Dermal Filler Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for dermal filler: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
How long it lasts
- •Most hyaluronic acid fillers last 6 to 18 months depending on the product and the area.
- •Lips tend to be on the shorter end, cheeks and structural areas on the longer end.
Reduce swelling and bruising
- •Cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated help most.
- •Arnica or bromelain may reduce bruising for some people.
- •Use acetaminophen, not ibuprofen or aspirin, and skip alcohol and salty food for a day or two.
Dermal Filler recovery, day by day
Watch for warning signs (rare but urgent)
- Some swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection sites are normal.
- Call your injector IMMEDIATELY if you notice: severe or increasing pain that feels out of proportion, skin turning white or pale (blanching) and then blotchy blue, grey, or purple, a lace-like mottled pattern, the area feeling cold, or ANY change in your vision.
- These can signal a blocked blood vessel and are a time-critical emergency. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved, so do not wait to call.
First few hours
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours. Do not bend over or lie flat.
- Apply a clean, cold compress for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, to ease swelling and bruising. Do not press hard.
- Do NOT massage or manipulate the treated area unless your provider specifically told you to.
- Leave the injection points alone: no makeup over them for 12 to 24 hours.
Rest of the day
- No strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, or hot yoga for 24 to 48 hours.
- No alcohol for 24 hours (it increases swelling and bruising).
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for soreness. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin.
What is normal
- Swelling and bruising usually peak in the first 24 to 72 hours, often worst the morning after.
- Lips especially can look larger or a little uneven while swollen. This settles.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first couple of nights and keep icing as needed.
Gentle care
- Keep the area clean and stick to gentle skincare.
- Keep avoiding NSAIDs, alcohol, and very salty food if you are bruising or swollen.
Settling into the final result
- Swelling resolves over 1 to 2 weeks. The final result is usually visible at about 2 weeks.
- Avoid dental work, facials, chemical peels, laser, and massage over the treated area for 2 weeks.
- Book any review or touch-up at the 2-week mark, not sooner, so the filler has fully settled.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Severe or increasing pain that feels out of proportion to the treatment. Call your injector now.
- •Skin turning white or pale (blanching), then blotchy blue, grey, or purple.
- •A lace-like, mottled discoloration of the skin.
- •The treated area feeling cold, numb, or looking dusky.
- •ANY change in vision, such as blurriness or vision loss. Call your injector and seek emergency care immediately.
- •Days later: spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever (possible infection).
- •Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. Call 911.
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 0
Treated. Watch for warning signs
Swelling and mild bruising are normal. Know the vascular warning signs above and call immediately if they appear.
- Day 2
Peak swelling
Swelling and bruising usually peak now, then improve. Lips can look uneven while swollen.
- Day 14
Final result
Swelling has settled and you are seeing the final result. Book any review now.
For clinics
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