Dermal Filler Aftercare: What to Expect and When to Call the Clinic

Dermal filler aftercare is straightforward for most clients, but knowing what to expect in the days following treatment makes the experience less stressful and ensures you respond appropriately if anything requires attention. Filler treatment involves a greater degree of tissue interaction than anti wrinkle treatment, which means the immediate post treatment period has more visible changes to manage.

This guide covers the key aftercare points from the clinical perspective of Corey Anderson at Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh.

The First 24 Hours

Immediately after filler treatment, avoid touching, rubbing or pressing on treated areas. Product that has been precisely placed at specific anatomical locations should be allowed to settle without mechanical disruption. Apply cool compresses gently to swollen areas if this is comfortable, using a cloth barrier rather than ice directly on the skin. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

Avoid significant heat in the first 24 hours, including vigorous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot baths. Heat increases blood flow and can exacerbate swelling and bruising. Avoid alcohol in the first 24 hours. Sleep on your back where possible in the first night or two, particularly after lip or cheek filler, to reduce pressure on treated areas during the initial settling period.

What Swelling Looks Like and When It Resolves

Swelling after filler treatment is normal and varies considerably between clients, treatment areas and individual healing responses. The most significant swelling is generally in the first 24 to 72 hours. Lips tend to swell more visibly than cheeks or the jaw. Tear trough treatment often produces a degree of firmness and swelling that temporarily makes the treated area look different from the intended final result. Do not judge your result in the first week. The full settled result is visible at around two weeks.

The swelling phase can be a source of anxiety, particularly for clients having filler for the first time. Your practitioner will discuss what the settling process is expected to look like for your specific treatment at your appointment, so you have a realistic picture of the journey from treatment to final result.

Bruising: What Is Normal and How to Manage It

Bruising is possible after filler treatment. It occurs when small blood vessels are encountered during the injection process and is more common in areas with denser vascularity, including the lips and under the eyes. Bruising is not a sign that anything went wrong. It typically develops within 24 hours of treatment and resolves over five to ten days. Arnica gel or supplements may help reduce bruising duration for some clients. Once injection sites have fully closed, bruising can be concealed with makeup.

For more on what is normal post treatment bruising versus what requires attention, see our article on bruising after injectable treatment.

Skincare After Filler

Use gentle, fragrance free moisturisers on treated areas in the immediate post treatment period. Avoid retinol and other active ingredients for several days. Apply SPF daily from the day after treatment. Avoid facial massage, facial treatments or any procedure involving significant pressure to treated areas until results are fully settled at two weeks.

When to Contact Your Practitioner Urgently

The rare but serious complication specific to dermal filler is vascular compromise, where filler product affects blood supply to the skin or deeper tissue. The warning signs include significant pain that worsens progressively, skin discolouration changing from pale or white to blue or dusky in the treated area, loss of sensation in or near the treated area, and vision changes after facial filler. If you experience any of these signs, contact your practitioner immediately and seek urgent medical attention. Prompt management is critical in this scenario. This is rare but it is the aftercare situation that requires the most urgent response.

For all other post treatment questions and concerns, contact Core Aesthetics directly rather than relying on general internet information. Your practitioner is the appropriate first point of contact for anything related to your individual treatment.

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General Information Only. This article is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. Treatment outcomes, suitability and risks vary by individual. Any medical or prescription treatment options can only be discussed and provided where clinically appropriate following an individual assessment.