Pre & Post Treatment Care & Recovery Flashcards

A patient presents 2 days after hyaluronic acid filler with severe pain, blanching, and pallor at the injection site. What should be immediately suspected?

Answer: Vascular occlusion requiring emergency intervention

Severe pain, blanching, and pallor following filler injection are classic warning signs of vascular occlusion—a medical emergency requiring immediate hyaluronidase administration to restore blood flow.

Which enzyme is used as the emergency reversal agent to dissolve hyaluronic acid filler in the event of vascular occlusion?

Answer: Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase rapidly dissolves hyaluronic acid filler by breaking down its molecular structure, making it the essential emergency reversal agent for vascular occlusion.

At what point after botulinum toxin injections is it appropriate to schedule a review appointment to assess results and determine if a touch-up is needed?

Answer: 2 weeks post-treatment

A 2-week review appointment allows the botulinum toxin to reach full effect so results can be accurately assessed and any asymmetry addressed with a conservative touch-up dose if needed.

A patient develops post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) following a chemical peel. Which ingredient is commonly recommended to help treat this condition?

Answer: Hydroquinone or azelaic acid

Hydroquinone and azelaic acid are melanin-inhibiting agents that treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by reducing overactive melanocyte activity.

What is the most appropriate immediate first response when a patient shows signs of an anaphylactic reaction during a facial aesthetic treatment?

Answer: Call emergency services (911) and administer epinephrine if an auto-injector is available

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic emergency requiring immediate activation of emergency medical services and epinephrine as the first-line pharmacological treatment.

How long should before-and-after photos and treatment records be retained in a patient's file according to standard facial aesthetics practice guidelines?

Answer: 7 years or as required by applicable state law

Medical and aesthetic records, including before-and-after photos, should be retained for a minimum of 7 years or as required by applicable state law to support liability protection and audit requirements.

A patient is unhappy with uneven results 3 weeks after botulinum toxin injections. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Answer: Perform a touch-up assessment and address asymmetry with a small additional dose if clinically appropriate

A careful touch-up assessment at 3 weeks, once full effect is established, allows the injector to evaluate asymmetry and conservatively address it with a small additional dose if clinically warranted.