May 19, 2018

Fat Dissolving Injections Aftercare

Written by Dr Kate Jameson

dr christine performing double chin fat dissolving treatment at youth lab

Thank you for attending Youth Lab for Fat Dissolving Injections. Please take the time to carefully read your post-treatment instructions below.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

  • Apply a cool compress to the treatment area.
  • Avoid any heat-inducing activities for 24 hours.
  • Do not perform strenuous exercise for 24 hours. 
  • Avoid pressure on the area for 48 hours (i.e. avoid face down massages).
  • Do not massage the treatment area unless instructed to do so.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
  • Avoid active cosmeceutical products (AHAs, retinol, vitamin C) for 24 hours.
  • Do not apply oil based makeup for 24 hours. 
  • Avoid blood thinning medication such as Aspirin & Ibuprofen for 7 days (unless medically necessary)
  • Avoid facial treatments for 2 weeks (including facials, waxing, chemical peels, skin needling, Hydrafacial, IPL or laser)

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

The listed below are all normal side effects and should self resolve within a few days. 

  • Swelling. This is a normal result of the injections. The swelling is variable and in some cases may persist for up to 4 weeks.
  • Redness 
  • Tenderness 
  • Bruising 
  • Lumps 
  • Numbness 

For further information on how to manage these side effects, please see ‘Management’. 

More severe complications may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Superficial skin ulcerations
  • Facial muscle weakness or an asymmetrical smile

If you are experiencing any of the severe complications listed above please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont) or at (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup).

If it is after hours (between 5pm and 9am) please email our emergency email at emergency@youthlab.com.au. This email address is only to be used in cases of severe side effects. 

Please note this email may not be seen between the hours of 9pm and 7am so if any concerns arise during this time or if there is a high level of concern after hours present to your nearest emergency department or call 000

MANAGEMENT:

Swelling

Swelling  is a normal result of the injections and is an indication that the treatment is working. Swelling is variable and in some cases may persist for up to 4 weeks. It may appear asymmetrical, this is normal.

Swelling Relief

Swelling is expected and is an indication that the treatment is working. Therefore, there is no need to treat the swelling. The measures below can be applied for comfort. 

  • Apply a cool compress to the area for 10 minutes every hour on treatment day.
  • Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)
  • Try sleeping on your back, slightly elevated, to prevent pressure build-up on the face 

Bruising 

Bruising is a common and expected side effect. This is not due to poor technique and will not alter the final result of your treatment. In order to reduce bruising, it is important to adhere to the aftercare regime. 

Bruising Relief

  • Avoid any medications containing NSAIDs, aspirin, vitamin E and ginseng for the week prior and the week following treatment, unless medically necessary and after discussion with your doctor/nurse.
  • Apply a cool compress to the area for 10 minutes every hour on treatment day.
  • Apply topical Arnica or Hirudoid cream to the affected area. 

We offer HEALITE II LED treatments for those cases where bruising is severe and not manageable with home remedies. 

FAQs 

How long until I see the results?

It can take 6-8 weeks for results to become evident. After the initial treatment, there may be no visible results (this is why a treatment course is recommended). It is essential to attend your follow-up appointment. 

Further treatments within 6-8 weeks of the initial treatment will be necessary to achieve optimal results. Clients may require multiple treatment sessions to obtain their desired aesthetic outcome.

How long will the results last? 

Once optimal reduction in fat has been achieved following a course of treatments, the results are expected to be long lasting (studies have shown up to 5 years with no recurrence of fat). We cannot however guarantee the longevity of results. 

Please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont) or at (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) if you have any questions about your treatment or aftercare instructions.