Dermal Filler Aftercare: 7 Tips for Smooth, Lasting Results

You’ve just refreshed your look with dermal fillers, and now it’s time to protect your results. Proper aftercare helps reduce swelling, prevent bruising, and ensure the filler settles evenly for a soft, natural finish.

Here are seven simple tips to help your skin recover quickly and keep your results looking their best.

1. Avoid Touching the Treated Area

After filler injections, your skin needs time to stabilize. Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours unless your injector specifically advises otherwise. Even gentle pressure can cause the filler to shift before it’s fully settled.

Keep your hands clean and resist the urge to check the area frequently. It’s also best to skip makeup or skincare products for the rest of the day to minimize irritation or bacteria exposure.

Pro tip: When cleansing your face, use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel—don’t rub.

2. Apply Ice Packs

Some swelling, redness, or tenderness is perfectly normal. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth for 10–15 minutes at a time can reduce inflammation and discomfort. Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, which helps prevent bruising and soothes sensitive areas.

Repeat this several times throughout the first 24 hours, but never place ice directly on your skin.

Pro tip: Keep your head elevated while icing to further minimize side effects like puffiness and improve circulation.

3. Stay Hydrated

Most dermal fillers, especially those made from hyaluronic acid, work by binding to water molecules. Drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay supple and allows the filler to integrate smoothly into your tissue.

Aim for 6–8 glasses of water daily, and avoid excessive salt, which can worsen swelling.

Pro tip: Pair your hydration with antioxidant-rich foods (like berries or leafy greens) to promote healthy skin healing.

4. Avoid Intense Exercise

For the first 24–48 hours after treatment, skip strenuous workouts, hot yoga, and saunas. Intense exercise raises your heart rate and body temperature, increasing blood flow that can worsen swelling or cause the filler to migrate slightly before it sets.

You can resume light activity like walking after the first day, but save high-intensity exercise for when any swelling has subsided.

Pro tip: Once you return to exercise, stay hydrated and avoid rubbing your face with towels or hands immediately afterward.

5. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your body and dilate blood vessels, which may increase bruising and inflammation. For the first 24 hours, it’s best to avoid these beverages to help your skin recover smoothly.

If you must have caffeine, limit yourself to one small cup and drink plenty of water alongside it.

Pro tip: Instead of coffee or wine, try herbal teas rich in antioxidants, like chamomile or green tea, they can help reduce inflammation naturally.

6. Sleep With Your Head Elevated

Gravity affects how your skin heals. Sleeping flat can worsen swelling and cause mild fluid retention. Try sleeping on your back with an extra pillow under your head for the first couple of nights to promote drainage and keep the filler evenly distributed.

Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach until any tenderness fades.

Pro tip: Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and protect your skin while you sleep.

7. Follow All Post-Care Instructions

Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your filler type and treatment area. Follow them closely. Small details like when to resume makeup, skincare routine, or facial treatments can make a big difference in your final results.

This personalized guidance ensures your filler settles properly and your skin heals without complications.

Pro tip: Schedule your follow-up appointment before you leave the office to assess your progress and maintain consistent results.

Schedule Your Dermal Filler Consultation in Issaquah

Whether you’re enhancing your lips, restoring cheek volume, or softening lines, ASI Medical Spa offers personalized dermal filler treatments to help you look your best. Our team will guide you through every step, from treatment to aftercare, for results that feel as good as they look.

To book an appointment at ASI Medical Spa in Issaquah, WA, call (425) 428-5888 or visit us at 6505 226th Pl SE STE #101 Issaquah, WA. We are located inside Adara Surgical Institute.