Dermal Filler Recovery: What to Expect After Treatment

As we get older, our skin gets thinner, paler, and less stretchy, thanks to factors such as hormonal changes, chronic health conditions, and UV damage. There are steps to take to erase these signs of aging though, such as getting dermal fillers.

You may have seen or heard about these treatments, and are planning on booking an appointment. They look like a simple enough procedure, but it doesn’t hurt to first learn about dermal filler recovery beforehand. That way, you can plan accordingly, manage your expectations, and avoid surprises.

What Happens Immediately After Dermal Filler Treatment?

What’s great about a dermal filler appointment is that it’s very quick. Because it’s a minimally invasive treatment, it’s often completed within 15-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area.

First, the medical professional will clean your skin and possibly apply a topical numbing agent. Then, they’ll carefully inject the dermal filler using a fine needle or cannula.

Immediately after, you may see subtle volume enhancement. In addition, you might have mild swelling or slight asymmetry, but this is completely normal. Keep in mind that due to dermal filling swelling, the area might look a little fuller than expected.

Other common sensations you might feel after include:

• Tightness
• Mild pressure
• Slight stinging feeling at the injection sight
• Warm or tingling sensation

These symptoms should subside within a few hours.

Common Side Effects After Dermal Fillers

As you’ve seen above, swelling is one of the top side effects. The degree of swelling will depend on the treatment area and the amount of filler used. It’ll be most noticeable within the first 24-48 hours, and then it should start gradually improving.

Dermal filler bruising may occur as well, especially if the areas injected have thinner skin or more blood vessels. The bruising can range from light discoloration to slightly darker patches. Either way, they should fade within a few days.

Another common side effect is redness immediately after treatment. In general, it’s short-lived and should resolve within a few hours. You may also experience mild tenderness or sensitivity when touching the areas.

Overall, these side effects are temporary; they happen because of your body’s natural response to the injections.

The Dermal Filler Recovery Timeline

The filler healing time is relatively short compared to other cosmetic procedures.

In the first 24 hours, you’ll probably have swelling, redness, and minor bruising. You should avoid touching the areas and follow all aftercare instructions closely.

After that, in days 2-3, the swelling and bruising should start to subside. For most people, the treated areas will start to look more natural. However, you may still have minor firmness or unevenness.

One week after treatment, most of the visible side effects should be gone. This is when the filler starts to settle fully, and your results will look more refined and balanced.

As for the final results, they usually appear 1-2 weeks after the initial injections. Do note that the actual time will depend on the type of filler used and the area treated.

How to Reduce Swelling and Bruising

Understandably, you may feel self-conscious about the swelling and bruising afterward, especially if you have to see others. To make these side effects go away faster, you should gently apply a cold compress to the area for the first 24 hours. Make sure to use light, intermittent cooling instead of direct pressure.

Plus, you shouldn’t drink alcohol or do intense exercise for at least 24-48 hours after your injections. The former can thin your blood and increase bruising, while the latter can worsen swelling by increasing blood flow to your face.

Surprisingly, your sleeping position can help in recovery too. We’d recommend sleeping on your back with your head elevated for the first couple of nights. Not only will it prevent additional swelling, but it’ll also reduce the chance of the filler shifting before it fully settles.

Dermal Filler Aftercare Tips

To make sure your dermal filler downtime is as short and smooth as possible, there are a few tips you should follow.

The first is to avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas, as this can irritate the skin and shift the filler. The exception is if your provider specifically told you to do so.

Also, if you have a skincare routine, you should stick to gentle products. For the first few days, don’t use:

• Harsh exfoliants
• Retinoids
• Active ingredients

Most importantly, always follow your provider’s aftercare instructions. Make sure to attend any recommended follow-up appointments too.

When Can You Return to Normal Activities?

The good news is that you can usually resume light daily activities immediately. But as we’ve said above, don’t exercise for at least 24-48 hours.

You can typically put on makeup after 24 hours, as long as there are no open or irritated injection sites. Be sure to use clean brushes or applicators to reduce the risk of infection.

As for work or social events, most people can return to both on the same day or the next, depending on their comfort level with minor swelling or bruising. If you have an important event or shift you can’t miss, then it may be better to schedule your dermal filler appointment at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

When to Contact Your Provider

Mild swelling is normal, but if it becomes unusual or severe, you should see your doctor. This is especially true if it worsens after a few days, as it may be a sign of an adverse reaction.

Another warning sign is persistent or increasing pain. There should only be mild discomfort with dermal fillers, so if you experience ongoing or intense pain, don’t ignore it.

Other signs of complications include:

• Skin discoloration
• Prolonged redness
• Unusual lumps

Be Prepared When Getting Dermal Fillers

As you can see, dermal filler recovery isn’t long or complicated, as long as you follow your provider’s aftercare instructions. These injections are a great way to look younger and more rejuvenated, and considering you can return to most daily activities immediately after a short session, they can be completely worth it for those who want a fresher look.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Valdez to learn how dermal filler treatments can enhance your appearance. He has over 17 years of experience as a board-certified surgeon.