Complete Guide to Aftercare for Dermal Fillers: How to Minimize Swelling, Bruising, and Downtime
As a dermatologist involved in FDA research on dermal fillers, I know how crucial aftercare is. Proper care after your injections can greatly reduce side effects like swelling and bruising.
It also helps ensure the best, longest-lasting results.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about what to do and avoid after getting fillers in your cheeks, lips, or tear troughs.
These expert tips will help you recover quickly and enjoy your enhanced look with confidence.
Preparing for Your Filler Treatment: Pre-Care Tips
Before you even get your fillers, prepping your skin can help reduce bruising and improve results. One helpful supplement is Arnica, a natural remedy known for reducing swelling and bruising.
Start taking it about 10 days before your treatment.
Also, order your post-procedure skincare products ahead of time—at least 10 days before your appointment. This way, you have everything ready to use immediately after your injections.
Keep products like arnica gel or aloe vera in the fridge. Applying cold products after treatment helps soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Having a cold compress ready at home is a good idea too.
What to Avoid for 24-48 Hours After Fillers
Swelling and bruising often depend on how well you manage your activities right after your treatment. Avoid anything that raises your heart rate or blood pressure during the first 24-48 hours.
This means skipping exercise, stressful situations, and anything that gets you upset or agitated. Heat also dilates blood vessels, increasing the chance of bruising.
So avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and infrared treatments.
Make a plan not to do the following for at least a day after your fillers:
Exercise, Facials or facial massages, Body massages (due to face cradle pressure), Heat exposure (including hot drinks if you had lip fillers)
Sleeping on your stomach or applying pressure to the face, Getting upset or yelling
If you had lip fillers, avoid hot beverages like coffee or tea for the first 24 hours. The heat can worsen swelling and discomfort.
Immediate Care Right After Injections
No matter what filler you receive—Restylane, Juvéderm, Voluma, Radiesse, or Sculptra—the immediate aftercare is similar.
Your provider will likely apply arnica gel right after the injections. Leave this on until the next morning to help reduce swelling and bruising.
If no gel was applied, you can apply arnica, argan oil, or aloe vera at home as soon as you get back.
Taking arnica supplements and eating the central part of fresh pineapple (rich in bromelain) can speed healing and reduce inflammation.
Protect Your Skin’s Barrier
For the first 18 hours post-treatment, your needle holes remain open. This increases the risk of infection and irritation.
Avoid using any skincare products that aren’t recommended by your doctor during this time. Be gentle and keep your skin clean with mild products only.
How to Reduce Swelling Effectively
Cold therapy is your best friend after fillers. Use a clean, wet washcloth chilled in the freezer for 5 minutes. Apply it to the treated area for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Repeat this off and on for the first hour, and whenever you feel soreness or swelling during the first day.
Avoid using ice directly on your skin to prevent frostbite.
Taking oral supplements like arnica and bromelain (500 mg, three times daily) can also help reduce swelling.
Special Care for Lip Fillers
The lips are delicate and require extra care.
Avoid hot drinks for 24 hours, as heat can cause more swelling. Don’t get any facial massages or use the face cradle on massage tables, which can squeeze your lips and worsen swelling.
Try to sleep on your back the first night to avoid pressure on your lips. If you accidentally sleep on your side or stomach after an hour or so, don’t worry—the filler usually won’t move.
Best Products for Lip Filler Aftercare
Keep your lips moisturized with healing ointments like Aquaphor or Vaseline.
Our favorite post-lip filler balm is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hydrating Lip Balm. It soothes and protects delicate lip skin.
Continue the cold compress routine on your lips—change the cloth every 15-20 minutes to keep it cool.
Caring for Cheek Fillers
Post-cheek filler care is much like the rest of the face.
Avoid any pressure or massages on your cheeks for at least 48 hours.
Be careful wearing sunglasses, goggles, or masks that press on your cheeks as these can leave dents or disrupt the filler placement.
Try to sleep on your back with your head elevated the first night to minimize swelling.
Products and Activities to Avoid After Fillers
Avoid all exfoliating products and acids for at least one week after treatment. This includes AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids.
Retinoids, while great before fillers, can slow healing if used immediately after.
Also avoid products with:
Benzoic acid, Hydroxy acids, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Fragrances and perfumes, Preservatives like parabens, Essential oils, Chemical sunscreens (use zinc oxide instead)
Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours, and stay away from pesticides near your face.
Day After Your Filler Treatment
The next morning, cleanse your face gently with a mild, non-foaming cleanser.
Use serums and gels that reduce inflammation and bruising, such as those containing arnica or bromelain.
Apply a hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides and glycerin to support your skin’s barrier.
Managing Bruising from Fillers
Bruising can happen, but it can be managed.
Arnica and bromelain supplements help reduce bruising and swelling.
Eating pineapple also supports recovery due to its bromelain content.
If you get a dark purple bruise, a vascular laser treatment (like V Beam 595nm) done about 24 hours after injections can speed healing.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen as they thin the blood and can worsen bruising.
Recommended Products for Bruising and Healing
The Alastin INhance Post-Injection Serum is one of the best creams I’ve used to reduce bruising and support healing. It’s often included in professional post-injection kits.
Final Tips
Relaxation is vital after fillers. Stress and heat increase swelling, so stay calm and keep your cool.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support skin healing.
Follow your provider’s instructions closely, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure.
With the right preparation and aftercare, you can enjoy beautiful filler results with minimal downtime and discomfort.
