The potential risks of Flying after Cosmetic Fillers
Everyone wants to look great on their holidays so what about your pre-holiday treatment? Just as you wouldn’t book your fight two days before take-off you should not leave your Cosmetic Fillers until the last minute. In fact, here at Skin Renu, we recommend you have your treatment at least 10-14 days before an international flight.
Why the wait?
Cosmetic Fillers work by integrating with your dermal tissue increasing volume and binding water to the area, increasing moisture levels to the area treated.
It is this binding with the water in the treated areas that can be affected by the plane’s pressurisation, causing the area to swell.
With all Dermal Filler treatments, there is a risk of bruising and swelling. The plane’s pressurisation increases these risks. As a general rule we say wait the two weeks you would normally wait to have the Dermal Filler settle into the skin and allow post treatment sensitivity and swelling subside.
You are then sure that your flight will not interfere with your Dermal Filler treatment and you’ll be refreshed to enjoy your holiday.
While we are talking about the best outcomes for Cosmetic Fillers, we may refresh your memory on other points to ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment;
- Cease blood thinning medications and supplements such as Asprin, ibruprofen, Fish Oil, Ginko Biloba, Ginger 5-7 days pre-treatment, unless these are prescribed to you by your Doctor or Health Care Professional. This will reduce the risk of bruising.
- Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake 24 hours prior and post treatment as these are vasodilators and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths and showers (tepid water is best) for 48 hours post treatment.
- Avoid poking and touching the area, it will be a little sensitive and this can increase the risk of swelling and bruising. If it feels lumpy wait the two weeks recommended for your follow up and your injector will check the area. Lumps and lack of smoothness can be a result of swelling and will self resolve. Rubbing and poking the area attracts more water to bind with the Dermal Filler and can increase the swelling.
- Also, if you have your lips done, a really hot chilli dish that night is not the best idea! Chilli is a vasodilator and your lips will swell.
- It is best to avoid active product Skin care for the first week, as products such as AHA exfoliants etc can irritate the skin – particularly at the entry point of the injection.