What Not to Do After Getting Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are one of those treatments that give almost instant satisfaction. A small amount of gel placed under the skin can smooth a crease, add shape to lips, or restore volume that’s faded over the years. You walk out of the clinic looking fresher than you did when you walked in.
But the work isn’t done when you leave the chair. What happens in the hours and days afterwards can make a big difference to how your results turn out. Aftercare isn’t complicated, but there are a few things you really don’t want to do. Skip them, and you’ll give your skin the best chance to settle beautifully.
If you’ve just had your treatment, you’re probably wondering about your dermal filler recovery and what can interfere with it. Let’s run through the habits worth avoiding.
Avoid Touching or Pressing the Treated Area
The filler takes a little time to settle, kind of like jelly under the skin during the first couple of days. So, pressing or rubbing it too soon might move it around, which is why most practitioners advise against poking or prodding the area, even if it feels strange.
It’s completely normal to be curious and want to check on it, especially if you notice a small lump or extra fullness. But remember, the first 48 hours are really important for proper placement. Instead of touching, just let it be.
If you feel itching or sensitivity, a cool breeze from a fan or holding a clean, cold spoon nearby can provide relief. Try to resist the temptation to scratch or poke.
Stay Away from Intense Physical Activity
Exercise is good for you. Just maybe not immediately after fillers. High-intensity workouts push more blood through your vessels, and that can make swelling hang around longer.
Think about the last time you did a heavy workout — your face probably flushed and felt warm. That extra circulation is great for muscles, but it’s not ideal when your filler is still finding its place. For the first day or two, trade the gym for something gentle. A walk around your neighbourhood is fine. Save the spin class or power yoga for later in the week.
Don’t Apply Extreme Heat or Cold Directly
You might think a hot compress or ice pack will help speed up healing, but both can cause problems if used the wrong way. Direct heat can make blood vessels open up, inviting more swelling. Ice packs, if pressed hard to the skin, can freeze tissue that’s already sensitive.
That doesn’t mean you have to avoid all warmth or cooling. Just keep it mild. If your skin feels warm, a soft, cool cloth can be soothing. If you’re feeling chilly and want a hot drink, that’s fine. Just avoid sitting in a sauna or steam room for a few days.
Avoid Alcohol and Excessive Caffeine
This one’s simple but often ignored. Alcohol and caffeine can widen your blood vessels. That might mean a bit more swelling or even some minor bruising that takes longer to fade.
It’s not about giving them up forever. Just hold off for the first 24 to 48 hours. Instead, drink water, herbal teas, or light fruit-infused water. Staying hydrated will help your skin bounce back faster, and it’s one of the easiest ways to reduce swelling after fillers naturally.
Skip Harsh Facial Treatments
Chemical peels, aggressive exfoliation, and microdermabrasion are great in their own time, but that time isn’t right after filler. Your skin needs to stay calm so the deeper layers can adjust to the new volume.
Most practitioners recommend waiting at least two weeks before going back to these treatments. In the meantime, stick to a gentle cleanser and a light moisturiser. Think of it as letting your skin take a quiet holiday before jumping back into its usual routine.
Never buy a dermal filler online and attempt treatment yourself. Professional application is key for safety and results. Your injector will know exactly how to prepare your skin, where to place the product, and how to ensure it settles correctly.
Protect Your Skin from Direct Sunlight
Your skin will thank you for this one, fillers or not. After treatment, though, it’s even more important. Direct UV exposure can make swelling worse and can be irritating to healing tissue. Too much sun can also speed up the breakdown of filler, meaning your results might not last as long as they should.
If you’re heading outdoors, a wide-brim hat is your best friend. Add a high-SPF sunscreen that’s labelled for sensitive skin, ideally mineral-based since it’s gentler. Apply it with light, sweeping motions so you’re not pressing on the treated area. Reapply every couple of hours if you’re outside for long stretches, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest.
Think of this as protecting an investment. The small effort of sun protection not only helps your filler look its best but also keeps your skin healthier in the long run. Even on cloudy days, those UV rays still reach you, so make sunscreen a year-round habit.
References
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. (2023). Dermal fillers: What you should know post-treatment. ASDS Foundation. Retrieved from https://asdsi.org/patientinfo/dermal-fillers-postcare
World Health Organization. (2023). Safe practices for non-surgical facial procedures. WHO Health Guidance Series. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/aesthetic-procedures
