Choosing an Injector
When you are choosing a person or a clinic to have your injection treatments, there are certain qualifications of which you must be aware.
These procedures should only be performed by trained professional medical technicians, i.e., a physician or a nurse, who have an in-depth knowledge about facial anatomy, the chemical composition of the product, various injection techniques and the ability to treat or recognize any complications that may arise.
If you are receiving a treatment from an aesthetic nurse specialist, she must be under the direction of a physician who is also trained to do these procedures. Ask about their medical education and where they have been trained to do the injection procedures. Are they maintaining this training by attending annual update courses?
These treatments should be done in a clean, clinical environment by someone who can recognize the importance of sterile techniques.
Preparing for your treatment
Come to your treatment with as little makeup as possible. You must wait at least five days before or five days after having a chemical peel to proceed with an injection procedure. You should have something to eat or drink prior to the treatment since you should limit your facial movements for four hours afterwards. This is especially important for those clients who have lip enhancements or smile lines treated.
Meds to Avoid
To reduce the risk of bruising, we ask that you refrain from using these products for 3 days prior to your scheduled treatment.
- aspirin-based products
- anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Motrin and Ibuprofen
- anti-oxidants such as vitamin E, omega’s or fish oils
- herbal supplements such as ginko, ginseng, garlic pills, echinachea, primrose oil and St. John's Wort.
Topical
There are several topical creams available which, when used, will numb the skin so the treatment is more comfortable. The cream must be applied 15-30 minutes prior to the treatment and is suggested before treating facial lines.
After care
You should limit facial movement for 24 hours after the treatment. You may apply makeup 15 minutes afterwards to camouflage any post treatment pinkness. Bruising is always a possibility after any treatment. If bruising is noted, an arnica cream, which can be bought over the counter, may be applied twice a day until the bruising subsides. Do not rub or massage the injected area for 24 hours. This may displace the product or increase the degree of bruising. You may not have a chemical peel or facial for five days after an injection treatment.