Dermal Filler Aftercare: The First 48 Hours
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Dermal Fillers have become an extremely popular cosmetic procedure over the past 15 years. As a non-surgical, cost effective way to enhance your looks and add volume to the face, it’s no wonder why treatments such as lip fillers and cheekbone fillers have become so commonplace.
But don’t let their minimally invasive nature make you second guess the importance of proper after care. In fact the first 48 hours are crucial, as proper aftercare not only helps achieve the best aesthetic results but also reduces the risk of complications such as filler migration or infection.
As a professional filler trade company, we emphasise not only premium products but also safe and effective aftercare guidance for both practitioners and clients. So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dermal filler after care, looking at the first 48 hours and beyond.
Whilst they may be minimally invasive and non-surgical you can still expect some side effects from getting Dermal Filler treatments. They’re typically very mild, will stick to the intended areas, and will pass in a matter of a few days to a week.
The most typical side effects are:
Mild bruising
Swelling
Redness
Tenderness
If you experience any additional side effects you believe to be out of the ordinary, contact your practitioner immediately. Additionally, whilst there’s no specific downtime for Dermal Filler treatments like lip fillers, the visible side effect will persist for at least the first two days, so try to not schedule them around any important events where you want to look your best.
When it comes to actually ensuring your dermal fillers treatment adapts and heals properly, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, if you’re a practitioner, be sure to give clear, structured aftercare instructions, and - if you’re a patient - make sure you follow them closely. This makes the healing period smoother, and the final aesthetic outcome appears more balanced, natural, and refined.
Whilst vital for long term health, strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided in the first few days after receiving dermal filler treatments. This is because the increase in heart rate and blood pressure can cause filler to migrate and spread unintentionally to other areas.
Skipping out on a workout or two won’t mean you miss out on your body or fitness goals, and the negative effects of migrated filler will only cause complications in the long run.
You may want to celebrate finally getting a treatment you’ve had bookmarked for a while or even take the edge off the tenderness you may be experiencing around the affected areas, but we ask you to rethink. The blood-thinning properties of consuming alcohol will prolong your side effects, making bruising and redness much worse in the moment and last much longer than it needs to.
The same is true of caffeine, which can increase blood flow to the affected areas and increase the appearance of swelling or redness. In fact, anything that will increase blood flow, such as saunas and long, hot showers, should be avoided.
You’re going to want to look your best, and it’s understandable to not feel your best until you’ve done your skincare and applied a full face of make up, but in the 2-3 days after getting dermal filler treatments - that’s a big no-go.
Although it can be tempting to touch the area, especially with how tender it might be, massaging the filler can permanently affect its shape and appearance. And when it comes to skin care and make up, remember that the affected area is essentially an open wound - even if it is only the size of the needle - which means it’s at risk of getting infected.
Whilst you want to avoid skin care or make up around the open injection points, you also need to make sure they stay clear of dirt or other harmful bacterias. Using a mild soap and a warm cloth to gently clean the area is best.
But, be sure that you don’t apply too much pressure or use water that’s too hot, as this can cause unwanted filler migration and the side effects to last longer than you’d like respectively.
If you want the side effects to subside quickly, it’s essential that you drink enough water in the days following your treatment.
Whilst staying hydrated is important regardless of if you’ve had dermal fillers or not, it’s especially important after dermal fillers or other treatments as it encourages the body’s natural healing process and reduces the appearance of side effects like redness and tenderness.
Plus, the hyaluronic acid that makes up most dermal fillers, draws and holds moisture, so staying hydrated helps fillers look plump, soft, and smooth
The first 48 hours after your dermal filler treatment matter just as much as the appointment itself. By keeping activity low, avoiding anything that increases blood flow, protecting the injection sites, and staying hydrated, you give your fillers the best chance to settle beautifully and safely. Side effects are normal, but proper aftercare helps them pass quickly while reducing the risk of complications such as migration or infection.
Whether you’re a practitioner guiding clients or someone recovering from a fresh treatment, sticking to clear, professional aftercare steps will always deliver better, more predictable results.
Make the clinically proven Dermal Filler choice by exploring our range of dermal fillers today.
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