Dermal Fillers

The Do’s and Don’ts of Preparing for Cosmetic Injections

Cosmetic injections offer a subtle and powerful way to refresh your appearance, enhancing facial features while maintaining a natural look. However, preparation is key to achieving the best results. Miss Anca Breahna, renowned Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon based in Chester, Cheshire, stresses that taking the right steps beforehand can significantly influence your outcome. At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, we guide every patient through a comprehensive journey to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful experience.

Take our Plastic Surgery Quiz to find out if you’d be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery.

Why Preparation for Cosmetic Injections Matters

Proper preparation sets the stage for safe procedures, minimizes potential side effects, and enhances the final aesthetic outcomes. It can influence the longevity and naturalness of your results while promoting faster healing and a more comfortable recovery. At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, Miss Anca Breahna prioritizes personalised care, ensuring each patient is fully informed and confident before undergoing any treatment. Preparation empowers you, reduces anxiety, and helps deliver the naturally beautiful results you deserve. By investing in the preparation phase, patients can maximize their satisfaction and minimize avoidable complications. Preparing also builds a partnership of trust between patient and surgeon, ensuring clear communication and mutual understanding.

Download Cheshire Preparation and Recovery for Surgery Guide

The Do’s of Preparing for Cosmetic Injections

✓ Schedule a Personal Consultation with Miss Anca Breahna

The first step to a successful treatment is booking a comprehensive consultation with Miss Anca Breahna, leading Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon. Based at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery in Chester, Miss Breahna tailors each plan to meet your unique needs, considering your goals, anatomy, and medical history.

During your consultation, expect:

  • A thorough facial assessment to map natural contours and asymmetries.
  • Detailed discussions on treatment suitability and potential outcomes.
  • Review of lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol use, or skincare routines that may impact recovery.
  • Exploration of alternative or complementary procedures where beneficial.

This personalized approach ensures that every treatment plan is thoughtfully designed to achieve the most harmonious and natural outcome possible.

✓ Be Open About Your Medical History

Transparency during your consultation is essential. Share details of your medications, allergies, past cosmetic treatments, and any health conditions. Even minor details can be critical to ensuring safe and optimal results. Miss Anca Breahna will use this information to assess risk factors and design a safe, effective strategy for your cosmetic injections.

Be sure to also:

  • Mention any history of cold sores, as antiviral medications might be prescribed as a precaution.
  • Disclose any recent surgeries or procedures.
  • Inform about pregnancy or breastfeeding, as cosmetic injections may be deferred.
  • Share upcoming travel or special events that could influence timing for the best outcomes.

This open dialogue ensures that your safety and aesthetic goals are seamlessly aligned.

✓ Follow Specific Pre-Treatment Instructions

Leading up to your appointment, Miss Breahna will advise you to:

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort) a week prior to reduce bruising and swelling. Always consult your GP before stopping any prescribed medications.
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, helping maintain skin elasticity and facilitating healing.
  • Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin to minimize the risk of infection. Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before treatment to lessen bruising risks and minimize skin dehydration.
  • Refrain from strenuous exercise 24 hours before your appointment, as elevated blood flow can increase swelling tendencies.

Following these instructions prepares your body and skin for optimal healing and helps achieve a more predictable, satisfying result.

✓ Prioritize Your Well-being

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for any cosmetic procedure. In the days leading up to your appointment:

  • Get plenty of restorative sleep (7-9 hours) to encourage a strong immune response and faster healing.
  • Nourish your body with meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Minimize emotional stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
  • Protect your skin with daily sunscreen to avoid irritation, and maintain a consistent skincare routine focusing on hydration.

Patients who prioritize their overall well-being before cosmetic injections often report:

  • Quicker recovery times.
  • Reduced swelling and tenderness.
  • Improved treatment longevity and satisfaction with the results.

The Don’ts of Preparing for Cosmetic Injections

✓ Don’t Ignore Pre-Appointment Advice

Preparation instructions are carefully curated to protect you. Ignoring advice increases the chance of bruising, swelling, prolonged recovery, and unsatisfactory results. Miss Anca Breahna and her team at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery provide precise guidelines that are based on extensive clinical experience and the latest evidence-based practices.

Failing to follow advice can also:

  • Lead to unexpected adverse reactions.
  • Delay the achievement of your final aesthetic results.
  • Create the need for additional corrective treatments.

Strict adherence is key to ensuring the safest, most beautiful outcomes.

✓ Don’t Consume Alcohol or Blood Thinners

Alcohol and blood thinners elevate your risk of bleeding and bruising during cosmetic injections. Avoid them for at least 24-48 hours before your appointment at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery. Even small amounts of alcohol can impact your body’s clotting ability and increase your sensitivity to treatment.

In addition to avoiding these substances, also:

  • Limit foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseeds or walnuts, which can act as mild blood thinners.
  • Refrain from taking non-prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs unless cleared by your doctor.
  • Avoid herbal supplements like Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, or garlic pills which may similarly elevate bruising risks.

Making these small adjustments helps protect your body and optimize your results.

