Your Guide to
Minimizing the Risk of Side Effects and Complications

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
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- Taking ARNICA MONTANA (a natural homeopathic supplement) helps reduce bruising, swelling and soreness. Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)
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- Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible, for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
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- Schedule your Dermal Filler and Botox appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the Dermal Filler and Botox injections will take approximately 4 to 7 days to appear. Also bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period. Sculptra does take longer to see results so plan accordingly with your provider.
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- Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment.
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- Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.
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- If you have a history of cold sores please let your provider know, they may put you on an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
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- Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of becoming lightheaded during your treatment.
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- Reminder: You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

NeuroToxins
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- Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Ginko Biloba, St. John’s Wort and high doses of vitamin E for 7-10 days prior to procedure, as these may cause increase risk of bleeding and bruising at the treated site(s). Regular multi-vitamin and Tylenol® is permitted (If not contraindicated).
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- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to procedure as this can increase the risk for bleeding and bruising at the treated site(s).
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- Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal creams in the area(s) to be treated.
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- Take Tylenol® (if not contraindicated) 1 hour prior to your appointment to help with any discomfort you may have, if you have concerns about discomfort.
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- If you have any history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face, make sure you inform the doctor that you have made your appointment with, one week prior to your appointment; this will allow us adequate time to prescribe a medication to prevent an outbreak.
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- Sunburn skin is difficult to treat so avoid exposure to the sun.
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- Eat a small meal or a snack before your appointment.
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- Always inform your doctor of all medications, including supplements you may be taking as well as your medical history.
Precautions
You would not be considered a candidate for Neurotoxins if you have any of the following:
Myasthenia Gravis
Allergy to Botulinum Toxin
Neuromuscular disorder
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Allergy to human albumin

Dermal Fillers
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- Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Gingko Biloba , St. John’s Wort and high doses of vitamin E for at least 7-10 days before your appointment, unless medically necessary.
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- You may take Tylenol® (if not contraindicated) one hour before your appointment to prevent any discomfort you may experience. If you have concerns about discomfort.
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- If you are taking prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix, you should check with the prescribing doctor to see if you are able to stop these medicines for 7-10 days before your appointment and at least 2 days after the procedure has been done.
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- Avoid dental procedures (including cleaning) 2 weeks pre filler and 2 weeks post filler
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- If you have any history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face, make sure you inform the doctor that you have made your appointment with, one week prior to your appointment; this will allow us adequate time to prescribe a medication to prevent an outbreak.
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- Come to your appointment with a clean face. **This means NO MAKEUP or MOISTURIZER**
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- Eat a small meal or a snack before your appointment.
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- Bruising and swelling will be worse for the first 24-48 hours after you receive your dermal filler injections. Refrain from exercising for the remainder of the day following your injection(s). You may want to refrain from going to any special events during this time.