Is There an over the Counter Med I Can Take to Help Reduce Swelling After Filler Injections?

Benadryl and Zyrtec are antihistamines and not diuretics (or waterpills). Unless you have swelling produced by an allergic reaction related to the release of histamine, then antihistamines are not expected to reduce your swelling.  Minimize activity including avoiding bending over at the waist, straining, lifting heavy objects, do ice compresses and consider taking the herb, Arnica montana, which has been shown to reduce the possibility of swelling and bruising.  Some recommend bromelain as well.

Swelling will normally resolve over time on its own. No medication can significantly speed up the process. Some people will recommend homeopathic remedies such as arnica montana and/or bromelain which may or may not be helpful. Applying cold packs and head elevation may help as well. Definitely be careful when applying cold packs and do not apply them directly on the skin to avoid frost bite.

Cooling with ice (never directly on the skin), head elevation, Arnica, Bromelain and Advil after a few days will tend to help with swelling. As this is a physiologic and not an allergic histimine response, Zyrtec and Benedryl (antihistimines) should not have an effect.

Unfortunately, sometimes patience and tincture of time are the best remedies for the swelling that is caused by these treatments.  Arnca is completely ineffective so I would not bother with this.  I treat a lot of actors and working broadcasters.  For these folks, sometimes I will prescribe corticosteroids.  However it is also possible to have some remarkably severe reactions to the steroids, so generally these are reserved for critical circumstances.

Swelling is a very common and normal response to fillers, especially Radiesse.   I always have my patients ice for 24 hours after the procedure as well as take a wonderful supplement blend of Arnica and Bromelain the day before the procedure and a few days after and it is quite helpful!   Other than that, there is really no need for any other medications and I believe less is more here.

In my practice we use Sinecch Capsules.  This is medically formulated Arnica Montana and Bromolein combo. It may not work for everyone but it does help for most.  In fact I have used it myself prior to a surgical procedure.  It worked wonerfully!

Thank you for your question. Having swelling after injection is common and it can take up to 2 weeks to resolve. Taking Tylenol and icing the area will help reduce the swelling. If you are looking for a more homeopathic remedy than I recommend arnica or bromelain.

Ice compresses can of course help. You can also try over the counter medications like Benadryl or Zyrtec. These tend to be helpful if the swelling is due to an allergic reaction. Some patients experience benefit from Arnica. Hope this helps. 

The most effective action you can take is elevating you head when sleeping on 2-3 pillows. Also not standing on your head - believe me some patients do. I have heard some docs prescribe antihistamines but I’ve never done that and don’t believe they work significantly. Careful technique will reduce swelling but some patients are just swellers. Radiesse will swell more than most fillers for about 2 days. 

I always recommend ice following injections. I will also advise my clients to avoid any blood thinners at least 3 days before injections.  You can start a homeopathic remedy called Arnica Montana 3 days prior to injections which may or may not help with swelling and bruising.