What Should You Avoid After Getting Restylane?

Restylane has become one of the most popular dermal fillers available for cosmetic use. It uses a series of natural ingredients to help plump up the skin. It’s effective for cosmetic use because of its ability to naturally and safely improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and facial folds resulting from volume loss while enhancing certain facial features. If you live in the Baltimore, MD, area and want to address aging or perfect your appearance, we offer this collection of fillers at Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD, and can design a treatment plan that’s right for you.

 

What Should You Avoid After Getting Restylane?

One of the reasons that so many patients love dermal fillers is that the treatment process doesn’t require social downtime. However, there are some things you must avoid immediately following your treatment to allow the filler to settle and integrate with your skin for optimal results. Following the aftercare directives and avoiding certain activities and environments will ensure you achieve the best possible results post-treatment.

 

Heat and Lasers

Heat exposure after a dermal filler appointment can negatively impact the results, which is why you should avoid anything that elevates your body temperature for at least 24 hours post-treatment. This includes laying out in the sun, using a tanning bed, sauna, hot tub, steam room, and even taking a long, hot shower or bath. Within a few days of your treatment, you can resume all these activities.

 

High-intensity therapies, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser treatments, should be avoided near Restylane-treated areas. These treatments can generate heat and may affect the stability of the filler during the crucial settling period.

 

Opt for alternative skincare treatments that do not involve intense light exposure to maintain the integrity of the Restylane results and minimize the risk of unintended side effects.

 

Sun Exposure

Excess sun exposure does not promote skin health, and it’s important to take measures to protect your skin from the sun on a normal day, but it becomes even more important after a dermal filler appointment.

The UV rays in sunlight can negatively affect dermal fillers, specifically during the healing process, which is why you avoid the sun as much as possible immediately following your treatment. Utilize protective clothing, hats, visors, and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure as much as possible.

 

Strenuous Exercise

If you plan on working out on the day of your dermal filler injection, do so before your scheduled appointment. After your dermal filler appointment, you must avoid strenuous exercise that significantly increases your heart rate for at least 24 hours to avoid interfering with your results.

 

Blood-Thinning Supplements and Medications

Before your filler appointment, you will need to avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications and supplements for a few days, and you’ll continue to avoid them in the days following your treatment.

These supplements and medications include but are not limited to ibuprofen, fish oil, ginseng, Ginkgo, garlic, and vitamin E. You won’t have to discontinue these supplements and medications forever, just for a few days, to avoid their blood-thinning effects.

 

Alcohol

You’ll also need to avoid alcohol consumption on the day of your treatment and, for best results, for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Like blood-thinning supplements and medications, alcohol thins the blood, which can negatively affect your treatment and results, increasing the risk of bruising. Alcohol also dehydrates the skin, and adequate skin hydration is important when undergoing any professional skin care treatment.

 

General Touching of Your Face

Resist the urge to touch or massage the treated areas post-injection. Let Restylane settle naturally into the skin for optimal results. Patience is critical during this phase, and refraining from excessive touching ensures that the filler integrates seamlessly with your facial contours. By allowing the filler to settle undisturbed, you contribute to a more uniform and natural-looking outcome, enhancing the overall satisfaction with your Restylane results.

Avoiding excessive facial expressions during this time also supports the settling process, allowing for a harmonious and even appearance.

 

Facial Massage

After your appointment, avoid scheduling any facial massage treatments. During the injection process, your injector will administer the exact amount of Restylane into your treatment area. A facial massage appointment after your treatment could cause the filler to migrate into different areas of the face since it takes time to settle in and integrate with the skin.

 

Sleeping Facedown

You’ll also need to avoid putting pressure on the injection site after your treatment, which is why you should avoid any sleeping position that puts pressure on your face to avoid product migration. Sleeping on your back temporarily is one of the simplest ways to avoid interfering with your results and will ensure the best possible outcome.

 

Professional Skincare Treatments

It’s important that you refrain from scheduling any Baltimore, MD, area skincare treatments immediately following your injection appointment, as the techniques and methods could interrupt your results. We can give you guidelines regarding when to resume certain treatments after your injections and even recommend the best options to help you address specific skin concerns.

 

Retinoids

While establishing a skincare routine, steer clear of retinoid or retinol products immediately after your Restylane treatment. These products may be too harsh for the freshly treated skin and irritate the injection sites. Opt for gentle, non-irritating formulations during the initial recovery period.

 

Choosing retinoid-free products during this period allows the skin to heal without unnecessary irritation, promoting a comfortable and effective recovery. Focus on products with calming ingredients such as chamomile or aloe vera to soothe the skin and aid in its recovery.

 

Harsh Chemical Exposure

Exposure to harsh chemicals in cleaning agents, hair dyes, or other beauty products can irritate the skin and potentially interfere with the Restylane settling. During the initial days after treatment, opt for mild, hypoallergenic products and avoid direct contact with strong chemicals to safeguard the sensitivity of the treated areas. Prioritize gentle skincare and beauty routines to promote a seamless recovery and optimal filler integration.

 

Dental Procedures Involving Pressure

Engaging in dental procedures that involve prolonged pressure on the face, such as dental surgery or extended dental appointments, should be avoided in the days following Restylane injections. Excessive pressure on the treated areas can disrupt the even distribution and settling of the filler. It’s recommended to schedule dental appointments either before Restylane treatment or after the initial recovery period to prevent unintended impacts on the results of your cosmetic enhancement.

 

Smoking and Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can have detrimental effects on your skin’s health, and this holds after Restylane injections. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin. This diminished blood circulation may impede the healing process and affect the integration of Restylane.

 

Additionally, smoking is known to accelerate the aging process, counteracting the benefits of the filler. To ensure optimal results, it’s advisable to refrain from smoking and limit exposure to secondhand smoke during the recovery period.

 

Extreme Temperature Changes

Avoiding exposure to extreme temperature changes after getting Restylane is essential. Sudden shifts between hot and cold environments, such as saunas, cold plunges, or hot baths followed by cold showers, can adversely affect the filler’s settling process. These temperature extremes may impact the blood flow and skin’s response, potentially compromising the integration of Restylane into the treated areas. Opt for a stable and moderate environment during the initial days post-treatment to support the filler’s optimal performance and longevity.

 

Extended Exposure to Electronic Screens

Prolonged exposure to electronic screens, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, can contribute to eye strain and facial tension. While Restylane settles into the treated areas, minimizing screen time is advisable, especially near the eyes. Extended screen use may lead to increased blinking, squinting, or eye rubbing, potentially disrupting the optimal distribution of the filler. Taking breaks, practicing the 20-20-20 rule, and ensuring adequate ambient lighting can help alleviate strain and support a smooth recovery process.

 

Is Restylane Right for Me?

If you live in the Baltimore, MD, area and are interested in learning more about the Restylane collection of fillers and whether you’re a good treatment candidate, we can help. At your consultation, we’ll ask you some questions about your health history to determine if one of the Restylane fillers is right for you and confirm that you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.

Then, we can give you more details about how the fillers work, discuss your areas of concern, and confirm your treatment eligibility. Pregnant and nursing women don’t qualify for treatment, nor do those with active skin infections in the planned treatment area.

Schedule Your Baltimore, MD Dermal Filler Appointment Today

Don’t wait any longer to experience all the benefits of the right dermal filler treatment plan designed for your specific aesthetic needs and concerns. We can choose the right filler or combination of fillers to naturally enhance your appearance, minimize the signs of aging, and help you feel more confident. Contact us today at Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD, to schedule your initial consultation.