Dermal Filler

Post-Care Guide

Avoid taking Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning medications for 24 hrs after procedure

Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hrs after your procedure

Strenuous exercise or activity should be avoided for the remainder of the day

Mild pain is normal. Use Tylenol if needed as directed on the bottle

Bruising/swelling may last for 7-10 days. Ice 20 min on/off, 5x a day

Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours after procedure

Redness/itching may happen. Use Benadryl if needed. Call if it worsens or spreads

Avoid strong pressure including straws, kissing & excessive mouth movements. (Gentle massage as needed)

COMBINED DERMAL FILLER AFTERCARE (Lips, Nasolabial Folds, Cheeks, Chin, Jawline)

Dermal fillers (usually hyaluronic acid) attract water and settle over 1–2 weeks.
The first 48 hours are key to reducing swelling, bruising, and product movement.

⏱ GENERAL AFTERCARE FOR ALL AREAS (FIRST 0–48 HOURS)

⭐ NORMAL SIDE EFFECTS

  • Swelling

  • Tenderness

  • Tightness or firmness

  • Small lumps or bumps from injection sites

  • Bruising

  • Itching as healing begins

These usually improve within 2–7 days depending on the area.

✅ DO (FIRST 48 HOURS)

🌬 1. Cool the area gently

  • Use ice packs wrapped in a clean cloth

  • 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off

  • Do not press or apply firm pressure

💧 2. Stay hydrated

  • Lots of water helps HA fillers settle smoothly.

🛌 3. Sleep elevated

  • 1–2 pillows

  • Sleep on your back, not your side or stomach.

🚫 4. Keep the area clean

  • Gentle cleansing

  • Avoid touching with unwashed hands.

👄 5. Let lips rest

  • Minimal movement

  • No pursing or excessive talking if lip filler was done.

❌ AVOID (FIRST 48–72 HOURS)

  • No makeup on treated areas for 24 hours

  • No exercise (increases swelling & bruising)

  • No alcohol (thins blood → bruising)

  • No facials, massages, dermarollers, or gua sha

  • No heat: saunas, hot yoga, hot showers, sun exposure

  • No dental appointments for 1–2 weeks (pressure can move filler)

  • No kissing or oral activity for 48 hours (lip filler)

  • No smoking or vaping (slows healing)

AFTER 48 HOURS – DAY 7

👍 Improvements You Should Notice

  • Swelling begins settling

  • Bruising starts fading

  • Lips soften

  • Cheeks and jawline feel less firm

  • Nasolabial area smooths

✔️You CAN:

  • Resume light exercise

  • Apply gentle makeup

  • Use mild exfoliation

  • Return to normal daily activities

  • Light facial skincare (non-active)

Still Avoid:

  • Strong exfoliants (AHA/BHA)

  • Retinol over treated areas (first 5–7 days)

  • Facial lasers, peels, microneedling (wait 2–3 weeks)

  • Sleeping on your side (if possible)

  • High-pressure activities on the face (helmets, goggles)

DAY 7–14 (SETTLING PHASE)

  • Filler begins integrating with tissue

  • Swelling is typically 90% improved

  • Small lumps start to soften

  • Final shape becomes visible

You may gently massage ONLY if your injector specifically instructed you to.
Otherwise do NOT massage—this can move filler.

2–4 WEEKS (FINAL RESULTS)

  • Filler fully settles

  • Symmetry becomes clear

  • Touch-up assessment can be done

LIP FILLER AFTERCARE

NORMAL:

  • Significant swelling day 1–2

  • Asymmetry during swelling phase

  • Lips feel firm

DO:

  • Ice gently

  • Apply fragrance-free lip balm

  • Drink water

  • Sleep elevated

AVOID:

  • Kissing 48 hours

  • Hot drinks for 24 hours

  • Straws for 48 hours

  • Spicy or salty foods on day 1

  • Smoking/vaping (slows healing)

NASOLABIAL FOLD FILLER AFTERCARE

NORMAL:

  • Tenderness when smiling

  • Mild lumps under the skin

DO:

  • Ice lightly

  • Keep the area clean

  • Gentle expressions only

AVOID:

  • Pressing or folding your face into your pillow

  • Heaving laughing for 24 hours

  • Face masks that press tightly on the area

CHEEK FILLER AFTERCARE

NORMAL:

  • Firmness

  • Sensitivity in the mid-face

  • Asymmetry during swelling

DO:

  • Avoid sleeping on your cheeks

  • Ice lightly

  • Keep the head elevated

AVOID:

  • Facial massages or gua sha

  • Side sleeping for 1 week

  • Heavy sunglasses pressing on cheeks

CHIN FILLER AFTERCARE

NORMAL:

  • Tightness while talking or chewing

  • Swelling under the chin

DO:

  • Cool compresses

  • Soft foods if tenderness occurs

AVOID:

  • Leaning on your chin

  • Resting jaw on hand

  • Heavy pressure from scarves or collars

JAWLINE FILLER AFTERCARE

NORMAL:

  • Tender along mandible

  • Firm feeling near injection points

  • Bruising near ear or lower jaw

DO:

  • Be gentle when washing face

  • Keep area clean

  • Sleep on your back

AVOID:

  • Tight straps (helmets, chin straps)

  • Aggressive skincare in the area

  • Prolonged phone holding against jaw

🧴 SKINCARE YOU CAN USE

Immediate:

  • Gentle cleanser: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser or AlumierMD Sensi Calm.

  • Hyaluronic acid serum - SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi Glycan or Alumier MD Ultimate Boost Serum.

  • Moisturizer: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, AlumierMD HydraRich or others recommended by Laser Arts Studio

  • Thermal water spray

After 72 hours:

  • Vitamin C: AlumierMD EverActive CE+Peptide, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, Phlorentin CF or Silymarin CF.

  • Light exfoliants, such as Alumier MD AHA Renewal Serum, SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle or others recommended by Laser Arts Studio

After 1 week:

  • Retinol

  • AHAs/BHAs

🚨 WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER (IMPORTANT)

Seek help IMMEDIATELY if you notice:

  • White, blotchy, or grey patches on the skin

  • Severe persistent pain

  • Livedo pattern (net-like discoloration)

  • Blistering

  • Increasing redness after Day 2

  • Fever

  • Nodules that get worse over time

  • Vision changes (rare emergency)

These could indicate a vascular complication and must be addressed promptly.