Best Aftercare and Recovery for Fillers

Aftercare is not simply an optional extra following dermal filler treatment and it is, quite frankly, essential.  The moments and days following your injections can significantly influence how well your filler settles, how long it lasts and whether or not you experience side effects.  Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are all expected to some degree, but thoughtful aftercare can minimise these as well as reduce the risk of infection and help ensure your filler integrates with your skin for a more natural result.

Without proper care even the most expertly placed filler can shift, swell disproportionately or in the worst cases provoke a reaction, and the outcome may be less refined than intended. Think of it like painting a masterpiece and then leaving it in the rain to dry: the technical work might be flawless, but poor conditions can distort the final effect.  

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels most commonly made from hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in the skin) that are used to replace lost volume, soften fine lines and enhance facial contours.  Over time, our faces change in shape due to fat loss, collagen depletion and bone resorption.  Fillers offer a way to subtly restore these structural changes without surgery.

Popular treatment areas include the lips, cheeks, temples, tear troughs, jawline and nasolabial folds (those lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth).  When used judiciously and with a precise understanding of facial anatomy (and the way that individual’s anatomy has aged), fillers can provide a very useful way of freshening the face with a more rested appearance without ever crossing into ‘overdone’.  

Common Concerns Post Dermal Fillers  

It’s entirely normal to experience some mild side effects after filler treatment.  Swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising are all part of the body’s natural inflammatory response. These usually settle within a few days, but knowing what’s normal (and what isn’t) can be reassuring if you are having one of these treatments, particularly for the first time.

Awareness of more concerning symptoms is also important. This should be discussed with your practitioner   might include asymmetry, visible lumps, blanching (a whitish or mottled appearance of the skin) or pain that increases rather than settles.  These could indicate issues such as vascular occlusion or infection - both rare, but important to identify early.  If in doubt, always contact your practitioner.  

What to Do After Fillers: The Do’s and Don’ts

The Do’s:

• Cold Compresses- Apply a cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth intermittently during the first few hours to help minimise swelling and bruising, particularly if you are prone to swelling.
• Elevation- Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow or two for the first night to reduce puffiness.
• Antihistamines- Taking an antihistamine tablet before bed on the day of your treatment can help to reduce puffiness the following morning.
• Hydration- Drink plenty of water - hydrated skin supports filler integration.
• Gentle Skincare- Getting back to your normal skincare is fine on the day of treatment, however, it’s ideal not to start something new that could cause any inflammation or irritation  

The Don’ts:

• No Touching- Resist the urge to massage or press the treated areas unless specifically advised to do so: you may shift the filler unintentionally.
• Avoid Exercise, Hot baths and Saunas- For 24 hours, steer clear of strenuous workouts and anything that might increase blood flow to the face.
• No Makeup- Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours post-treatment to lower the risk of infection. Topical arnica or vitamin K cream may help with bruising, applied gently and only once the skin is intact. A light hand and a little patience go a long way.  

Long-Term Tips to Maintain Fillers

To get the best longevity from your fillers, you’ll want to support your skin from the inside and out.

• Stay Hydrated- Fillers like hyaluronic acid love water - well-hydrated skin helps them plump and perform.  
• Protect from Sun Exposure- UV rays accelerate the breakdown of collagen and can diminish filler effects. Use broad-spectrum SPF daily, rain or shine. 
• Avoid Smoking- Smoking compromises circulation and dehydrates the skin - a perfect storm for filler degradation. 
• Routine Reviews- Plan regular check-ins with your practitioner to assess and adjust treatment as needed, rather than layering filler unnecessarily. Consistency is key, both in lifestyle and in practitioner care.  

