Filler Aftercare
What to expect and how to care for your skin after dermal filler treatment.
First 24 Hours
Do:
- Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night
- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water
- Take Tylenol if needed for discomfort
Don't:
- Exercise vigorously for 24 hours
- Drink alcohol for 24 hours
- Apply makeup for 12 hours after treatment
- Touch, press, or massage the area unless instructed by your provider
- Expose treated area to extreme heat or cold (saunas, ice baths)
Days 2-14
- Days 2-5: Swelling is normal and expected. It typically peaks at day 2-3 and resolves by day 5
- Days 5-7: Minor bruising may still be visible — arnica cream can help
- Day 14: Swelling has fully resolved and you can see your true results. Contact us if you have concerns
Massage Instructions
Only massage the treated area if your provider specifically instructs you to do so. Some fillers benefit from gentle massage to smooth product, while others should not be touched. Follow your provider's personalized instructions.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6-18 months depending on the product, treatment area, and your individual metabolism. Cheek and chin filler tends to last longer than lip filler because the area moves less.
- Filler product: thicker formulations (Voluma, Restylane Lyft) last longer than thinner ones (Volbella, Kysse)
- Treatment area: less mobile areas (cheek, chin) hold filler longer; mobile areas (lips, around mouth) cycle faster
- Metabolism: younger and more active patients tend to break down filler faster
- Sun exposure + heat: extreme heat (saunas, hot yoga) accelerates HA breakdown
When to Contact Us — Specific Clinical Criteria
Call us right away if you experience any of the following. These are specific thresholds — vague concerns can wait until business hours, but anything on this list is urgent:
- Skin discoloration (white, blue, or gray patches) at or near injection site — possible vascular event, call us within minutes
- Severe disproportionate pain at the injection site versus the surrounding area
- Vision changes after periorbital filler — call EMS, then us
- Persistent lumps lasting > 2 weeks unresponsive to gentle massage
- Fever ≥ 101°F + expanding redness > 2 cm
Other Aftercare Resources
Lip Filler Aftercare + Recovery
Lips swell more than other filler areas — plan a quiet 24-48 hours for the best settled result.
View GuideSculptra Aftercare + Recovery
The 5-5-5 massage protocol and what to expect during the 3-6 month collagen build.
View GuideBotox Aftercare + Recovery
What to do and avoid after your Botox treatment.
View GuideConsidering Dermal Fillers?
Read the full treatment overview — what it is, who it's for, what to expect, and pricing.
Dermal Fillers at Skinsation LA