Q: The treated areas looked amazing for the first 3 days, how come it's started to go down a bit?
A: This is a common finding and is completely normal. Due to the swelling and inflammation, you will notice the "wow" effect immediately. However, after 3-5 days, you may notice a slight reduction of the filler around the treatment area.
PLEASE Don't panic and Don't despair!!
Your cosmetic doctor should under treat the area for 2 reasons:
1) To account for swelling
2) To allow for full hydration within 2 - 4 weeks.
The dermal filler is a PARTIALLY HYDRATED gel. This means that it will absorb more water molecules from the dermis (skin) over 2 - 4 weeks. If we over treat, over compensate or re-treat the area too soon, you will notice a swelling or lump after 4 weeks.
What you can do in the mean time is:
a) drink more fluids (especially water)
b) use SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day, and
c) use a moisturizer at night with vitamin A, C, E
.... this will keep your skin nice and hydrated!
Q: Why is there a red mark or bruise around the site?
A: Dr Louisa uses a combination of techniques for fillers. She usually uses the Ferning technique which will required repetitive injections around the same area. This will promote more inflammation, swelling and bruising. Please remember that this will also promote the production of natural collagen around the dermis (Skin) area.
Q: Is there anything that I can use to reduce bruising and swelling?
A: YES.
There is a natural herbal medicine called ARNICA by Brauer. You may take 2 tablets four times a day prior to the day of treatment. You can increase the frequency of dosage on the day of treatment and reduce the dosage the day after.
PLEASE NOTE: I have had 1 client developed an allergic reaction to arnica. She developed rash and moderate itch mainly on sweat areas - palms, feet, armpits, groin and sacrum region. This is a pretty rare reaction but still, please note that all medications and treatments do carry a very small risk of reaction. The client made a full recovery after the cessation of the product. If you have any queries, don't hesitate to contact Dr Louisa via the online form.
Q: The treated areas looked amazing but 2-4 weeks later, there seems to be a slight bulge around the area. Is this normal?
A: The lumpiness could be related to the filler and it is temporary. Being quite freely mobile, sometimes the filler can migrate and bound together with other fillers around the site. Dr Louisa finds this is particularly common with one of the products on the market. You can try using some vaseline or any cream, massage it down. If it is still lumpy after 4-5 days, please contact Dr Louisa via the clinics or come back for a review (Dr Louisa would like to see clients for a review 2-4 weeks after any treatments).
If the course of the lumpiness is filler related, Dr Louisa is able to use small doses of hyalase with the mesotherapy technique to help reducing the size of the filler.
Q: How come the filler is only lasting just over 4 weeks?
A: There are a few reasons why this happens:
1) Manufacturing and product issue - extremely rare as the company has a good long-standing history of quality control
2) Client issue - we know that if you have had infections, are a current smoker or regular use of alcohol, you are more likely to break down the product more rapidly.
3) Skin issue - hydration is the key. If the skin condition is poor, the fillers are not going to be long lasting. You MUST use skin block in the morning to maintain hydration during the day and use vitamin A, C, E products at night time.
4) Aging issue - More decent and deflation from mid cheek, therefore, creating more folds in the lower face.
5) Cost issue - If you have decided to opt for 1/2 a syringe initially, it is likely that your skin needed the full treatment rather than the 1/2 syringe. So, don't despair, next time save up and enjoy the full treatment.
There are usually several factors causing reappearance of lines / folds, it is best to contact Dr Louisa as soon as possible for an earlier review.