What Not to Do Post-filler Treatment

• Don’t Sleep Face Down-  Lying on your side or facing down risks causing swelling the following day post-filler treatment.  Try sleeping on your back with extra pillows to avoid this.
• Don’t Skip SPF-  UV light not only speeds up filler breakdown but also worsens post-treatment bruising and pigmentation.
• Don’t Book More Without Consultation- Overfilling leads to distortion and is far harder to reverse.  Always wait a few weeks until swelling subsides and your practitioner can assess the final result.  

Potential Filler Complications and How to Avoid Them

• Lumps or Asymmetry- Sometimes filler can migrate or clump if disturbed in the early healing phase.  This is most often the case with more superficial filler treatments performed with cannulas in the fat.  It is often minor and correctable by an experienced practitioner.  It may be reduced by massage a few days after the treatment if you notice it but if it persists then it is always best to consult your practitioner.
• Infection- Though uncommon, infection can happen.  Keep the area clean, avoid touching your face, and ideally avoiding makeup until the skin barrier is intact (usually 24 hours).
• Vascular Occlusion- This is a rare but serious complication where filler inadvertently enters a blood vessel, causing blockage.  It often presents with pain, blanching, or dusky discolouration.  If you notice anything of this nature, contact your practitioner immediately - early diagnosis and speedy treatment is crucial to prevent longer term tissue damage.  

When to Seek Professional Advice

If you notice: Persistent or worsening swelling beyond 5 days Increasing pain or throbbing Skin that looks pale, dusky, or blotchy Warmth, redness or pus around the injection sites Fever or flu-like symptoms …these may indicate a reaction or complication.  Don’t ‘wait and see’ - always call your clinic promptly.  When managed early, most issues are easily reversible.  

How Long Will My Dermal Fillers Last?

There’s no universal answer - filler longevity depends on several factors among which:

• The Type of Filler Used- Hyaluronic acid (e.g. Juvederm, Belotero) generally lasts 6–18 months depending on the line of filler used.  The premium filler lines we use in our clinic should last longer than the more basic lines within the brand.  Calcium hydroxylapatite (e.g. Radiesse, HarmonyCa) and poly-L-lactic acid (e.g. Sculptra) tend to last longer, though their effects are more gradual as they act as collagen stimulators.
• Location- Filler in high-movement areas like the lips tends to break down faster than in areas like the cheeks.
• Individual Metabolism- Some people naturally break down filler more quickly due to higher metabolic rates and other factors. Lifestyle: Excessive cardio, sun exposure and poor hydration can all shorten filler lifespan.

When to Touch Up Fillers

A general guide to when you should touch up your fillers: 

• Lip filler and tear trough filler: every 6–9 months
• Cheeks filler and temple filler: Every 12–18 months
• Sculptra or CaHA-based fillers: Reviewed annually
• That said, top-ups should be based on need, not on the calendar.  A good practitioner will review your face holistically and advise accordingly, rather than over-correcting for the sake of 'freshness'.  

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Unlike some treatments which require weeks to kick in, fillers provide visible volume restoration straight away. Over the following weeks, the product will settle and integrate more naturally with your tissues. 

Fillers also have minimal downtime. Most people return to work or social activities within a day or two, making fillers a popular choice for those with busy schedules. 

Lastly, fillers are customisable and reversible. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed - a safety net not offered by all treatments.  

What to Expect with Dermal Filler Procedures

A typical filler session takes around 30 minutes. After a full consultation, your practitioner will cleanse the area and may apply topical anaesthetic and use a filler that contains lidocaine. The injections are usually well tolerated: a slight pinch, pressure or stinging sensation is normal. Post-treatment, you might look slightly puffy or bruised, particularly around the eyes or lips which are more vascular areas, but this generally settles within a few days.  

Conclusion

Dermal fillers offer a refined, non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation  but their success hinges not just on who performs the treatment, but how you care for your skin afterwards.  A touch of artistry, a pinch of science, and a generous helping of common sense make for the best results. Follow your aftercare advice to the letter, trust your practitioner and give your skin the calm, supported environment it needs to settle into its new and subtly improved shape.