After Filler Care

I'm a dermatologist that does research studies for the FDA o dermal fillers.  In these trials we instruct subjects on filler aftercare to minimize side effects and prevent swelling and bruising.  These are tips to shorten the downtime get and better results from dermal fillers. Proper aftercare is crucial for minimizing side effects and achieving optimal results. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to do and what to avoid after getting dermal fillers in the cheeks, lips, or tear troughs.

Before you get fillers, you want to prep your skin to get the best results.  Taking Arnica supplements can help prevent bruising. Order your post care products 10 days before fillers so you will have them in time to apply them after injections. Keep them in the refrigerator so they are cold. These are the best post filler skin care products.  Keep reading to learn how to use them on post filler procedure facial skin.

To have less downtime with fillers, you want to decrease swelling and bruising. What you do before, during and after fillers can make a big difference. To minimize swelling, avoid activities that raise your heart hate and blood pressure for at least 24-48 hours. This includes exercise, stress, and losing your temper. So stay calm and cool. Heat can also cause blood vessels to dilate-making you more likely to bruise. So avoid exercise and heat after fillers.

Plan you schedule so you do not do the following after fillers:

• Exercise
• Facials
• Facial massages
• Body massage (because of face cradle)
• Heat exposure
• Sauna
• Infrared saunas
• Steam room
• Hot showers
• Sleeping on your stomach
• Yelling or getting upset

Avoid these for 24 hours after getting injections. If you had lip fillers, avoid hot drinks like coffee or tea.

Whether you had Restylane, Juvéderm, Voluma, Radiesse, Sculptra or any other kind of fillers- this is how you should care for your face afterwards. Immediately after your filler treatment, your doctor will likely apply an arnica gel to your face to help reduce bruising and swelling. Leave this on until the next morning. If they did not apply it, you can apply arnica, argan oil or aloe vera when you get home. You can take arnica supplements and eat the middle round part of a pineapple (The part they usually cut out is full of bromelain) to reduce swelling and bruising.

It is important to be very cautious with your skincare routine for the next 18 hours, as the needle holes stay open during this period, increasing the risk of infection and irritation. Avoid applying any products that are not explicitly recommended.

How to reduce swelling:

• Oral and topical arnica
• Bromelain supplements (500 mg three times a day)
• Eat the center of a pineapple

The most important thing to do is relax and apply a cold compress to the treated area for 10-15 minutes. A wet washcloth placed in the freezer for 5 minutes can provide an effective cold compress without the risk of frostbite from direct ice contact. Do this off and on for the first hour and any time you feel soreness or discomfort for the next 24 hours.

Lip fillers require special care due to the delicate nature of the lip area. Avoid hot beverages like coffee or tea for the first 24 hours, as the heat can increase swelling and discomfort. Do not get a massage because squishing your face in the face cradle can make your lips swell. Try to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your lips. If you wake up on your side or stomach, don’t panic. The filler is unlikely to migrate if it has been over an hour since your lip injections.

Apply Aquaphor, Vaseline, or a similar healing ointment to keep your lips moisturized and protected. Our favorite lip balm to use after lip filler is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hydrating Lip Balm. 

Use the cold compress technique with the washcloth described above for your lips. Apply the cold clean cloth for 1 hour after injections and intermittently over the next 18 hours if you notice swelling. Change out the washcloth every 15-20 minutes to keep it cold.

The advice for how to care for your skin after cheek fillers is the same as for the rest of the face. Avoid facial massages or applying pressure to your cheeks for at least 48 hours post-treatment. In addition, be careful that your sunglasses do not push on your cheeks and leave a dent. If you had Voluma, Restylane, Juvederm, or other fillers in your cheeks, try and sleep on your back with your head elevated the first night.

Do not wear:

• Sunglasses that press on cheeks
• swim goggles
• scuba mask
• any tight mask that touches where the filler was injected

The morning after your treatment, gently cleanse your face with a mild, non-foaming cleanser. Avoid any products containing alcohol, acids, or retinoids. Use products with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as arnica gel, bromelain, or serums specifically formulated to reduce swelling and bruising. Hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid can also be beneficial. Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to keep the skin barrier intact, and look for products containing ceramides and glycerin. 

There are many things to avoid using the first day after filler injections. Do not use exfoliating products or acids for at least a week after your treatment. This includes AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. This is a list of what not to use after facial fillers:

• Retinoids like retinol: While beneficial before fillers, these should not be used immediately after. Retinoids can slow down healing. So wait one day after fillers to use your retinol.
• Avoid Acidic Products : Products containing benzoic acid, hydroxy acids, and ascorbic acid should be avoided as they can sting delicate post filler skin.
• Avoid Preservatives and: Use products free from preservatives like parabens to minimize irritation. The holes in your skin decrease the strength of your skin barrier and you are more likely to react to ingredients.
• Fragrances: Avoid products with fragrance added. Do not use perfume or have your face near lit candles for 24 hours.
• Chemical Sunscreens: These should be avoided for 24 hours. Instead, use zinc oxide sunscreens. Your best bet is to stay out of the sun altogether for 1 day.
• Essential Oils: Avoid products with these ingredients due to the risk of allergic reactions.
• Pesticides: Avoid using pesticides near your face.

You may not see the little channels in your skin, but they are there from the needles. Your skin barrier will be compromised for at least 5 hours- so be gentle with your skin.

Bruising can be a common side effect of dermal filler injections. To mitigate bruising, consider the following:

• Arnica and Bromelain : Taking Arnica (as directed on the label) or Bromelain supplements (500 mg three times a day) and eating pineapple can reduce swelling and tenderness.
• Vascular Laser (V Beam, 595nm): Can be done once bruises are dark purple (about 24 hours after injections). Most bruises disappear in 12 hours after the laser treatment.
• Avoid These: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen

The beast cream to get rid of bruises is the Alastin INhance Post-Injection Serum. I have used it myself many times. It also comes in the post injection kit below.

How much you swell and bruise after fillers is greatly affected by what you do before and after the procedure. So do your homework and have your skin care products ready before your filler appointment.

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