Aftercare: Facial Structure and Contour Treatment

This document is for existing patients of The Glow Co. Aesthetics. It has been prepared by Registered Nurse Lisa to support your recovery following treatment received at our clinic. It is not intended for general publication and does not constitute advertising or promotion of any prescription medicine. All prescription medicines are prescribed by our clinic's medical practitioner following individual clinical assessment.

Your Treatment

Today you received an injection of a hyaluronic acid (HA) based filler into the treatment area. The products used at The Glow Co. Aesthetics are from the Art Filler range, which are Schedule 4 prescription medicines. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the body. When injected, it adds structure, support, and volume to the treated area.

Some improvement is visible immediately following treatment. However, swelling in the first 24 to 72 hours will temporarily affect how your result looks. Allow a full 2 weeks for swelling to fully resolve before assessing your result.

What to Expect

The following are normal and expected responses following your treatment:

• Swelling at and around the injection sites, most pronounced in the first 24 to 72 hours and gradually resolving over 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling may temporarily distort the appearance of symmetry before settling
• Bruising at injection points, varying in extent between patients and resolving within 7 to 14 days
• Tenderness or mild discomfort at the treated site for 24 to 48 hours
• Firmness or slight unevenness in the treated area during the initial settling period. This typically resolves as the product integrates over 2 to 4 weeks
• Itching or mild skin discolouration at injection points, resolving within a few days

Aftercare Instructions

For the First 24 Hours

• Remain upright for at least 4 hours post-treatment. Do not lie face-down
• Do not touch, press, rub, or massage the treated areas
• Do not apply makeup directly over injection sites
• Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen unless medically necessary. Paracetamol is fine
• Avoid saunas, hot showers, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise
• Apply a cold compress wrapped in a clean cloth to reduce swelling if needed. Light pressure only -- do not press firmly into the treated area

For the First 3 Days

• Sleep with your head slightly elevated to minimise puffiness
• Continue to avoid touching or massaging the treated area unless specifically instructed by Nurse Lisa to do so
• Avoid dental work and vaccinations during this period where possible, as these may increase localised inflammation
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid high-intensity exercise, saunas, and excessive heat
• Avoid alcohol

For the First 2 Weeks

• Avoid face-down massage or sustained pressure to the treated area
• Avoid cosmetic treatments to the area including laser, chemical peels, and skin needling
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily
• Allow swelling to fully resolve before assessing your result. Symmetry may appear uneven during the settling period -- this is normal

Possible Complications

As with any injection of a prescription medicine, complications are possible. The following have been documented with hyaluronic acid filler treatments:

• Bruising or bleeding at injection sites
• Prolonged swelling or tenderness beyond the expected timeframe
• Lumps or nodules under the skin during the settling period. Most resolve on their own. Contact the clinic if a lump persists beyond 4 weeks
• Allergic or inflammatory reaction to the product
• Infection, which typically presents 5 to 7 days post-treatment with increasing redness, heat, swelling, discharge, or fever
• Vascular occlusion -- a blocked blood vessel. This is a rare but serious complication requiring immediate assessment. See warning signs below
• Visual disturbance or blindness -- extremely rare but documented. Requires immediate emergency attention
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring in the most severe cases of unmanaged complications

Recovery and outcomes vary between individuals. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if clinically required. This option is available and can be discussed at your review appointment or at any time you have concerns.

Warning Signs -- Contact the Clinic or Seek Emergency Care Immediately

The following symptoms may indicate a vascular complication or serious adverse reaction. Do not wait to see if they resolve. Act immediately.

• Severe or rapidly increasing pain in the treated area
• Skin that becomes pale, white, or dusky in colour (blanching)
• Areas that feel cold, firm, or look mottled or blotchy
• Prolonged or worsening swelling beyond 72 hours
• Signs of infection: increasing redness, heat, discharge, or fever
• Any visual disturbance including blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Any symptom that concerns you

For urgent concerns, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department immediately.

For non-urgent concerns, contact Nurse Lisa on 0405 130 108.

For further information, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has published a patient resource: Supporting a safe choice about cosmetic injectables.

Your Review Appointment

Your review is scheduled at approximately 4 weeks post-treatment, once swelling has fully resolved and the product has settled. Nurse Lisa will assess your result and discuss whether any refinement is clinically appropriate.

Filler integration takes time. The goal at review is an accurate assessment of your settled result, not an immediate correction of what may still be swelling. If a refinement is indicated it will be discussed and planned at that appointment.

If a lump, firmness, or asymmetry persists beyond 4 weeks, or if you have any concern before your review date, please contact the clinic rather than waiting.

Contact the clinic or call 0405 130 108 with any questions.