10 Dermal Fillers Aftercare Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Proper dermal fillers aftercare is essential to preserve their incredible effects and achieve the best possible results. These injections rejuvenate the skin, giving it a youthful, healthy, and radiant appearance that everyone will notice. By following the recommended aftercare instructions, you can maintain your skin’s vitality and fresh look for longer. In this article, we will provide you with the 10 most important tips to keep the results in optimal condition.

Why Dermal Fillers Aftercare Matters 

The success of dermal filler injections depends not only on the doctor but also on maintaining aftercare and adhering to instructions to:

• Avoid or minimize the severity of side effects such as swelling, bruises, redness, itching, and inflammation.
• Ensure the filler settles well in the treated area and decreases the chance of filler migration (movement).
• Prolong the results as much as possible to enjoy your youthful, plump, and smooth appearance for a long time.
• Get the best results and safeguard healthy, youthful skin.

When Will You Achieve the Final Filler Results?

The results of soft tissue augmentation fillers are visible immediately but only after the swelling subsides. Results last from months to years depending on the type of filler used, the treated area (for example, about 4 weeks for lip filler to achieve the final results), and the patient. Adhering to a good dermal filler aftercare plan will help you optimize results and longevity.

Immediate Dermal Fillers Aftercare

Once the filler injection is completed and you leave the dermatology clinic, the following tips should be followed immediately as the first step in aftercare: 

1. Refrain from touching the treated area and keep it clean

Even though the treated area can feel a little different, it is crucial to avoid rubbing, touching, or applying any pressure. Attempting to do so can lead to filler displacement and other complications, so be sure to ignore the urge to touch the treated area. Keep the area clean as much as possible and don’t apply makeup during the first 24 hours after the injection. 

2. Apply a wrapped ice pack

Use a wrapped ice pack on the area of the dermal filler injection for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 to 2 hours daily for about 3 days or until the bruises and swelling subside.

3. Keep yourself hydrated 

Drinking plenty of water and eating hydrating vegetables and fruits on a regular basis are very important aftercare measures to keep the effects of the fillers, as these fillers attract water molecules to create and sustain a volumizing effect.

4. Avoid extreme physical activity

Be sure to avoid vigorous exercise for the first 24 to 48 hours after filler injection. Such exercise increases blood flow and may lead to filler movement from the treated area, known as filler migration. 

First-Week Dermal Fillers Aftercare 

Aftercare extends into the first week to maintain results and minimize side effects, as follows:

5. Limit exposure to heat and sun

Use sunscreen with a high SPF and avoid heat exposure, such as sauna and jacuzzis, as much as possible. Heat and sun can increase post-treatment swelling and discomfort.

6. Taking care of bruising and swelling

Don’t worry if you experience redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site; these are common dermal filler side effects. To relieve these symptoms:

• Apply a cold pack until the bruising and swelling go away.
• Use a bruise relief cream, such as aloe vera, vitamin K, and arnica creams on the treated area.
• Sleep on high pillows to elevate your head.
• Stay away from inverted poses with your head down, such as certain yoga poses. 
• Avoid things that worsen bruises, such as aspirin and alcohol.
• Postpone your flight for at least a week as the airplane’s air pressure can increase swelling and bruising.

7. Skincare routine

Stick to a gentle skincare routine. Choose premium, high-quality, and irritant-free products, and avoid harsh ingredients. Purchase your products from a trusted, certified seller and avoid products sold by uncertified sources.
Anti-inflammatory products (containing bromelain, Arnica Montana, and other ingredients) and hydrating products (containing hyaluronic acid and other ingredients) are important after filler treatments to maintain the skin barrier and help heal faster.

Long-Term Dermal Fillers Aftercare

Aftercare is not just for the first week, but must also be adhered to over the long term to maintain the effect of the dermal filler injections.

8. Keep a healthy lifestyle

Focus on maintaining a healthy way of living, such as having a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a consistent, gentle skincare routine. Following these steps can increase the longevity of dermal filler injections.

9. Prioritize touch-ups

Touch-ups regularly are essential for long-lasting results. The frequency of touch-ups will change depending on the type of dermal filler you have and your body’s metabolism.

10. Schedule regular follow-ups

Attend frequent consultations with your doctor. They can help you with future treatment preparations and provide guidance on the best aftercare plan for you and any extra care you may need.

Dermal Filler Side Effects You may Experience 

Dermal filler side effects may appear immediately or may be delayed for years, as follows:

Early fillers’ side effects

These side effects appear days or weeks after injection and are usually mild, such as swelling, redness, bruising, itching, inflammation, and pain. Some side effects are more severe, such as infections, hypersensitivity reactions, tissue necrosis (death of tissue), and embolism (obstruction in blood vessels) leading to blindness. 

Delayed fillers’ side effects 

These side effects appear weeks to years later, such as asymmetry, scarring, filler migration (filler movement from the injection site), nodules (whether red or not), and foreign body reaction. 

In the end, fillers, like any other cosmetic or therapeutic procedure, need care and attention to maintain the results for as long as possible, and the more you commit to a good dermal fillers aftercare plan, the better results you will get for a longer period of time. Consult your doctor to choose the best post-filler routine and products for you.

Resources 

https://hob-aesthetics.com/dermal-filler-aftercare-guide/
https://books.google.com.sa/books?hl=ar&lr=&id=ZbA5iQ8xcVAC&oi=fnd&pg=PT25&dq=dermal+fillers+aftercare&ots=W8cTcM4p-v&sig=32d5REAHuSSADvzWxJYT9FYhxXU&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=dermal%20fillers%20aftercare&f=false
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/lip-fillers-aftercare#10-tips
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2890129/
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/results