New to Filler? Here’s What to Expect Post Procedure

So, you made it through the nerves of the injection – the procedure is done, that post-treatment relief washes over you, and you’re ready to feel your best. Great! Except you’re already noticing swelling, redness, bruising, and even itching just minutes after you leave the building. 

First, What Should You Expect? 

Everyone will react to fillers differently, but depending on the individual and the type of filler used by our injectors, you might experience some side effects. 

Swelling, especially, occurs when the filler material attracts water to the treated area. Usually, this is pretty mild and will vary based on the sensitivity of the filler location itself – lips and smile lines can be quite sensitive, while cheeks and tear troughs are less so. 

Bruising is another side effect to expect – and not one to worry about. This usually occurs due to small blood vessels being inadvertently punctured during the injection process, and it can make the treated area feel sore or tender to the touch.

The Duration of Side Effects

If you experience bruising, swelling, itching, or any other side effects, it’s important to track them. For instance, swelling can persist for a few hours to a couple of days, while bruising can take several days to fade. It’s always better to work with the body to heal, rather than against it, which is why we developed FADED, Post-Treatment, anti-inflammatory bruise cream to heal, restore, and reduce the appearance of marks and temporary imperfections post-procedure. 

If you have prolonged swelling and bruising, it can help to apply ice packs intermittently to the affected area and stay hydrated. Don’t apply the ice directly to your skin, though, as this can cause damage – and hurt! 

If there are signs of complications beyond this – for instance, infection or an allergic reaction – then this will require more immediate medical attention. If you’re prone to post-treatment anxiety, then remember that serious side effects are relatively rare, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified, experienced injector. Also, consider hemp oil as a great, natural supplement if you’re prone to worrying pre- or post-injection.

The Results of Your Fillers

One thing you shouldn’t expect is to see full results from your fillers immediately. Yes, results are typically visible almost immediately after the procedure is done, but in terms of the final outcome, it can take time to fully manifest – especially considering any initial swelling and settling of the filler. To break it down, post-injection you will likely notice an immediate improvement to the treated area. 

The filler, of course, adds volume instantly, smoothing out wrinkles, enhancing contours, or adding fullness, but there may be swelling and redness as well. During the first few days, any swelling and bruising will potentially increase leaving the area looking more puffy than expected. After the first 24 to 48 hours, these side effects will begin to subside, and if you look after the area efficiently – applying ice packs and creams – the effects will be minimized even faster.

After the first week, there will be a settling period. The filler will begin to settle into the tissue and the area will improve in appearance as a result. By the end of the second week, the swelling and bruising should have completely resolved, and the treated area should look smoother and fuller, depending on the purpose of the filler, of course. 

After Care

Even after you’ve noticed the optimal results, however, there will be things you need to do to maintain them. Immediately after the injection, it’s relatively easy to speed up your recovery – applying creams, ice packs, avoiding touching the area, avoiding strenuous activities, sleeping with your head elevated – but after those two weeks are over, the long-term care becomes more nuanced.

Depending on the type of filler used – and you as an individual – the results should last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, with regular touch-ups potentially being required to maintain the desired look. To assist with continued good results, you need to follow a good skincare routine, cleansing and moisturizing your skin every day and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you’re out in the sun. 

A balanced diet and continued hydration are also important, as well as regular exercise. With this in mind, managing stress is similarly beneficial, with exercises like yoga or meditation helping to keep you in a positive frame of mind while improving your skin’s health in the process. These are the things you need to think about now – before you even step into the clinic. If you do so, then you’ll be in the best frame of mind to work through any post-procedure challenges and ensure quick, positive results!