What to Know Before Having Dermal Filler Injections
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
