What should I avoid after receiving dermal fillers?

Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, vigorous exercise, heat, and excessive sun exposure for at least 24–48 hours after treatment to reduce swelling and bruising.

Can I touch or massage the treated areas?

Do not rub, press, or massage the injected areas for at least 48 hours unless specifically instructed by your provider.

How long does post-filler swelling or bruising last?

Swelling and bruising may last several days depending on the area treated and your individual healing response. Ice intermittently and, if not contraindicated by your medications or medical conditions (such as high blood pressure), use arnica as directed to support healing.

When can I resume my normal skincare routine?

You may resume gentle skincare the following day, avoiding actives such as retinoids, acids, or exfoliants until the skin fully calms and your provider clears you.

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Post Care

Dermal Fillers

Mild bruising, swelling, tenderness, redness, itching, or discomfort are normal responses to treatment and typically resolve within two weeks.

Please contact our office immediately at (610) 393-1253 if you experience any of the following:

Recurring blisters or skin sores, which may indicate a herpes infection requiring treatment
Signs of infection, including spreading redness, fever, drainage, or increasing pain or tenderness
White or blue discoloration of the skin, numbness, or a change in skin texture near the injection site, which may indicate a vascular occlusion
Unusual pain, vision changes, difficulty speaking, numbness in the face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, severe headache, facial drooping, dizziness, or confusion—these may signal a more serious complication and must be addressed immediately

If it is after hours, please leave a message and we will follow up within 24 hours.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

GENERAL POST CARE POLICIES

Medications

Avoid blood-thinning medications, supplements, foods, and alcohol until bruising and swelling have fully resolved — unless they are medically necessary. Common items to avoid include Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin, fish oil, garlic, ginger, almonds, and green tea.

Exercise

Refrain from exercise until all visible bruising and swelling have subsided, as increased circulation may prolong healing.

Pain Relief

If you need pain relief, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to use—unless contraindicated based on your medical history or other medications.

Bruising/Swelling

You may take Arnica to help reduce bruising and swelling, unless it is contraindicated (e.g., with high blood pressure or other medical conditions). Always follow the instructions on the label.

POST-CARE POLICIES

For 24 Hours

Apply ice in 10-minute intervals as needed to minimize swelling and discomfort (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off). Always use a clean barrier — do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Sleep on your back with your head elevated to help reduce swelling and pressure on the treated area.
Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours. The only exception is Oxygenetix, which is specifically formulated for post-procedure use and is available in our office.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid sunlight.
Drink plenty of fluids.

For 5 Days

Sleep with your head elevated, if tolerated. This helps reduce overnight swelling.

For 2 Weeks

Avoid facials, facial massage, exfoliating treatments, and the use of Clarisonic or other cleansing devices.
Avoid rubbing or massaging the area at injection sites.
Avoid other cosmetic treatments to the area, including eyebrow and eyelash appointments.

Lip Filler-Specific Guidelines

Avoid dental appointments and teeth whitening treatments for at least 2 weeks.
Refrain from kissing, intimate oral activity, smoking, vaping, and hookah use during this time to reduce the risk of irritation or delayed healing.
Avoid pursing your lips, including actions like using straws or drinking from narrow water bottles. Opt for wide-brimmed mugs or plastic cups instead.

These movements can increase the risk of creasing, lumping, or uneven healing—please review the above carefully to protect your results.

Nose Filler–Specific Guidelines

Avoid wearing glasses that rest on the bridge of the nose for 2–4 weeks.
Avoid tight-fitting masks that apply pressure to the treated area. If mask use is required, please use a looser, equally protective alternative.

Temple Filler–Specific Guidelines

Once bruising has resolved, gently apply firm pressure to the area daily for the first two weeks to help the product integrate evenly.

Cheek, Jawline & Under-Eye Filler–Specific Guidelines

Avoid tight-fitting masks that may apply pressure to the treated areas. Use a safe, alternative style if masking is necessary during healing.

Until Bruising & Swelling Have Resolved

For lip bruising, dark, matte lipstick is the most effective option for coverage during healing.
Avoid tanning and prolonged sun exposure, as this may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Continue to avoid exercise until all visible bruising has healed, as increased circulation can prolong recovery.
If you are considering additional filler in the same area, please wait at least 8 weeks to allow for full tissue recovery before retreatment.

After Bruising & Swelling Have Resolved

Once any bruising has fully healed, you may begin to gently but firmly press the area a few times per day if you feel a spot could benefit from additional blending.
Use clean fingers or a cotton swab (Q-tip) to apply pressure and lightly knead the area. Do not attempt this while bruising is still present, as it may worsen the appearance or disrupt healing.

Please review these instructions carefully so nothing is missed. Proper post-care reduces the risk of complications and supports better, longer-lasting results.

Your happiness and confidence are our top priorities.

After your treatment has fully settled, please reach out by phone (610-393-1253) or email and let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your results or experience.