What you need to know: Your Dermal Filler Treatment

What to Expect / When to Contact Us:

Normal & Expected:

• Swelling and mild tenderness for 5-7 days

• Bruising, which may take up to 7–10 days to fade.

• Asymmetry during the healing process as swelling subsides.

Contact Us If You Experience:

• Worsening pain.

• Pale or dusky skin on or near the treated area.

• Changes in vision.

• Firm lumps that worsen over time.

• Signs of infection: heat, redness, pus, or fever.

Pre-Care Instructions:

• To reduce the risk of bruising and swelling and ensure a smooth experience:

  • Let us know if you’re prone to cold sores; a preventive antiviral may be recommended.

  • Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and other blood thinners 3–5 days before your appointment (this may increase your chance of bruising, but will not affect your results)

  • Inform your provider of any recent dental work, vaccinations, illness, or medical changes.

  • Do not schedule filler within 2 weeks of a major event (photos, travel, etc.).

Post-Care Instructions:

After dermal filler treatment, you may experience swelling, redness, or tenderness. Follow these instructions to support healing:

• Avoid touching or massaging treated areas unless directed by your provider.

• Refrain from intense exercise, saunas, and hot environments for 24–48 hours (this may cause swelling to take longer to resolve, but will not affect your results)

• Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications for 24 hours (this may increase your chance of bruising, but will not affect your results)

• Use cold compresses gently to minimize swelling (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off as needed).

• Avoid makeup for 12 hours or until redness subsides.

• Results may take up to 2 months to fully settle—your provider may schedule a follow-up.

Minor bruising and swelling are common and usually resolve within a week.

Reach out if you experience significant pain, asymmetry, or any unusual symptoms.