1 Week Before
Stop taking blood-thinning supplements: fish oil, omega-3s, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and St. John's Wort. These increase bruising risk significantly. If you take prescription blood thinners, talk to your prescribing doctor — never stop prescription medications without medical guidance. Start taking arnica supplements if you're prone to bruising (available over the counter). Avoid scheduling dental work in the same week as your filler appointment.
2-3 Days Before
Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before your appointment — alcohol thins the blood and dramatically increases bruising. Stop using retinol, tretinoin, and AHA/BHA acids on the treatment area to reduce skin sensitivity. Avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning, which can make your skin more reactive. If you have a history of cold sores and you're getting lip filler, ask your provider about prophylactic antiviral medication.
Day Of
Come to your appointment with clean skin — no makeup on the treatment area. Eat a normal meal beforehand (don't come on an empty stomach). Stay hydrated. If you tend to be anxious about needles, let your provider know — we can help with positioning, numbing, and pacing to keep you comfortable. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin that day; acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine if needed.
What to Bring
Reference photos of results you like are incredibly helpful for communicating your goals. Bring a list of medications and supplements you take. If this is your first visit, arrive 10 minutes early for paperwork. You may want to bring sunglasses for after (lips can be slightly swollen, and you might feel self-conscious on the drive home — though it's usually very subtle).
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