Looking after your skin after dermal fillers is just as important as the treatment itself, and it’s the secret to getting the best possible results. The right aftercare helps your skin to recover quicker, your filler to settle perfectly, and your results to last longer.
We want every client to feel confident and empowered throughout their aesthetic journey, and that includes knowing exactly how to care for their skin once they leave the clinic.
A few simple aftercare steps can make a real difference to any dermal filler treatment. In this article, we cover all of our most important dermal filler aftercare tips, including what to expect in the first 24 hours and how to keep your skin looking its best in the weeks that follow.
Why Post-Filler Aftercare Matters
Dermal filler injections are a quick, minimally invasive way of enhancing your natural features and restoring lost volume, but the days that follow can have a big impact on the overall success of your treatment. Taking proper care of your skin after your treatment helps your filler settle evenly, reduces the likelihood of swelling or bruising, and supports a faster, more comfortable recovery.
It’s also one of the best ways to extend the duration of your results. By avoiding certain activities, using the right skincare, and protecting your skin from unnecessary stress, you give your filler the best chance to integrate smoothly with the surrounding tissue, enhancing the appearance and longevity of your filler.
The best way to ensure effective aftercare is to follow guidance that’s tailored to your unique skin. At our clinic in Surrey, we not only provide bespoke Juvéderm, Teoxane and Aliaxin dermal filler injections that match your skin, but also tailored aftercare to follow, ensuring you get the best results from every treatment.
What to Expect After Your Dermal Filler Appointment
Following your treatment, it’s perfectly normal to notice a little redness, mild swelling or tenderness around the injection sites, all signs that your skin is beginning to respond and settle. These effects are usually short-lived and tend to resolve within 24 to 72 hours, though areas like the lips may take a little longer to fully settle.
You may also feel or see small bumps under the skin in the first few days; this is part of the natural integration process as the filler settles. Most clients find that these minor changes improve quickly on their own. And of course, if you have any questions or want a little extra peace of mind, our dermal filler experts are always here to help.
Immediate Aftercare: Your First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after your dermal filler treatment are all about allowing your skin to rest and begin healing. This is when your body starts to settle the filler into place, so taking a gentle approach during this time is key to achieving smooth, natural-looking results.
We recommend avoiding applying pressure to the treated area, keeping your head elevated when resting, and steering clear of anything that could increase blood flow to the face, such as intense heat, alcohol, or vigorous exercise.
Giving your skin time to settle will help reduce swelling, minimise the risk of bruising, and support a faster, more comfortable recovery.
How to Manage Swelling & Bruising Safely
Some mild swelling or bruising is completely normal after dermal filler treatment, particularly in more delicate areas like the lips or under the eyes. These effects are simply part of the body’s natural healing process and usually resolve within a few days.
To ease any discomfort, you can gently apply a cold compress wrapped in a clean cloth for short periods. This helps to soothe the area and reduce puffiness without irritating the skin.
Staying well hydrated and getting plenty of rest will also support your recovery, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated on the first night can also help minimise swelling.
Most importantly, give your body time to settle. If you ever feel unsure about anything during your healing process, our team is always on hand to offer reassurance.
What to Avoid After Dermal Fillers
To help your dermal filler settle smoothly and minimise any side effects, it’s important to avoid anything that may put unnecessary stress on your skin or increase blood flow to the face.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, we recommend avoiding alcohol, intense exercise, sunbeds, saunas, and hot showers – all of which can heighten swelling or interfere with how the filler integrates.
Your skin will also be more sensitive following treatment, so it’s best to avoid facials, exfoliants, or any harsh skincare products for at least a week. Giving your skin time to rest will allow the filler to settle properly and support a more even, long-lasting result.
We will provide comprehensive, bespoke aftercare instructions after every dermal filler appointment at our clinic
What to do (and avoid) after dermal fillers:
- Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching or massaging it.
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours after your appointment.
- Avoid alcohol, saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers.
- Postpone intense exercise or any activity that raises your heart rate.
