PRE AND POST CARE: BIOFILLER | Arawan Medspa + Wellness an Aesthetic Clinic

Pre and Post Care: BioFiller Injection Treatment

Pre-Treatment Guidelines

1. Medications & Supplements

Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Refrain from taking NSAIDs listed below and other anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 8 days before your procedure, as they can interfere with the natural inflammatory process essential for healing.
Do not take systemic steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone. Steroids must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after PRP injections. Please verify with your primary care physician that it is okay for you to stop taking systemic steroids.
Do not take: Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Aspirin, Voltaren, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Mobic, or Celebrex) for 8 days before and 8 days after the procedure.
Please let us know if you are taking prescription blood thinning medications such as Heparin, Coumadin, Plavix, etc.
You may take Tylenol.
Discontinue Blood-Thinning Supplements: Stop using supplements listed below at least 8 days prior to treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
Do not take the following: Ginkgo, Garlic, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Flax Oil, Curcumin and other anti-inflammatory nutrients.
You may start Arnica 5 pellets, 3 times a day starting 2 days before, and continuing the day of and for 2 days after the procedure to decrease the risk of bruising.
Ensure you have not been on Accutane in the past 6 months.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

Hydration: Begin hydrating well the day before and continue on the day of the procedure to facilitate blood draw and improve plasma quality.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before treatment, as they may increase the risk of bruising.
No Smoking: Ideally smoking should be discontinued altogether to optimize results. However, if you are unable to discontinue altogether please avoid smoking anything (cigarettes, vape, marijuana, etc) for at least 3 days before the procedure and 3 days after the procedure to help with healing and promote the best possible outcome.

3. Skin Preparation

Clean Skin: Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup, lotions, or other topical products.
Shaving: If necessary, shave the treatment area the evening before to avoid skin irritation.

The Day of the Procedure:

Blood is drawn and bio-filler is processed.
Topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area for 20-30 minutes.
Injectable anesthetic administered.

Pre procedure: Please contact the clinic during regular business hours at 847-383-6217.

Post-Treatment Guidelines

1. Immediate Aftercare (First 24 to 48 Hours)

Do Not Take Any NSAIDs: Such as Aspirin, Motrin/Ibuprofen, Celebrex, etc for at least 2 weeks and ideally 6 weeks.
Do Not Apply a Heat or a Cold Pack For The Next 7 Days. Applying a heat or a cold pack will blunt the effects of the inflammatory response and can diminish the best possible outcome.
Avoid Touching the Treated Area: Do not touch, press, rub, or manipulate the treated area for at least 48 hours after your treatment.
Do Not Do Other Treatments for the Next 2 Weeks: Such as facials, massages, microneedling, threads, laser, other injections, etc.
Delay Washing: Wait at least 6 hours before washing your face. Use tepid water and a gentle cleanser to cleanse the area.
No Makeup or Creams: Avoid applying makeup, lotions, or creams for at least 48 hours post-treatment to prevent bacteria entering the injection sites.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun for at least 48 hours to prevent permanent discoloration.
Avoid Heat: Such as direct heat exposure, including hot showers, saunas, and vigorous exercise to minimize bruising.
Apply Bacitracin Ointment for the Next 2 days: Use as directed.
Sleep flat on your back: For the next two weeks. You may sleep in an elevated position or you may use an airplane pillow to help prevent rolling your face.
Use Sunscreen: After 48 hours.
You may resume exercising after 48 hours.

2. Ongoing Care (Days 2 to 7)

Gentle Skincare: Do not use active ingredients such as retinoids, glycolic acid, AHA/BHA for the next 2 weeks. Avoid alcohol based toners for the next two weeks. Continue using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
Avoid Certain Activities: Refrain from swimming, using hot tubs, or engaging in activities (going to the gym) that may expose the treated area to bacteria or excessive moisture for at least 24 hours.

3. Additional Recommendations

Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of water to aid in the healing process.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Continue to avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 3 days post-treatment to promote optimal healing.
Sleep Position: Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows to reduce swelling.

Post-Treatment Expectations

Numbing Medication: The numbing medication applied during your procedure should wear off within 1 to 2 hours, similar to the sensation experienced after a dental procedure.

Common Post-Treatment Sensations:

Soreness: Mild soreness is normal and should subside within a few days.
Swelling: Swelling, redness, or mild inflammation is common and may persist for up to 48 hours.
Bruising: Bruising can occur and may last up to several weeks, but should gradually improve over time.
Appearance: Typically presents as reddish-purple discoloration at the injection site, which may turn blue or yellow as it heals.
Pain: Mild soreness or tenderness localized to the bruised area.
Temperature: Skin remains warm to the touch.
Capillary Refill: Normal; color returns within 2 seconds when the area is pressed.
Progression: Bruising gradually fades over several days to a week.
Cause: Result of blood vessels breaking under the skin due to needle insertion.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Attention:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact Dr. de la Cruz immediately, as they may indicate a vascular occlusion. This is a serious condition requiring prompt medical intervention:

⚠️ Vascular Occlusion (VO)

Appearance: Skin may appear pale, mottled, or bluish, indicating reduced blood flow.
Pain: Severe, persistent, or throbbing pain that doesn't subside.
Temperature: Affected area feels cool to the touch due to lack of blood circulation.
Capillary Refill: Delayed or absent; color does not return promptly when the area is pressed.
Progression: Symptoms may worsen over time, potentially leading to tissue damage if untreated.
Cause: Occurs when filler material blocks a blood vessel, impeding normal blood flow.

These symptoms may indicate a vascular occlusion, a blockage in a blood vessel that can lead to tissue damage if not treated promptly. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

Infection Signs:

Signs of infection are not normal and should be addressed promptly. Contact the clinic if you experience:

Increased Redness or Warmth: At the treatment site.
Pus or Discharge: From the treated area.
Fever or chills.
Persistent Swelling: That worsens over time.

These may be signs of an infection that requires medical attention.

Follow-Up Care:

If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, please contact Dr. de la Cruz immediately. Early intervention is key to ensuring the best possible outcome.

Post procedure: Contact 847-383-6217. DURING OFF BUSINESS HOURS call Nurse Sunshine at 847-421-7400.