Dermal fillers are one of the best ways to restore volume to the face and diminish the common signs of aging. They are safe and effective and provide immediate results. Still, following all instructions after your treatment is essential to ensure that your dermal filler recovery goes smoothly. Whether you’re new to fillers or not, consider this the ultimate dermal filler recovery guide so that your skin emerges looking refreshed and glowing and you are happy with the overall results.
How Dermal Fillers Work
Dermal fillers are injectables made from hyaluronic acid (similar to what the body naturally produces) that are placed under the skin to restore lost volume, smooth out lines and wrinkles, or enhance facial contours. The product can either be made of hyaluronic acid, a synthetic version of naturally found hyaluronic acid produced by the body, or a biostimulator that creates new collagen.
What to Expect During and After Fillers
The key to good results is knowing what to expect during and after your fillers, which is an essential component of your dermal fillers recovery guide. During the treatment, local numbing cream is used to make the procedure more comfortable. Even with numbing cream, you may experience a tiny bit of tenderness or a slight burning or stinging sensation at the first moment of the injection.
It’s normal for the treated areas to bruise, turn red, and even swell after dermal fillers. This often subsides on its own after a few days, and you can take arnica to help speed up the recovery process. You may also feel like the treated area feels firm or hard as the filler integrates with the tissue. As the filler settles, the area will soften, and you will soon feel like you have never done anything.
Since the injected area will feel tender to the touch, one of the most important instructions to follow as part of your dermal filler recovery guide is not to touch, pick, rub, or play with the area. Doing so could potentially displace the filler or even lead to complications. You’ll also want to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and moisturize the skin to help enhance the fillers’ volumizing effects.
For the first 24 to 48 hours post-treatment, it’s best to minimize exercise. Some movement could increase blood flow, potentially causing the filler to increase bruising.
Post-Filler Recovery Instructions
In the days following your treatment, it is still important to follow the instructions given to you as part of your dermal fillers recovery guide. Even though you may see an immediate improvement, there will likely be some residual swelling and bruising, so you’ll want to do everything to help them disappear. That means icing the area and avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen, which can prolong bruising. You can use makeup to cover up any stubborn bruises and apply it 24 hours after treatment. Just make sure to use a gentle touch when applying.
After filler, the treated area should be kept clean and cleansed as normal. Avoid using harsh ingredients or exfoliants on and around the treated area. As long as you stick to gentle products, you can continue with your skincare routine.
To protect the integrity of your skin, avoid sunbathing or excessive UV exposure until all of the redness or swelling has subsided. Sun and heat can also worsen swelling or cause discomfort post-treatment.
To maintain the effects and results of your filler treatment, it’s best to repeat the treatment about every six to nine months or before the product has fully dissipated. This will help enhance your results and make them last much longer. Also, request a follow up at 4-6 weeks if you have done a full face makeover using multiple syringes of filler to make sure everything has settled properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from dermal fillers?
Typically, dermal fillers have little to no recovery time. After your appointment, you can return to work and resume most of your daily activities. However, be careful for 24 to 48 hours and take it easy to allow time for the fillers to settle in properly. Make sure you don’t have any major events planned, like weddings or a big interview planned for at least 10 days to two weeks since bruising can last that long for some people.
What can I do to speed up the recovery process after dermal fillers?
You can do a lot to help speed up the recovery process. Give yourself some time to rest and drink plenty of water. Avoid exercise for the 48 hours and take arnica to help with any swelling and bruising. You’ll also want to ice the treated area or use cold compresses. Make sure to sleep with your head elevated, avoid touching the treatment area, and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
What are common side effects associated with dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a safe, non-invasive procedure; however, you may experience mild side effects such as swelling, bruising, tenderness, redness, infection, and pain or itching at the injection site.
When can I expect to see full results after dermal fillers?
While you can see a difference in the treated areas immediately, the full results are seen after two to four weeks. By then, your filler should be fully settled, and any swelling should have resolved.
How often should I schedule touch-up treatments for dermal fillers?
On average, hyaluronic acid fillers can last one year to 24 months, although some patients may metabolize the product at a slower or faster rate. We recommend patients get touch-up filler injections every six months to 1 ½ years to maintain the full results, depending on how fast you metabolize the filler.
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