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During each treatment 10 injections are administered to specific areas on the face. After the treatment you will notice bumps in the skin at the site of the injections. These will disperse over the next 24-48 hours and you may notice an improvement in skin hydration and plumpness.

Immediately After Treatment

1. Avoid touching the treated area or applying products for 24 hours following treatment. Do not massage the bumps present at injection sites.
2. Stay Upright: Try to remain upright for 4-6 hours after your treatment; this helps to prevent pressure on the treated areas and allows the Profhilo to stabilize within your skin.
3. You may eat and drink as normal, however avoid hot drinks if you have numbness of the lips following the injections.
4. Minimal Makeup: It's best to avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours to prevent any infection or irritation of the injection sites.

First 24-48 Hours

1. Do not expose the area to intense heat, for example sauna, hot showers, sunbeds, sunbathing etc until the swelling has resolved. Also avoid intense cold.
2. Avoid alcohol and the use of aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen for 24 hours following treatment as they increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
3. Do not participate in strenuous exercise for 48 hours after your procedure as it can cause migration of filler due to increased blood flow and excess bruising/ swelling.
4. Avoid flying for at least 48 hours after treatment as changes in air pressure in aeroplanes may increase swelling.

Later

1. Skin Care Products: After 24 hours, you can resume using your regular skin care products, but you may want to avoid those with active ingredients like retinols or high-strength vitamin C for a couple of days to avoid irritation.
2. Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the treated area when going outdoors for a minimum of 3 months after treatment to protect your skin, as it may be more sensitive to sunlight after the treatment.
3. Avoid facials, micro-dermabrasion, microneedling, chemical peels, laser, IPL or sun beds for at least 14 days after treatment.

Vascular occlusion

Vascular occlusion (blockage of a blood vessel) is extremely rare with Profhilo as it is injected in the the most superficial layer of the skin away from larger blood vessels. Nevertheless, recognizing the signs of a vascular occlusion early is crucial for preventing more severe damage, including tissue necrosis (death of tissue) or other serious complications.

Immediate Signs of Vascular Occlusion:-

• Severe Pain: Intense, disproportionate pain at or near the injection site immediately after the procedure or developing shortly after.
• Skin Discoloration: The affected area may appear white (blanching) due to lack of blood flow, or later turn purple or grey as the tissue starts to suffer from lack of oxygen.
• Mottled Skin Pattern: A lace-like network of small blood vessels (livedo reticularis) may become visible, indicating impaired blood flow.

Other Early Signs:-

• Coldness: The affected area may feel unusually cold to the touch compared to surrounding tissues, due to the reduced blood flow.
• Swelling: While some swelling is expected after filler injections, sudden and disproportionate swelling in a localized area can be a sign of vascular occlusion.
• Blistering: The appearance of blisters or small fluid-filled bumps near the injection site can indicate the beginning of tissue damage.

Later Signs (if not promptly treated):-

• Skin Necrosis: The development of dark, black areas on the skin, indicating that the skin tissue is dying.
• Vision Changes or Loss: If the occlusion affects the areas around the eyes, it can lead to sudden vision changes or even loss of vision, which may be permanent.
• Painful Redness or Heat: While this can also be a sign of infection, in the context of recent filler injections, it could also suggest an ongoing response to a vascular blockage.

If you suspect a vascular occlusion after receiving dermal filler injections, it is a medical emergency. Contact Dr Lynch by phone (during working hours) or email (at all times) - contact@drmagnuslynch.com. Dr Lynch will usually need to assess the area and may need to dissolve the filler (if it is hyaluronic acid-based) with an enzyme called hyaluronidase and possibly administer other medications to manage the condition and prevent further damage.

General advice

1. Report Any Concerns: If you experience any unusual side effects, such as prolonged swelling, redness, or discomfort, contact Dr Lynch immediately.
2. Remember that it can take a few weeks to see the full effects of your Profhilo treatment, as the product gradually stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in your skin.
3. If this is your first Profhilo treatment, a second session is advised after 1 month and you will see maximal benefits a few weeks after this second session. Benefits will last for up to 6-8 months after which time you may need top up sessions every 6 months or so.