Collagen Bio-Stimulators

Avoid any non-essential blood-thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications, and supplements for 1 week prior to treatment, including:

• Vitamins D, A and E.
• Fish, Flaxseed or Evening Primrose Oil.
• Magnesium or Ginkgo.
• Ibuprofen and Voltaren.

Patients on prescribed anti-coagulant medications such as Aspirin/Warfarin should continue as directed by their treating Doctor. Patients must be aware that this may increase the likelihood and severity of bruising.

Do not consume alcohol within 48 hours of treatment.

Complete any regular exercise/scheduled classes PRIOR to your appointment as you must avoid exercise for 24 hours after treatment.

Please arrive to your appointment with a clean face/neck, completely free of any make-up, sunscreen or skincare. 

Please advise your clinician if you: 

• Have an auto-immune disease, or a metabolic or systemic disorder.
• Have an active systemic infection or illness (E.g. cold or flu) and are taking antibiotics.
• Are on anti-coagulation therapy.
• Are taking oral Isotretinoin.
• Have a major social event such as a wedding, birthday, etc. scheduled in the next 2 weeks.
• Have received a COVID-19 vaccination or booster in the last 2 weeks.

Prior to your treatment, our Nurse and Doctor will consult with you to assess your suitability for collagen bio-stimulators and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. The treatment is performed by our healthcare professional in a clinical setting, and takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes to complete.

Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleaned and disinfected with an antiseptic solution and marked up. A fine needle or cannula will be used to inject the product into the skin. The specific injection sites and the amount of filler used will depend on the area being treated and the desired results.

The injections may sting for a few seconds, but are generally comfortable and well tolerated. In some instances a local anaesthetic will be administered prior to the injections for your comfort. 

You will be provided with specific aftercare instructions which you must follow carefully to ensure the best possible results from your treatment.

Side-Effects

The most common side effects of dermal fillers are mild and temporary, and may include:

1. Bruising: The most common side effect of treatment. Usually resolving within 1-2 weeks.
2. Swelling: The most common side effect treatment. Usually resolves within 1-2 weeks.
3. Asymmetry: Temporary, mild, and usually caused by swelling.
4. Redness: The injection site may be red immediately after treatment, usually resolving within a few hours.
5. Itchiness: The treated area may be mildly itchy after treatment and during healing. This is usually mild, resolving within a few days.
6. Pain/Discomfort: Usually mild and experienced during or after treatment, managed with over-the-counter pain medication or intermittent cold compression.
7. Nodules and Bumps: Occasionally, small nodules or bumps may form under the skin after treatment, but these usually resolve on their own over time.
8. Allergic Reaction: In very rare cases, patients may be allergic to the ingredients of bio-stimulators.

It is strongly advised to follow all instructions, including any recommendations for medications or follow-up visits to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

• It is STRONGLY advised to avoid applying any make-up products to the area for 48 hours.
• For 5 days after treatment, firmly massage the treated area 3 times a day for 5 minutes. A moisturising cream or cleanser may be used to reduce friction.
• Wash hands thoroughly before massaging or touching the treated area.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for 24 hours.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, intense heat and other sources of UV radiation (e.g. saunas and solariums) for 24 hours.
• Smoking, vaping or similar is STRONGLY discouraged as this will delay healing and increase the risk of infection and other complications. 
• An ice/cold pack may be applied intermittently for a few minutes to help reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth and avoid putting ice directly on your skin.
• Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as required. 
• Hirudoid or Arnica cream may be applied to treated area to reduce bruising.

A follow-up appointment is available at 8 weeks post treatment to review aesthetic outcome. Please note: Full effects are typically seen at 8 weeks, and will continue to improve for up to 3-4 months post treatment. It is normal to see swelling, bruising and asymmetry during the healing phase. Thus, no follow-up appointments will take place prior to 8 weeks unless advised by the treating practitioner.

The effects of your treatment are expected to last up to 24 months, depending on various factors.  It is important to note that individual results may vary and that the duration of the treatment can be affected by a number of factors, including the amount of product used, the specific area being treated, and the patient’s lifestyle and metabolism. Multiple treatments may be required.

If you are concerned about any aspect of your treatment or become unwell – please contact us as soon as possible.

Treatment is contraindicated in/with the following:

• Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Patients under 18 years of age.
• History of severe anaphylaxis, allergies or hypersensitivity to bio-stimulator products and/or their ingredients, including local anaesthetic.
• Active systemic infection/illness or currently taking antibiotics.
• Active skin infection, inflammation, or skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, cold sores, skin cancer, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis or a healing wound are not suitable due to increased risk of infection or complications.
• Patients recently undergone, or are planning to undergo facial surgery or major dental work within 6 weeks.
• Received a COVID-19 vaccination or booster in the last 2 weeks.
• Patients with permanent or non-dissolvable filler or facial implants are not suitable for treatment with dermal filler in the same area.
• Immune system disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, Lupus, or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Bleeding or clotting disorders such as thrombocytopenia or von Willebrand disease, or taking blood-thinning medications may not be suitable for dermal filler treatment or may be at increased risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site.
• Patients currently taking Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane) or similar oral Retinoids are not suitable for treatment due to increased risk of infection and complications. It is recommended to stop taking Roaccutane for at least 6 months prior to treatment.
• Patients who are immunocompromised or currently undergoing active chemo/radio therapy.