Pre and Post Care Instructions

• Arrive with a clean face: If possible, come to your appointment with a freshly cleansed face. If you’re wearing makeup, it will be partially removed to prepare your skin for injection.
• Review aftercare: Please review your post-treatment plans for the hours following the procedure to ensure a safe and effective outcome.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications: Refrain from using blood-thinning medications like Ibuprofen, Aleve, and supplements such as St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E for a few days before the procedure.
• Consult with your provider: If you are on medically indicated blood thinners, continue taking them, but consult with your provider before or on the day of the procedure.
• No alcohol: On the day of the procedure, abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure a clean face: Wash your face before your appointment to arrive with clear skin.
• Cold sore prevention: If you have a history of facial cold sores, there’s a risk that needle punctures could trigger another outbreak. Begin taking your anti-viral medication three days before your injection and inform your physician assistant of your susceptibility.
• Contraindications: Do not use Botox if you are pregnant, allergic to any ingredients, or suffer from neurological disorders.

• Avoid pressure on the face/head: For the first 4-6 hours post-procedure, refrain from wearing hats or tight headwear, touching, rubbing, massaging the treated area(s), washing your face, or getting massages.
• Makeup reapplication: If you wish to reapply makeup, do so gently over the treated area(s).
• No massage or pressure: Do not massage or apply any pressure to the treatment area(s) as it may affect the drug’s placement.
• Muscle contractions: Optionally, contract and release the treated muscles every few minutes over the next hour.
• Avoid activities that cause flushing: For the next 12 hours, avoid activities that may lead to facial flushing or increased blood flow, such as exercise, blow-drying, hot showers, hair washing, saunas, and more.
• Avoid other facial treatments: Refrain from undergoing other facial treatments, like laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, etc., for at least 7 days.
• Maintain an upright posture: Stay upright for at least four hours following the injections. Minimize lying down or leaning forward whenever possible.
• Assess after 14 days: Wait at least 14 days after your injections before determining the treatment’s success. You can schedule an assessment and potential touch-ups 14 to 21 days after treatment.
• Touch-up policy: Two units are provided free of charge for a touch-up to address any retained undesired movement, based on your provider’s assessment. Any additional units will be charged at the standard rate.

• Avoid blood-thinning medications: One week before the procedure, refrain from using over-the-counter blood-thinning medications like Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. Steer clear of supplements like St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E.
• Consult with your physician: If you are on medically indicated blood thinners, maintain your prescribed regimen but consult with your physician a week before your scheduled procedure.
• Arnica: Start taking Arnica two days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising.
• Avoid alcohol: Refrain from alcoholic beverages at least two days before the procedure.
• No alcohol: On the day of the procedure, do not consume alcoholic beverages at all.
• Arrive with a clean face: If possible, arrive with a freshly cleansed face. Please note that makeup may be partially removed to prepare your skin for injection.
• Review aftercare: Take a moment to review the aftercare instructions for the hours following the procedure to ensure optimal results with minimal side effects.
• Cold sore prevention: If you have a history of facial cold sores, needle punctures during your treatment may trigger another outbreak. Start taking your anti-viral medication 1-3 days before your injection and inform your injector of your susceptibility to cold sores.

Common Side Effects:

• Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling is common and typically resolves within a few days.
• Bruising: Bruising at the injection site can occur and may take a few days to subside.
• Redness: Temporary redness may occur but usually diminishes shortly after the procedure.
• Tenderness: Some tenderness at the injection site is normal and should improve quickly.

Less Common Side Effects:

• Itching: Occasional itching or irritation at the injection site may occur.
• Lumps or Bumps: Small lumps may develop but often smooth out over time.
• Discoloration: Temporary skin discoloration, such as a bluish tint, may happen but typically resolves on its own.
• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, allergic reactions to dermal fillers can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic response, such as severe swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.

• Minimize bruising: To reduce the risk of bruising at the treatment site(s), avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 12 hours post-treatment.
• Manage tenderness or discomfort: If you experience mild tenderness or discomfort, you may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol. However, avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil, as these products may increase the risk of bruising.
• Avoid pressure: Refrain from applying pressure to the treated areas for the entire day. Don’t wear tight headwear (like hats), and avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the area(s).
• Apply cool compresses: Use cool compresses on the treatment area(s).
  Apply makeup cautiously: You may apply makeup once you have adequately iced the injected area(s) and pinpoint bleeding from the injection site(s) has subsided. When cleansing your face or applying makeup, use gentle, sweeping motions to avoid excessive movement of the treated area(s).
• Prevent facial flushing: For 12 hours after your filler treatment(s), avoid activities that cause flushing or increased circulation to the face, such as exercise, hair washing and blow-drying, hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, etc.
• Sun protection: Until redness has subsided, avoid extended UV exposure. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the treatment site(s).
• Delay other facial treatments: Avoid additional facial treatments like peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, etc., for 7 days. Delay laser treatments for at least 6 weeks after your filler treatment.
• Immediate medical attention: If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact Balance Aesthetic and Wellness immediately at 813-444-7735:
  • Increasing pain or pain that will not go away
  • Blanching or gray, white, or purple discoloration at the treatment site(s)
  • Discolored blotches on the skin in areas not injected with filler
  • Sluggish or absent blood flow to the treatment area or surrounding area(s)
  • Scabbing in the treatment area(s)
  • Treatment area(s) appears red and/or hot to the touch
  • Fever and/or chills
  • If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and cannot reach our office, please visit the emergency room or another qualified medical provider, such as a plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist.
• Touch-ups: Optimal results are typically seen 14 days after your treatment. Wait at least 14 days after your injections before evaluating the success of the treatment. We encourage you to schedule an assessment and touch-up 14 to 21 days after treatment.

