Dermal Fillers, Sculptra® & PDGF Pre and Post Care Instructions
Dermal fillers, Sculptra, and PDGF treatments are designed to restore volume, improve facial contours, stimulate collagen production, and rejuvenate the skin. Following these instructions can help minimize bruising, swelling, and discomfort while optimizing your results.
Pre Care
Avoid Blood Thinners (5–7 Days Before)
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other NSAIDs if medically appropriate and approved by your physician.
Avoid fish oil, vitamin E, garlic supplements, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, and other supplements that may increase bruising.
Avoid Alcohol (24–48 Hours Before)
Alcohol can increase bruising and swelling after treatment.
Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before your treatment.
Proper hydration helps support healing and may improve your recovery experience.
Avoid Dental Procedures (2 Weeks Before And After)
Dental cleanings, dental work, oral surgery, and major dental procedures should be avoided for approximately two weeks before and after treatment whenever possible.
Dental procedures may increase inflammation and the risk of complications with dermal fillers.
Avoid Skin Irritation (5–7 Days Before)
Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, waxing, excessive exfoliation, and other treatments that may irritate the skin.
Healthy skin responds best to treatment.
Arrive With Clean Skin
Arrive with a clean face and minimal makeup whenever possible.
This helps reduce irritation and allows proper evaluation of the treatment area.
Inform Your Provider
Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores, allergies, autoimmune conditions, previous filler complications, recent illness, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Schedule Around Important Events
Swelling and bruising are normal after filler, Sculptra, and PDGF treatments.
Schedule your appointment at least two weeks before weddings, vacations, photoshoots, or major events whenever possible.
Post Care
Expect Swelling And Bruising
Mild to moderate swelling, tenderness, redness, and bruising are common after treatment.
Swelling is usually most noticeable during the first 24–72 hours and gradually improves over the following days.
Use Ice Packs As Needed
Apply a cold compress or ice pack intermittently during the first 24 hours.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Avoid Touching Or Massaging The Area
Do not massage, rub, press, or manipulate the treated areas unless specifically instructed by your provider.
Unnecessary pressure may affect product placement.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise (24–48 Hours)
Avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting, running, and vigorous physical activity for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Exercise may increase swelling and bruising.
Avoid Alcohol (24 Hours)
Continue avoiding alcohol for the remainder of the day following treatment.
Alcohol may worsen swelling and bruising.
Avoid Heat Exposure (48 Hours)
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, hot yoga, tanning beds, and prolonged sun exposure.
Heat may increase inflammation and swelling.
Sleep With Your Head Elevated
Sleeping with your head slightly elevated during the first few nights may help reduce swelling.
Stay Hydrated
Continue drinking plenty of water following treatment.
Hydration supports healing and overall skin health.
Avoid Facial Treatments
Avoid facials, chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, facial massage, and aggressive skincare treatments for at least two weeks unless directed otherwise by your provider.
Makeup Use
Light makeup may generally be applied the following day if the skin is intact and not irritated.
Be gentle when applying and removing makeup.
Sculptra Patients Only – Massage Instructions
If you received Sculptra, follow the recommended 5-5-5 rule unless otherwise instructed.
Massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days following treatment.
This helps ensure even distribution of the product and optimal collagen stimulation.
Be Patient With Results
Traditional dermal fillers often provide immediate volume enhancement, although swelling may temporarily exaggerate results.
PDGF results develop gradually as the skin regenerates and collagen production increases.
Sculptra works by stimulating your body’s own collagen production, with improvements developing gradually over several weeks to months.
When To Contact Our Office ?
Please contact our office immediately if you experience severe pain, significant skin discoloration, worsening swelling, unusual blanching of the skin, signs of infection, fever, drainage, or any unexpected symptoms.
Mild bruising, tenderness, swelling, and redness are common and usually resolve within several days to two weeks depending on the treatment performed.