Nowadays, people seek treatments to eliminate wrinkles and lines, restore elasticity and volume, or enhance facial contours. Dermal fillers, injectables, or facial fillers are non-surgical treatments in which a substance (filler) is introduced under the skin to improve facial features. These treatments are durable but not everlasting. Longevity is determined by the type of filler used, compliance with aftercare, and individual characteristics like metabolism.
This indicates that if you want to prolong your treatment results, you must maintain regular appointments and follow dermal filler aftercare guidelines. We at Dr Beber recommend scheduling an appointment at least two weeks after your dermal filler procedure. Besides, you should know what to avoid after dermal fillers to keep the results attractive and natural for a long time.
What to Expect After Receiving Dermal Filler Treatment
Recovery time varies from person to person. Patients should know that mild bruising, discomfort, and swelling may occur for a few days. This is a normal reaction of injections that usually resolves in a few days. Most activities can be resumed immediately. However, limiting intense physical activity for 24-48 hours is recommended to reduce swelling and bruising.
Many factors influence how long therapy outcomes last. Thus, we prefer to provide a range of factors influencing the longevity of outcomes; these include:
- Product selection
- Treatment area
- Patient physiology
- Technique
Things To Avoid After Dermal Fillers
Avoid Physical Disturbance To The Injected Area
After your dermal filler treatment, resist the urge to massage, touch, or poke the treated area. As everyone knows, fillers are hyaluronic acid gels. When injected, they need some time to settle in the injected area. Disturbing or applying pressure on the treated area can displace the filler and provide suboptimal results. After treatment, ensure you do not use excessive pressure while sleeping or applying anything on your face.
Do Not Wash Your Face With Regular Tap Water
Although controversial, tap water in numerous places can cause infection. Therefore, it is recommended to use facial wipes to gently wipe the face without using too much force. If you have to wash your face on the same day as the procedure, use a source of water that you believe is safe. This is particularly important if the filler is injected through a cannula. After 24 hours, the skin naturally seals over the puncture sites, and you can resume routine face cleaning.
Exposure Considerations After Dermal Fillers
Excessive sun or heat exposure could contribute to swelling or extend the recovery phase. After the filler is applied to the puncture sites, the skin becomes slightly irritated, and if you get a bruise from the treatment, you could develop hyperpigmented skin in that spot. Heat and sunlight can affect the type of filler utilized, whether hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers or other cosmetic procedures. Ensure you are not exposed to direct sunlight; if you must, use sunscreen to protect yourself.
Postpone Cosmetic Procedures After Facial Fillers
Allowing your skin ample time to adjust to the new filler and heal properly is essential. Dr. Beber recommends postponing any facial or other cosmetic service for at least two weeks after treatment. This includes a variety of treatments, such as chemical peels, waxing, microdermabrasion, skin needling, or laser treatments.
Dietary and Consumption Considerations
Be careful with your consumption and dietary habits for a smooth recovery process and optimal results. In particular, alcohol should be avoided for a minimum of 24-48 hours after your treatment. This includes every alcoholic beverage, such as beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Alcohol thins the blood, increasing the risk of swelling and bruising in the areas where fillers were administered.
The Bottom Line
Dermal fillers are a great option to improve fine lines and wrinkles and restore a youthful appearance. Careful considerations before and after your appointment are important to ensure optimal results and recovery.
Therefore, follow the directions carefully to ensure that you heal quickly.
Do you want to learn more about the best dermal fillers in Toronto? Contact board-certified surgeon Dr. Brett Beber MD, FRCS(C), to schedule a consultation. He will gladly discuss your dermal filler options and aftercare instructions in detail during your consultation.
Written and reviewed by board-certified surgeon Dr. Brett Beber
MD, FRCS(C)
Surgeon-Teacher Head, Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael Garron Hospital
Lecturer, University of Toronto
Program Director and Co-Chairman, Toronto Annual Breast Surgery Symposium