Understanding Swelling Post Volume Loss or Contouring Treatment

Hello, this is my first blog post. Not sure if people are interested in this but personally I like knowing everything and anything before I buy or get something done.

So I thought I would talk a little bit about swelling as I want to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with your volume loss / contouring treatments. One common post-treatment reaction is swelling. Let's dive into why this happens and how you can manage it for a smooth recovery.

Why Does Swelling Happen?

Swelling after volume loss / contouring treatment is completely normal and expected. Here’s why:

1. Tiny Skin Trauma: Administering volume loss / contouring products involves using a needle or cannula, which creates tiny traumas in the skin. Your body responds with inflammation and swelling as it starts to heal.

2. Water Attraction: Many volume loss / contouring products, like hyaluronic acid (which is a naturally occurring substance that is found throughout the body's connective tissue), it attracts water to the area, causing some puffiness as they integrate with your skin.

3. Natural Reaction: Some people might have a localised reaction to the product resulting in temporary swelling.

4. Administration Technique: Even with the most gentle and skilled techniques, a bit of swelling can occur due to the process.

What to Expect with Swelling

- Right After Treatment: Swelling can start almost immediately and is usually noticeable within a few hours. It’s just your body’s way of saying, "I’m healing"

- First 48 Hours: Swelling often peaks during this time. Don’t be alarmed if you look a bit puffier than expected.

- 3 to 7 Days: You’ll see the swelling gradually decrease. By the end of the week, you should notice a big improvement.

- Two Weeks: Most swelling should be gone, and you’ll start to see the beautiful final results of your treatment.

- Up to a Month: In some cases, residual swelling may take up to a month to completely subside. This is normal and part of the body's healing process.

Tips to Manage Swelling

1. Ice, Ice, Baby: Applying ice packs to the treated area can help reduce swelling. Do this intermittently for the first couple of days.

2. Take It Easy: Avoid strenuous activities that get your blood pumping. Give your body a chance to heal.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. It sounds simple, but it really helps!

4. Elevate Your Head: When you’re resting or sleeping, keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.

5. Follow Aftercare Instructions: Stick to the aftercare guidelines I provide. They’re designed to help you heal properly.

6. Avoid Heat: Stay away from hot showers, saunas, and other heat sources for the first few days as heat can increase swelling.

7. Take some Anti-Histamines to help reduce the swelling / puffiness.

When to Check In with Us

While swelling is normal, there are times when you should reach out:

- Severe Swelling: If it’s excessive or lasts beyond 4 weeks, give us a call.

- Significant Pain: If you’re in a lot of pain, even after taking over-the-counter pain relief.

- Infection Signs: Redness, warmth, or pus at the injection site could mean infection. Contact us right away.

Final Thoughts

Swelling is just a part of the journey to achieving your beautiful, refreshed look. By understanding and managing it, you can relax and enjoy and trust the process. At Preserve Aesthetics Sydney, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or concerns about swelling after your volume loss / contouring treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your comfort and happiness are our top priorities. Let’s work together to keep you looking and feeling your best!