Fillers and other injectable treatments have become popular treatments to prevent and reverse many common signs of aging. Injectable treatments are quick and often require little downtime, making them ideal for men and women who want to refresh their appearance without surgery.

However, as with any procedure, there are recommendations you can follow. Your doctor will provide a list of do’s and dont’s for you to follow after your treatment in Devon, Pennsylvania.

While wrinkle-reducing injectables have few significant side effects, you may experience some minor ones, including:

• Temporary redness, bruising, or swelling around the injection site
• Temporary tenderness or itching

These effects should resolve within a few days. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions following your treatment, but the following are standard.

Use ice or cool compresses if you notice swelling around the injection sites

You may notice swelling and bruising for the first few days after your treatment. Regularly applying a cool compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel for the first 24 hours after your injection may help to reduce swelling.

An important note: please exercise caution when icing. Never apply ice directly to your skin for long periods of time. Direct contact with and prolonged exposure to ice may cause frostbite or other damage to your skin.

Take acetaminophen if you have any discomfort after treatment

While injectables are nonsurgical, you may experience discomfort, tenderness, or pain for up to a few days after your treatment. Your doctor may recommend pain medication to help ease any discomfort. However, over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can work.

Don’t:

In most cases, you can return to your daily activities after your injectable treatment. However, there are a few exceptions.

Participate in intense exercise for the first 24-48 hours

You should avoid any intense cardiovascular workout, such as swimming or running, after Botox or Dysport treatment. Exercise increases your blood pressure and your heart rate. While cardio workouts promote long-term health and increase endorphins, they can also increase swelling or bruising after your injection treatment.

Intense exercise can also increase the chance that Botox or Dysport can spread or migrate from the injection site to unwanted areas. You should wait for a day or two after your treatment to resume your exercise regimen.

Touch or massage the treatment areas

After your injectable treatment, don’t touch or massage the treatment area. In some cases, consistent pressure may cause your neuromodulator or filler to migrate from the injection site. To prevent migration, you should also wait at least ten days before you get a facial massage after receiving Botox, fillers, or other injections.

Lie down right away

Napping soon after Botox treatment is not recommended. You should wait at least four hours after your treatment to lie down. Lie on your back with your head elevated, not on your face or side. Waiting to lie down can allow your treatment to settle into place, reduce bruising and swelling, and prevent migration.

Use anti-inflammatory medications or drink alcohol

Some anti-inflammatory medications and alcohol may increase your risk of bruising and swelling. Therefore, you can avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before or after your appointment to help decrease your risk of bruising. In addition, your doctor may advise you to stop some anti-inflammatory medications before your treatment.

There’s a common misconception that Botox is harmful. On the contrary, it is an FDA-approved injectable that can help diminish wrinkles. Choosing a board-certified dermatologist can help to lower risks and increase the effectiveness of your injectable treatments.

At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, we create customized treatment plans to help you achieve your beauty goals. Our nationally-recognized physicians have extensive knowledge treating a variety of skin conditions using the most advanced research, diagnostic, and treatment methods.

All of our treatments are performed by board-certified and experienced doctors, so you get the highest level of care available. If you’re ready to achieve your beauty goals, contact our Devon, Pennsylvania dermatologists today.