Aftercare Guide
Dermal Fillers Aftercare
Reviewed by Dr. Alexander Landfield, Board-Certified Neurologist
Your dermal filler treatment is complete — follow these neurologist-approved aftercare instructions to minimize bruising, reduce swelling, and ensure beautiful, natural-looking results.
Immediately After Treatment
- 1Expect swelling, tenderness, and possible redness at injection sites — this is normal
- 2Apply a cold compress (not ice directly) for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off to reduce swelling
- 3Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the treated area unless specifically instructed
- 4Take arnica supplements or apply arnica gel to help minimize bruising (if approved by Dr. Landfield)
First 24 Hours
- Swelling will peak at 24–48 hours — this is expected and temporary
- Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow to reduce overnight swelling
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that raise blood pressure
- Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours (increases bruising and swelling)
- Avoid excessive heat: saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms, prolonged sun exposure
- Stay hydrated — hyaluronic acid fillers attract water, so hydration supports results
First Week
- Bruising may appear within 24–72 hours and can last 7–14 days
- Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks after lip filler treatment
- Do not wear tight glasses or sunglasses that press on treated areas (if nose or cheek filler)
- Skip facial treatments, chemical peels, and laser procedures for 2 weeks
- Results will look their best once swelling fully resolves — typically at 2 weeks
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
Long-Term Care & Maintenance
- Final results are visible at 2–4 weeks once all swelling has resolved
- Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6–18 months depending on product and area
- Lip fillers: 6–12 months; Cheek fillers: 12–18 months; Jawline fillers: 12–18 months
- Schedule touch-up treatments before filler fully dissolves to maintain results
- Stay hydrated — HA fillers absorb water for plumping effect
Things to Avoid
- Massaging, pressing, or manipulating the treated area for 48 hours
- Strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
- Alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment
- Blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin) for 48 hours
- Dental work for 2 weeks after lip or lower face filler
- Extreme temperatures (saunas, freezing cold) for 2 weeks
When to Contact Rani Beauty Clinic
Call us at (425) 539-4440 if you experience any of the following:
- White or blue discoloration of the skin near the injection site (possible vascular occlusion — requires immediate attention)
- Severe, increasing pain that doesn't respond to cold compress or OTC pain relief
- Vision changes, severe headache, or skin necrosis (extremely rare but urgent)
- Lumps or nodules that are firm and don't resolve with gentle pressure
- Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever
- Significant asymmetry that doesn't improve as swelling resolves
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does swelling last after dermal fillers?
Swelling peaks at 24–48 hours and gradually resolves over 5–14 days. Lip fillers tend to swell more than cheek or jawline fillers. Applying cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated helps minimize swelling. Your final results are visible at 2–4 weeks once all swelling has fully resolved.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Duration depends on the type of filler and treatment area. Lip fillers typically last 6–12 months, cheek fillers 12–18 months, and jawline/chin fillers 12–18 months. Individual factors like metabolism, lifestyle, and the specific product used also affect longevity. At Rani Beauty Clinic, Dr. Landfield selects the optimal filler for each patient and treatment area.
Can dermal fillers be dissolved?
Yes — hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. If you're unhappy with your results or experience a complication, the filler can be partially or fully dissolved. This is one of the safety advantages of HA fillers. Results from dissolution are visible within 24–48 hours.
Is bruising after fillers normal?
Yes, bruising is common after dermal filler injections and can range from mild to moderate. Bruising typically appears within 24–72 hours and resolves within 7–14 days. To minimize bruising: avoid blood-thinning supplements before treatment, apply arnica, use cold compresses, and avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise after treatment.
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Questions About Your Dermal Fillers Recovery?
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us anytime.