• Take Tagamet: If needed, take one 200mg tablet of Tagamet once a day for 2 days to reduce swelling.
• Use Claritin: If necessary, take one 10 mg tablet (chew or swallow) at bedtime for 2 days to help alleviate swelling.
• Take Tylenol: For soreness, take two 500 mg tablets of Tylenol every 4 hours. Do not exceed 4 doses or 4000 mg in 24 hours (8 doses x 500 mg tablets).
• Apply Aquaphor: Moisturize by applying a thin layer of Aquaphor three times a day. Avoid using your regular, uncleaned Chapstick, gloss, or lipstick for 2 days or until fully healed.
• Use an ice pack: To enhance comfort and reduce swelling, you may gently ice your lips for 30 seconds at a time in one spot. Ensure the ice pack is clean before use.

• Expect asymmetry: It’s important to note that your lips may have started out asymmetrical and may still exhibit asymmetry after lip filler treatment.
• Anticipate swelling and bruising: Significant swelling and bruising are common during the initial few days to a week following the procedure. Most of the swelling should subside by the 2-week mark.
• Consider overall facial balance: Achieving balanced lips may require addressing your bone structure and the lift of your face with fillers or other procedures like a facelift.
• Lumps and bumps: Expect the presence of lumps and bumps for 4-6 weeks as the filler fully integrates into the tissue. If a bump persists after 3 days, gently massage the bump with an electric toothbrush for 30 seconds three times a day.
• Lip filler migration: Lip filler may migrate due to the dynamic nature of the lips. If migration becomes noticeable, it can be dissolved, but this is typically considered after 6 weeks from the original filler treatment to allow for swelling to fully resolve.
• Bruising and swelling: Despite following the recovery pack, some degree of bruising and swelling is expected, but the recovery pack can help minimize these effects.
• Communication is key: Never hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns or provide post-treatment photos for a check-in. We want to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.
• Consider additional treatments: You can schedule another half-syringe of lip filler in 4-6 weeks, if desired, with a full treatment typically recommended every 9 months to a year.

• Avoid strenuous exercises: Refrain from strenuous exercises for 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid certain skincare products: Do not use AHAs, BHAs, Retinols, or Renova for 72 hours after the treatment.
• Sun protection: Stay out of direct sunlight for 72 hours after the treatment. When exposed to the sun, wear a wide-brim hat and use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
• Maintain a cleansing routine: Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face in the morning and at night.
• Continue skincare regimen: Keep using your vitamins, treatment products, hydrators, and sunscreen unless directed otherwise.
• Manage redness or sensitivity: If you experience redness or sensitivity, wash your face and apply a cool compress or ice pack. If sensitivity persists for over 12 hours, consult your skin care professional.
• Oral herpes precaution: If you are prone to oral herpes, the treatment may trigger a breakout. Consult your doctor for a treatment such as Valtrex.
  Avoid picking or peeling: Do not peel or pick at crusting skin, as it may lead to scarring or discoloration in the treatment area.
• Hydrate your skin: Keep your skin well-hydrated by using an appropriate moisturizer.

Emergency contact: For a medical emergency, call 911.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Hetal Patel, APRN at Balance Aesthetic and Wellness at 813-444-7735.

• Hydrate your skin: Keep your skin well hydrated after the procedure as microneedling can increase water loss. Hydration helps with the recovery process and overall skin health.
• No other products for 24 hours: Do not use any other products, including cleansers, on your skin within the first 24 hours post-procedure. Using unapproved products may lead to unexpected complications. Instead, you can rinse your skin with cool water as needed.
• Use RESCUE Calming Complex: If you have RESCUE Calming Complex, start applying it as needed after the first 24 hours to soothe and calm your skin. This product was specifically designed for post-microneedling care.
• Sun protection: Avoid sun exposure on the day of the procedure since you won’t be wearing sunscreen. You can resume using sunscreen 24 hours after the procedure. Continue to minimize sun exposure for 72 hours post-procedure.
• Avoid strenuous exercise: For 72 hours post-procedure, refrain from strenuous exercise or activities that lead to excessive perspiration. Excess blood flow and sweat can cause discomfort and irritation to compromised skin.
• Refrain from active skincare products: Avoid using topical products like retinoids, vitamin C, and Tretinoin for the first week after the Skinpen Precision to reduce the risk of irritation.
• Consider multiple treatments: For optimal results, it is recommended to undergo 3-4 Skinpen treatments.

Contact Hetal Patel, APRN at Balance Aesthetic and Wellness at 813-444-7735 with any questions regarding your procedure.