✓ Don’t Book Major Events Immediately After

While cosmetic injections are minimally invasive, mild swelling, redness, or bruising can occur immediately after treatment. Allow time for natural post-treatment swelling to subside – typically 3 to 7 days – depending on your body’s response and the specific product used.

If you have important events, photo sessions, business meetings, or travels planned:

  • Schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
  • Plan for potential touch-up appointments if necessary.
  • Allow space for emotional comfort and aesthetic settling, as some fillers evolve over the first few days.

Giving yourself this buffer ensures you feel confident and radiant at your special events.

✓ Don’t Arrive with Inflamed or Irritated Skin

Sunburns, rashes, active acne, or skin infections can compromise the safety and success of your cosmetic injections. It is important to reschedule your appointment if your skin is not in optimal condition. Treat your skin gently leading up to your session:

  • Avoid harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or strong acids (like glycolic acid) for at least 3-5 days prior.
  • Use calming, hydrating products to soothe your skin barrier.
  • Apply SPF 30+ daily to prevent UV-related skin trauma.
  • Protect your skin from environmental stressors like wind or pollution.

Healthy skin responds better to treatment, ensuring more refined and lasting results.

Preparing for Your Consultation at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery

During your consultation at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, Miss Anca Breahna will thoroughly assess your aesthetic goals, facial anatomy, lifestyle, and medical history. She will explain different treatment options, outline realistic expectations, and recommend the best course of action tailored specifically to you.

Expect to receive personalized advice on:

  • Best injection techniques and product choices for your facial structure.
  • Timing your treatment to avoid conflicts with social, professional, or travel commitments.
  • Long-term aesthetic planning to help maintain and enhance your natural beauty over time.
  • Aftercare strategies for optimizing healing and results durability.

As a highly respected Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon serving Chester and surrounding areas, Miss Breahna dedicates herself to helping patients achieve natural, refined enhancements with lasting confidence.

FAQs About Preparing for Cosmetic Injections

Can I continue my normal skincare routine before cosmetic injections?

While you can maintain your basic skincare, it is advisable to avoid aggressive treatments such as chemical peels, retinoids, or strong exfoliants at least 5 days before your appointment. Stick to gentle cleansers and hydrating products to protect the skin barrier.

Should I adjust my diet before my appointment?

A few days prior, focusing on antioxidant-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, and lean proteins can promote healing. Reducing salt intake may help minimize post-treatment swelling, while staying hydrated ensures better skin resilience.

Is it safe to have cosmetic injections if I’m feeling unwell?

If you are experiencing any illness, cold, or active infection, it is best to reschedule. A healthy immune system is essential for minimizing complications and ensuring smooth recovery.

Will I need to avoid wearing certain clothing on the day of treatment?

It is best to wear comfortable clothing that does not require being pulled tightly over your face. A loose top or button-down shirt will make post-treatment comfort and ease of dressing much simpler.

Can I take herbal supplements before my injections?

Many herbal supplements can thin your blood and increase bruising risks. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, garlic extract, and ginseng should be paused at least one week before your appointment, after consulting with your healthcare provider.

How soon after an injection session can I resume exercising?

Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 24-48 hours after treatment. Light walking is acceptable, but strenuous workouts can exacerbate swelling and may interfere with the settling of your cosmetic injections.

Can my emotions or stress levels really affect my cosmetic injection outcomes?

Yes, emotional stress can elevate cortisol levels, potentially hindering healing and increasing swelling. Practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or gentle breathing exercises before and after treatment can positively impact your results.

Medical References

Trust Your Journey with Miss Anca Breahna

When you choose Miss Anca Breahna, you are entrusting your care to one of Chester’s most esteemed plastic surgeons. With her extensive expertise as a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, she ensures every step is performed with precision, artistry, and your best interests at heart.

At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, patient safety, natural results, and personal attention are our top priorities. Every patient is treated with warmth, professionalism, and tailored support throughout their journey. From the initial consultation to post-treatment care, our team remains committed to ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience.

We are proud to serve women and men across Cheshire who are seeking refined, lasting enhancements that look effortlessly natural. Your journey to confidence and rejuvenation begins here, guided by expert hands and compassionate hearts.

Preparing properly for cosmetic injections makes all the difference in your experience and results. With the expert guidance of Miss Anca Breahna, based in Chester, you can feel confident in every step of your journey toward a more refreshed, radiant version of yourself.

Book your consultation today with Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery and take the first step towards natural, beautiful results that reflect your best self.

Call us at 07538 012918 or email us at contact@ancabreahna.com.

Further Reading

Miss Anca Breahna - Plastic Surgeon

Miss Anca Breahna is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Chester UK. She performs Breast, Face and Body Surgery as well as Skin and Hand Procedures. Dr Anca Breahna FRCS (Plast) is proud to be one of the few leading female Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic surgeons in the UK serving people primarily across Cheshire, Merseyside, North Wales and The Wirral. She is an experienced UK-trained plastic surgeon with multiple awarded fellowships since completing her training. With her commitment to the highest possible standard of care, Miss Breahna aims to bring you the epitome of excellence in cosmetic surgery, well-being and results, ensuring your surgical journey is a successful one.