Volume treatments for cheeks, also known as cheek fillers, make use of a substance that adds volume to the skin. When injected into the cheek area, the filler material attracts and retains moisture, thus addressing age-related volume loss. After the treatment, you may experience cheek swelling and other discomforts. However, by adhering to the post-treatment instructions provided by our cosmetic physician at Nitai Clinic in Melbourne, you can minimise swelling and achieve optimal results. Here are some essential recovery tips following cheek volume treatment:
Avoid massaging your cheeks excessively
Massaging your cheeks excessively or improperly can displace the filler or cause complications such as lumps or bumps, asymmetry, or irregular contours in the cheek area. Before you go home, you will be given specific instructions on how to massage the injection sites in your cheeks properly. This includes gentle massage techniques that help evenly distribute the filler material.
Elevate your head at a 30-45 degree angle when sleeping or resting
While rest and sleep do have positive effects on the healing of the injection sites, your body position can also influence swelling. Elevating your head at a 30-45-degree angle when sleeping or resting can help reduce cheek swelling. This position promotes optimal drainage of fluid from the treated area through the aid of gravity, thus reducing swelling. To elevate your head, you can use two to three pillows or a recliner chair when sleeping or resting.
Drink 2-3 litres of fluids daily
Staying hydrated can help reduce swelling by promoting proper fluid balance within the body. By drinking 2-3 litres of water daily, your body can efficiently flush out excess fluids and toxins. Moreover, your blood flow is improved if you stay hydrated. Since blood carries oxygen, essential nutrients, and cells necessary for repair, adequate hydration can help speed up the healing process. Aside from drinking water, you can also consume fruits with high water content, such as watermelon or cucumber.
Avoid strenuous exercises or activities
Avoiding strenuous exercises or activities for the first 24-48 hours after treatment can help reduce bruising and swelling. It also lowers the risk of displacement of the filler material, as excessive movements may contribute to this complication. Moreover, vigorous exercises and activities increase blood flow to the cheek area, which may contribute to swelling. In addition, these activities can cause you to sweat more which can lead to skin redness and irritation in the cheek area.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
The nicotine in cigarettes has detrimental effects on your blood vessels – it stimulates vasoconstriction or narrowing of the blood vessels. This is not a good effect as narrowing means less blood flow. With impaired blood circulation, oxygen, cells, and essential nutrients will not effectively reach body areas that need repair. This prolongs swelling and inflammation. Furthermore, smoking can speed up the breakdown of the filler material, which affects the results of cheek treatment for volume-loss.
Avoid alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption can further contribute to cheek fillers swelling through several mechanisms. First, alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it increases your urine production. While this effect can help flush out toxins, it can also lead to dehydration which can exacerbate swelling. Second, alcohol can impair blood circulation, which slows down the natural healing process by affecting the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients. Finally, prolonged alcohol consumption is associated with compromised immune function – this increases your risk of infection and prolongs swelling.
Avoid blood-thinning medications
Blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, can increase your risk of excessive bruising and bleeding at the injection site. This can exacerbate cheek swelling and delay healing. During your consultation at Nitai Clinic in Melbourne, we will assess your medical history to understand your medical background and determine what medications you are currently taking. By doing so, we can tailor our treatment approach and make any necessary adjustments to your medication regimen.
Reasons to choose Nitai Clinic for cheek volume enhancement in Melbourne
During consultations, we take the time to conduct detailed patient health assessments to identify underlying medical conditions and factors that can affect the outcome of the procedure. Based on these comprehensive assessments, a personalised treatment plan tailored to the unique needs and aesthetic goals of the patient is created.
Our clinic adheres to safety standards and protocols to ensure the well-being of our patients. We conduct detailed assessments of each patient’s medical history to determine the suitability of each potential candidate for cheek volume treatment. We also provide guidance to our patients regarding the pre- and post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal outcomes. These include guidelines and recommendations on activity restrictions, medication management, and lifestyle changes.
