Aftercare Guide
Dermal Fillers Aftercare
Swelling after fillers is completely normal and part of the healing process. Following these guidelines will help your results settle beautifully and reduce bruising.
Before your treatment
Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 7 days before treatment, if safe to do so.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment.
Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks before fillers — dental work introduces bacteria and disturbs tissue that may affect filler placement.
Arrive with a clean face — no makeup, moisturiser, or sunscreen.
Cold sores: if you have a history of cold sores and are having lip fillers, discuss antiviral prophylaxis with our physician before treatment.
After your treatment
Ice the treated area gently for 10 minutes at a time in the first few hours to reduce swelling. Do not apply direct ice — wrap in a clean cloth.
Avoid makeup for 12 hours after treatment to reduce infection risk.
Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow for the first 2 nights — this helps reduce swelling.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.
Avoid alcohol, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for 48 hours.
Do not massage or apply pressure to the treated areas — this can displace the filler.
Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks after treatment.
Avoid sleeping face-down for the first 2 nights.
What to expect — this is normal
Swelling: peaks at 24–48 hours, typically resolves in 3–7 days. Lip fillers swell more noticeably.
Bruising: can appear in 1–2 days and may take up to 2 weeks to fully fade.
Firmness: the filler may feel firm initially — this softens as it integrates with your tissues over 2 weeks.
Asymmetry in the first week: this is often swelling, not a true asymmetry. Assess at 2 weeks.
Your results timeline
Volume and shape are immediately visible, though some swelling is also present.
Swelling fully resolves and results settle. This is your true result — book a review if you have concerns.
Results typically last 6–18 months depending on the product, area, and your individual metabolism. Lip fillers tend to dissolve faster than cheek fillers.
When to contact us — or seek emergency care
Blanching (white patches) near the injection site — rare but requires immediate attention
Severe pain that is increasing rather than improving
Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever)
Vision changes after any facial filler — call emergency services immediately
Learn more about the treatment itself:
Dermal fillers treatment page