How Long Do Dermal Fillers Take to Settle? The Aftercare Timeline Explained
- Juvenology Clinic
- Nov 6, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Key Takeaways for Dermal Filler Aftercare
Proper Aftercare is Key: To get the best results and ensure a smooth recovery, following the right aftercare steps is essential. This helps your fillers settle beautifully and last longer.
Healing Process: After your dermal filler injections, your skin needs some time to heal. It’s completely normal to experience some bruising and swelling, but with a little extra care, you can speed up the recovery process and enjoy optimal results.
Managing Side Effects: Bruising and swelling are common, but don’t worry—they’ll subside quickly! By following aftercare instructions, you can help reduce these side effects and promote a quicker, smoother recovery.
Why Aftercare Matters: At Juvenology Clinic, we stress the importance of proper aftercare to ensure your results are as beautiful and long-lasting as possible. Skipping this step could affect your outcome and delay the process.
A Better Recovery, A Better Experience: Taking care of your skin after treatment is a game-changer. It helps your fillers settle evenly and ensures a smooth, comfortable healing period, giving you the most stunning results.
Understanding Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers are a fantastic way to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance your natural features, giving you a refreshed, youthful appearance.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular choice, known for their ability to retain moisture and boost skin elasticity, leaving your skin looking naturally plump and hydrated.
For deeper lines or added volume, especially in areas like the cheeks, Calcium Hydroxylapatite fillers are a great option, offering more structure and a smoother contour.
Proper aftercare is key to maintaining your results and ensuring a smooth, quick healing process. Following these simple steps will help keep your skin looking its best.
With the right care, your results can last anywhere from several months to over a year, helping you maintain that youthful glow for longer!
Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)
Aftercare: The First 24 Hours
After your treatment, it’s really important to avoid touching, rubbing, or putting any pressure on the treated areas. This helps prevent infection and ensures the filler stays in place. Instead, cleanse gently with water-based products. If you need to wear makeup after 24 hours, just make sure your tools are clean to avoid irritation or bacteria. Stay upright for the first 4 hours to help keep everything symmetrical, and consider using a cold compress for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and bruising. Also, avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours to prevent any extra swelling. I know it might feel like a lot to remember, but trust me, it’ll all pay off in the end!
Ongoing Aftercare (First Week)
During the first week, it’s best to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, saunas, or hot yoga to let your skin heal without extra heat. Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) to protect your skin, this will really help keep things looking fresh! Stay hydrated—drinking lots of water and keeping your skin moisturized will help it heal. Try to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling. Be gentle with facial expressions, especially squinting or frowning, as they can affect the filler placement. Avoid alcohol and blood thinners (like aspirin and ibuprofen) for at least a week to minimize bruising. Remember, I’m here if you need any guidance, and we’re in this together!
Long-Term Aftercare (Weeks 2-4)
In the following weeks, continue to avoid hot showers, saunas, or anything that might irritate the skin. If I’ve recommended a gentle facial massage, follow my instructions to help the filler settle evenly. Stay on top of your follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing as expected, and we can make any necessary adjustments. It’s also important not to touch, pinch, or pick at the treated areas, this will keep your filler in place for those natural, long-lasting results. Keep drinking water and using SPF daily to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Your dedication to aftercare will really help you get the best possible results, and I’m so excited for you to see how everything settles!
Aftercare Concerns & Troubleshooting
Bruising and Swelling: A little swelling and bruising are totally normal after treatment. Use cold compresses and arnica to help reduce them, and be sure to avoid heat and intense activity for the first few days.
Lumps or Bumps: If you feel any lumps or bumps, it’s usually just the filler settling in. Gently massage the area (if advised) or reach out to the clinic if they’re persistent or painful. We’re here to help!
Infection Risk: If you notice redness, increasing swelling, or pain, it’s important to reach out to your practitioner right away, just to rule out any possible infection.
Filler Migration: Filler can shift a bit in the beginning, but don’t worry! If necessary, enzyme injections can help break it down. Just stick to the aftercare instructions and let us know if you’re concerned.
Tenderness or Sensitivity: A little tenderness or sensitivity is totally normal and should fade soon. If you need comfort, apply ice packs for relief.
Itching: If itching pops up, try not to scratch! A gentle moisturizer should help soothe the skin and keep things calm.
Asymmetry: Don’t worry if things look a little off balance at first. Some slight asymmetry is normal, and it should resolve as swelling goes down.
Numbness: It’s not uncommon to feel a bit numb, but don’t fret! This is usually temporary, and it’ll go away as you heal.
Delayed Swelling: Swelling can peak a day or two after treatment, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the process. Just stick with the aftercare, and it’ll subside soon!
When to Seek Professional Help
Persistent or Severe Swelling: If the swelling doesn’t start to go down within a few days or gets worse, don’t hesitate to contact your practitioner to rule out any infection or complications. We're here to make sure everything heals perfectly!
Pain That Doesn’t Resolve: If you’re experiencing severe pain that doesn’t improve or seems to get worse, please reach out to us right away. We want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible and address any issues promptly.
Signs of Infection: Watch out for increased redness, warmth, fever, or pus/discharge, these could be signs of infection. If you notice any of these, please get in touch with your practitioner immediately.
Uneven Results: If asymmetry or lumps stick around longer than a few days or weeks, just let us know! We can schedule a follow-up to make any adjustments and ensure everything looks just the way you want.
Filler Breakdown: If you notice that the filler seems to break down unevenly, let us know! We can discuss options, including hyaluronidase treatment, to make sure you’re happy with your results.
Dermal Filler Aftercare FAQs
How long does it take to recover from dermal fillers?
Recovery is pretty quick! Most swelling and bruising will go down within 1-2 days, and full recovery typically takes about a week.
Can I wear makeup after dermal fillers?Yes, you can wear makeup, but try to avoid applying it on the treated area for the first 12 hours. It’s best to give your skin time to settle.
What if I experience swelling or bruising after my treatment?
Don’t worry, swelling and bruising are totally normal. You can use cold compresses and arnica to help reduce them and speed up recovery.
Are there any signs that I should be worried about after my treatment?
If you notice severe pain, redness, or any signs of infection, it’s best to contact your practitioner right away. We’ll help you get it sorted out.
Can dermal fillers migrate or shift after treatment?
While migration is rare, if you notice any asymmetry or lumps, give us a call for a follow-up. We’ll make sure everything’s looking great.
How do I maintain my dermal filler results?
Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and keep up with your follow-up appointments to ensure your results last as long as possible.
How long do dermal filler results last?
Results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the filler used and the area treated.
Can I exercise after dermal fillers?
It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after treatment. After that, you can ease back into your normal routine.
Should I avoid touching the treated areas?
Yes, try not to touch or rub the treated areas, especially during the first 24 hours. This helps prevent irritation and ensures your fillers settle properly.
What should I do if I have lumps or bumps after dermal fillers?
If you notice any lumps or bumps, try gentle massage. If they persist or become painful, reach out to us, and we’ll take care of it!
About Me
Hi, I’m Nurse Marina, and I’m so glad you’re here! I founded Juvenology Clinic in Kent to bring a truly personalized approach to botox, dermal fillers, skincare, and overall wellness.
Before transitioning into aesthetics, I spent 6 years as a Cardiac Nurse at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, where I developed a deep understanding of anatomy. I then honed my skills as a Specialist Aesthetics Nurse at Spencer Private Hospital in Kent.
I’m a proud member of professional organizations like JCCP, BAMAN, NMC, ACE Group, and the Royal College of Nursing. I want to make sure that every treatment I deliver is backed by the latest knowledge and techniques in medical aesthetics.