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to reduce puffiness.
- Hold off on applying makeup or skincare directly to the area for the rest of the day.
Skincare Tips Following Your Filler Treatment
After dermal fillers, your skincare routine should focus on calming, hydrating, and protecting your skin. For the best results, keep things simple and avoid anything that could irritate the skin while it heals. Here’s how to care for your skin in the days following treatment.
Keep Your Routine Simple & Soothing
In the first few days post-treatment, stick to gentle, hydrating products that help your skin feel comfortable and nourished. Avoid active ingredients or exfoliants to give your skin time to rest. Choose fragrance-free moisturisers and calming serums that support the skin barrier without overwhelming it.
Protect Your Skin with Daily SPF
Sun protection is essential after fillers. UV exposure can lead to inflammation, speed up the breakdown of filler, and contribute to premature ageing. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning. It’s a small step that makes a big difference to the longevity of your results.
When to Resume Exercise & Everyday Activities
Light activity, such as walking or gentle stretching, is completely fine the next day, moving around gently can help with circulation and overall well-being. However, we advise holding off on high-intensity workouts, heavy lifting, or anything that raises your heart rate significantly, for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Intense exercise can increase blood flow to the face, which may lead to swelling, bruising, or the filler shifting slightly before it’s fully settled. You should also avoid positions that place pressure on the treated area, for example, certain yoga poses or lying face down during massage treatments.
Results Timeline: When Will You See the Full Effect?
Most clients see a noticeable improvement immediately after Juvéderm, Teoxane and Aliaxin filler treatment, but the full result usually settles over the course of one to two weeks. During this time, any minor swelling will resolve, and the filler will integrate into the surrounding tissue for a smooth, natural appearance.
We can book a review appointment after the two-week mark to ensure you’re happy with the outcome and make any small refinements if needed.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
After dermal filler treatment, most clients experience some mild, short-lived side effects. These are part of your body’s natural healing response and should settle on their own within a few days.
You may notice:
- Mild swelling at the injection site.
- Redness or slight sensitivity in the treated area.
- Light bruising, especially in areas with thinner skin (e.g. lips).
- A feeling of tightness or fullness in the skin.
- Small lumps or bumps that usually smooth out as the filler integrates.
Uncommon Side Effects
Uncommon side effects are less frequent but still within the expected range of responses. These may require a little more time to resolve, or a quick check-in with our team to ensure everything is progressing as it should.
Occasionally, clients may experience:
- Prolonged swelling lasting more than 3 to 4 days.
- Bruising that becomes darker before fading.
- Itching or mild discomfort in the treated area.
- Uneven texture that persists longer than expected.
- Increased sensitivity to skincare or makeup products.
If anything feels uncomfortable or unusual, we’re always happy to assess your progress and provide reassurance or advice.
Rare Side Effects
While dermal fillers are very safe, rare side effects can occur. These are extremely uncommon but should be addressed immediately if they do happen.
Rare side effects may include:
- Skin discolouration (e.g. a pale or dusky tone).
- Persistent pain or unusual tenderness.
- Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus.
- Allergic reactions, including swelling beyond the treated area.
- Vascular complications, which may cause skin changes or delayed healing.
If you notice any of the above, please contact us straight away so we can assess and provide the appropriate care. Early intervention ensures the best outcome and peace of mind.
Booking Dermal Filler Treatment at Light Touch Clinic
The first step to any dermal filler treatments at our clinic in Surrey is to book a personalised consultation with one of our experienced injectable doctors. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your vision, and explore which treatment options will best suit your goals.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin, discuss your desired outcome, and recommend a tailored treatment plan. We also take the time to explain what you can expect before, during, and after your procedure, including detailed, personalised aftercare advice based on your skin type and the areas being treated.
Your comfort, safety, and confidence are our top priorities. From the moment you walk through the door to your final results, we’ll ensure you feel fully supported and informed at every stage of your journey.
To arrange your consultation, simply get in touch with our friendly team.
