumes often used in soups)
  • Foods high in Salicylates include – avocados, cabbage, oranges, tangerines, grapes, strawberries, cranberries, raisins and cherries. As well spices that include ginger, real cinnamon, curry powders, cayenne pepper, turmeric, paprika, oregano, licorice and real peppermint.
  • Foods high in Omega- 3 Oils – Fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna, mullet, salmon, trout, anchovies and sardines are high in Omega Oils. At the top of our list for other foods high in Omega-3 would be flaxseeds and walnuts. Additional foods also to be avoided in high amounts includes soybeans( and oil), navy beans, kidney beans, tofu, winter squash, olive oil,
  • Some Herbal Supplements may increase your risk of bruising. Herbs including gingko biloba, ginseng, ginger, garlic, glucosamine, turmeric, angelica and clove all have the potential to thin the blood slightly. This can make bruising more likely, especially if more than one of these herbs are taken together.

What should I discuss with my doctor before getting treatment with FACIAL FILLERS?

Tell Dr. Wright if you are;

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders.
  • Currently taking any medications that can prolong bleeding, or taking any therapy used to decrease the body’s immune response.
  • Have a known allergy to lidocaine.
  • Have a previous history of bad allergies, particularly to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria (most fillers are derived from a fermentation process using gram positive bacteria), or have had serious allergies to drugs that have previously required in-hospital treatment.

What should I discuss with my doctor before getting treatment with BOTOX or DYSPORT?

Tell Dr. Wright if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders. You should also discuss any medications that you are currently taking that can prolong bleeding, or therapy used to decrease the body’s immune response.

How long does a FACIAL FILLER treatment usually take?

The injection process is quick and easy and takes only about 15-30 minutes, depending on the extent of areas being treated. Patients are asked to come in 30 minutes prior to their appointment for proper cleansing/prepping of the skin and topical numbing application. Additional time is also considered to allow time to consult with your doctor prior to treatment.

Are there any side effects with having a FACIAL FILLER treatment?

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less).
Most patients have only mild discomfort if any, or may experience some mild swelling or firmness.
You also might bruise though most patients don’t. Bruising is usually mild and temporary. Other side effects that are not as common can include temporary redness at the injection site, as well as itching and discoloration. As with all skin puncture procedures, treatment with injectable filler carries a risk of infection. However, with the strict protocols of cleanliness and sanitation, strictly enforced by our doctors, during all procedures – the risk is extremely small at Skin MD and Beyond. This is why it is crucial to find an experienced and gentle injector.

For a comprehensive list of rare side effects for each individual filler type , we encourage you to use our Portal Link to review each companies claims about their product.

What should I do immediately after a FACIAL FILLER treatment?

Facial Filler treatments require almost no downtime. While it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and sun exposure for 24 hours post treatment, recovering patients can do pretty much anything else they please. All fillers used at SKIN MD and Beyond work very well for all skin types. However if noticeable swelling or bruising happens, it is important to avoid the sun until the bruise is gone. In pigmented skin there can be some darkening if it is exposed to the sun when there is a bruise or skin irritation. As with all injectable filler treatments, patients who are using substances that reduce coagulation, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and warfarin may, as with any injection, experience increased bruising or bleeding at injection sites. Exposure of the treated area to UV lamp exposure or extreme cold weather should be minimized until any initial swelling and redness have resolved and puncture sites have healed. Other than that you can return to your normal activities.

Are there any side effects with having a BOTOX/DYSPORT treatment?

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less).
Most patients have only mild discomfort if any, or may experience some mild swelling or firmness.
You also might bruise though most patients don’t. Bruising is usually mild and temporary. Other side effects that are not as common can include temporary redness at the injection site, as well as itching and discoloration. As with all skin puncture procedures, treatment with injectable filler carries a risk of infection. However, with the strict protocols of cleanliness and sanitation, strictly enforced by our doctors, during all procedures – the risk is extremely small at Skin MD and Beyond. This is why it is crucial to find an experienced and gentle injector.

For a comprehensive list of rare side effects for each individual filler type , we encourage you to use our Portal Link to review each companies claims about their product.

Cosmetic Skin Care Specialist Plano, TX