ADVICE AND AFTERCARE – SCULPTRA
What is normal after the procedure
Due to the anesthetic in some gels and the preparation of the product injected, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure. It is also common to experience some swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over areas treated. Swelling from the injections can result in initial improvement in volume and typically resolves in several hours to a few days. Therefore, the original skin depression will reappear over the first few days before long term improvement is seen through stimulation of new collagen formation. Some people experience a dull ache, and tenderness over the treated areas which subsides between 48-72 hours.
Mild, non-painful swelling can last for up to 2 weeks. Bruising is usually visible initially, then more obvious the following day, before fading over 7-14 days. A small minority of bruises can last for 4-6 weeks.
How to protect your results and reduce side effects
• Give yourself facial massages: Thoroughly massage the treated areas in a circular fashion for 5 minutes, 5 times daily, for 5 days (5-5-5) after each treatment session. This will help promote an even distribution of Sculptra to promote a natural-looking correction. A moisturizing cream should be used during massage to help reduce friction on the skin surface.
• Keep the area cool with a cold compress, ice (clean washcloth or an ice pack) to the treated areas to manage swelling and/or bruising. Avoid direct contact of ice to the skin.
• Avoid exposure to excessive sun, UV light and heat (sauna, steam, sun beds, hot showers, hot showers, strenuous exercise) for 48 hours after your treatment to help reduce discomfort and swelling.
• Avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements for 48 hours after the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
• The area can be gently washed with a gentle skin cleanser and water.
• Do not apply make up over injection points until the day after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
• If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that any stimulation of the area could contribute to another occurrence. If you are predisposed to cold sores, you will be provided with a prescription for Valtrex to reduce the risk of a breakout. Take the medication as directed.
• Avoid lasers or skin resurfacing until the area has fully healed.
When to contact Life Story
Serious complications are rare, however it is important you seek urgent review if anything like this occurs. The following symptoms may indicate a need for medical assistance from your clinician or family doctor if you are unable to see us. Please contact us so we can advise you further.
• Swelling, puffiness or lumpiness that does not fade in the first week with gentle massage.
• Bruising or pain that is worsening.
• If you develop increasing pain near or above the injection site which is getting worse over time, especially if associated with a pale area of skin indicating lack of blood flow you should contact us immediately.
• In rare cases, medical interventions may be required immediately to prevent scarring. If we are unreachable, you should seek care through the Emergency Room.
IMPORTANT: Contact us immediately if you have symptoms of a blocked blood vessel.
Life Story Contact: Dr. Nicole Redding 604.202.167
ADVICE AND AFTERCARE NEUROMODULATORS
What is normal after the procedure
Injections commonly cause small amounts of swelling, a temporary bump, redness, bruising, a mild to moderate headache, and sensations such as tingling or mild itching after the treatment.
Initial effects will show in the first 3-10 days. Peak effect on the muscle is seen at 14 days following treatment. The benefits start to wear off after 3 months on average.
How to protect your result and reduce side effects
Remain upright for the first 2 hours.
For the first hour after your treatment, perform small contractions of the muscles treated every 20 minutes. This promotes binding of the neuromodulator to the muscles treated.
Wait 6 hours before touching the treated areas and avoid makeup for 6 hours unless it is mineral based to reduce the chance of infection.
Avoid wearing tight hats or clothing in the area that has been injected.
You may immediately resume your normal activities but wait 4 hours before exercising.
When cleansing your face, use a gentle skin cleanser and avoid direct pressure.
Avoid alcohol and exposure to UV and extreme heat (sauna, steam, sun beds, very hot showers).
Avoid facial massages or electrical stimulation of the face for the next 2 weeks.
When to contact Life Story
If you develop a side effect, such as a dry eye, droopy eyelid, heavy brow.
If you experience any other side effect you think is important.
You have any concerns related to the treatment.
Routine adjustments can be carried out after day 14 of your treatment. When you return for your follow up, we will evaluate the progress of today’s treatment. You may need an additional touch-up treatment to be sure that the targeted muscles are adequately weakened.
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can advise you further
LIFE STORY 604-968-0557 or hello@lifestory.com
ADVICE AND AFTERCARE DERMAL FILLERS
What is normal after the procedure
Due to the anesthetic in some gels, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure. It is also common to experience some swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over areas treated. Some people experience a dull ache, and tenderness over the treated areas which subsides between 48-72 hours. Mild, non-painful swelling can last for up to 2 weeks. Bruising is usually visible initially, then more obvious the following day, before fading over 7-14 days. A small minority of bruises can last for 4-6 weeks.
How to protect your results and reduce side effects
Keep the area cool with a cold compress.
Avoid exposure to UV light and heat (sauna, steam, sun beds, hot showers, strenuous exercise) for 48 hours after your treatment to help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements for 48 hours after the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
Avoid unnecessary pressure over any areas treated, especially in the first 24 hours.
Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for 6 hours following treatment. After that, the area can be gently washed with a gentle skin cleanser and water.
Do not apply make up over injection points until the day after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that any stimulation of the area could contribute to another occurrence. If you are predisposed to cold sores, you will be provided with a prescription for Valtrex to reduce the risk of a breakout. Take the medication as directed.
Avoid facial massages or skin resurfacing until the area has fully healed.
When to contact Life Story
Serious complications are rare, however it is important you seek urgent review if anything like this occurs. The following symptoms may indicate a need for medical assistance from your clinician or family doctor if you are unable to see us. Please contact us so we can advise you further.
Swelling, puffiness or lumpiness that does not fade in the first week with a gentle massage.
The filler changes texture and becomes hard, nodular, or lumpy, especially if there is redness or tenderness after 48 hours.
IMPORTANT: Contact us immediately if you have symptoms of a blocked blood vessel.
If you develop increasing pain near or above the injection site which is getting worse over time, especially if associated with a pale area of skin indicating lack of blood flow you should contact us immediately.
In rare cases, an urgent reversal or other medical interventions may be required immediately to prevent scarring. If we are unreachable, you should seek care through the Emergency Room.
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can advise you further
LIFE STORY 604-968-0557 or hello@lifestory.com