Consultation

During your consultation, you will discuss your medical history with the doctor. Be completely open with the doctor about your concerns and expectations. Inform him/her if you've had any type of filler injection within the past four months. Also tell your doctor if you are on any muscle relaxants, sleeping aids or allergy medicines. If you take blood thinners, you may need to stop taking them several days before your injection to reduce your risk of bleeding or bruising.

Treatment

At the time of the procedure, one or more methods will be used to numb the area, such as topical anaesthesia or ice and vibration anaesthesia (which uses massage to reduce discomfort). There are some fillers which contain lidocaine. This is a mild anesthetic that helps in minimizing discomfort during and after the treatment.

A precise amount of the filler is strategically injected beneath the skin. The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including the extent of the area being treated. Depending on the number of areas to be treated, the whole process may be as short as 15 minutes, or as long as an hour. Once the results are deemed satisfactory, any markings will be cleansed off.

You may be offered an ice pack to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Although the area may feel a bit tender for a day or two, it is usually not painful enough to require any medication.

It is a safe procedure but there are possible side effects involved like:

• Temporary bruising and redness.
• Slight discomfort during the injection, which disappears immediately after.
• Possible headaches which fade away within 24 to 48 hours.

Aftercare

• Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours.
• Avoid hot drinks for 2 days
• Apply ice for swelling and bruising