Biostimulator
Care Instructions
Sculptra and Radiesse, both biostimulators work primarily by stimulating collagen and elastin which improve skin laxity and replace volume loss. This treatment is performed in a series of two to three procedures.
Prepare For Your Procedure
- Refrain from Aspirin or Anti-inflammatory medications – It's advisable to steer clear of over-the-counter analgesics, except for Tylenol. These medications could heighten the likelihood of bruising or swelling post-injection.
- Avoid Alcohol – Abstaining from alcohol for 2 to 3 days before your appointment is recommended, as alcohol can act as a blood thinner and elevate the risk of bruising.
- Avoid herbal supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo, ginseng, St. John's Wort, and garlic pills. Continuing a multivitamin is fine.
- For best results, increase protein intake one week prior and for one week after.
- Discuss any allergies and all current medications with your provider beforehand.
- Consider starting arnica montana, a natural supplement that can help minimize swelling and bruising, one day before the procedure and continue after the treatment.
- Cut down on salty foods before and after your treatment to prevent excess water retention, which can exacerbate swelling.
- Avoid hair removal treatments, such as waxing or tweezing, at least 2 days before the procedure. Inform your provider about any planned chemical peels or laser treatments, as these could irritate the injection site.
- If you have a history of cold sores, inform your provider, as the procedure might trigger an outbreak, and pre-treatment may be necessary.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, disclose this to your provider, as the safety of fillers hasn't been established for these individuals and treatment is generally not advised.
The Day of Your Procedure
- Our comfort menu will be provided and includes blankets, neck support pillows, soothing music, giggle gas (for an additional fee), topical numbing,and a comfort nerve block.
- Each injection takes only a moment and will be performed in the areas discussed with your provider.
- The duration of the procedure can vary from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your specific treatment plan.
After Your Procedure
- Massage the injected areas for five minutes, five times a day, or five days.
- Avoid facials, massage, laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2 weeks following your sculptra or radiesse treatment.
- Common side effects like swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site are generally mild and resolve within a few days, though some bruising may persist for up to two weeks.
- Refrain from vigorous physical activity and alcohol consumption for the first 24 hours post-treatment to minimize the risk of bruising.
- Tinted SPF will be applied immediately after the procedure, and normal skincare can be resumed that night.
- To decrease bruising and swelling, lightly apply ice to the treated area in intervals of 10-15 minutes for the first 1-2 hours after the procedure. Taking Zytrec and Pepcid during the day and Benadryl at night can decrease swelling.
- Limit exposure to strong sunlight or extreme temperatures until any swelling or redness subsides. Use a mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30+ for protection.
- In the rare event of excessive pain, visual changes, skin discoloration or white appearance of the skin, severe swelling, visible red lumps, or whiteheads, please reach out to your provider directly through the Cult Aesthetics Clinics contact methods or at the clinic itself.
- In the unlikely chance that you experience ANY of the following signs and symptoms: Increasing pain, redness, swelling, significant bruising or darkening at or around the treatment area lasting over 5 days, notable change in temperature to the skin surrounding the treatment area, drainage or fever over 100.5 F or ANY other concerns you may have any other unusual symptoms call your provider directly at the Cult Aesthetics Clinic.
