What to Know Before Having Dermal Filler Injections
What to Know Before Having Dermal Filler Injections
Dr. M. Peirson, M.D., C.C.F.P.
ArtMed, The Art of Cosmetic Medicine
Every company that makes fillers obtains their raw hyaluronic acid from disaccharide (sugar) chains from the same source. The sugar is dissolved into an HA liquid and has no natural longevity as an injectable. So a cross-linker chemical is added which converts the liquid into a gel that is too firm for injection. Each company has a proprietary modification process which allows them to create a range of fillers of various characteristics (thicker/thinner, more or less flexible, more less able to blend into surrounding tissue). At ArtMed we carry the Juvederm (from Allergan) and Revanesse (from Prollenium) lines of filler. Juvederm is manufactured in Europe and Revanesse is manufactured in Canada.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Hyaluronic acid fillers are contraindicated in patient’s with active autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Fillers are also contraindicated in people with a history of multiple, severe allergies and a history of anaphylaxis. Fillers cannot be used if there is a history of bee/wasp sting allergy.
Fillers are also contraindicated there is a history of recent or current infections including urinary tract infection, sinus infection, skin infection, GI tract infection and oral cavity infection (dental abscess etc.). If you are on antibiotics you should not be having HA filler injections.
DENTAL VISIT PRECAUTIONS:
Dental procedures and visits to a hygienist should be avoided 2-4 weeks before and after filler treatment. Tooth whitening/bleaching and dental scaling should also be avoided during this time for 2-4 weeks before and after filler treatment.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS:
Avoid vaccinations around the time of fillers. If there is a history of cold sores then contact the clinic for a prescription for antiviral pre-treatment.
THINGS TO AVOID THE WEEK BEFORE FILLER INJECTIONS:
- Medications that thin the blood: blood thinners (ASA, NSAIDS (eg advil, aleve), salmon oil, Vit E, gingko biloba, red wine, dark chocolate, grapefruit)
- Avoid drinking alcohol, especially red wine
- Avoid eating fatty fish, fish oil supplements and omega 3 supplements
- Avoid Vit E, St. John’s Work, gingko biloba, garlic or ginseng supplements
- For women, the week leading up to your menstrual cycle can slightly increase your risk of bruising and sensitivity to pain
- Avoid vigorous workouts for 2 days before injection and 2 days after injections
- Avoid air travel for 1 week after filler injections
THINGS TO DO THE WEEK BEFORE FILLER INJECTIONS:
- Take Vitamin K a couple of days before treatment
- Eat fresh pineapple a couple of days before treatment
- Take arnica for 2-4 days leading up to your treatment and for 2 days after treatment
Hello,
I like the blog is the given information is very great before having dermal filler injections. thank you for share this blog
Which fillers can you have if you have rheumatoid arthritis?
For individuals who suffer from autoimmune disorders there is always a risk of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to HA dermal fillers. However, this is not an absolute contraindication to using dermal fillers. Consult with an experienced physician before considering dermal filler. It’s important that your autoimmune disorder is well under control before using fillers and that you avoid other activating treatments around the time of dermal fillers (dental appointments, vaccinations etc.). At ArtMed, for our clients with stable autoimmune conditions, we usually recommend Revanesse brand of fillers as we have found less hypersensitivity reactions with this filler. It’s a Canadian brand known for the purity of their fillers.
Hello,
Can a patient with a history of anaphilaxis caused by Metamizolum natricum and Penicillin be treated with dermal fillers (Restylene Kysse) or Botox?
Thank you.