Dermal Fillers
BEFORE & AFTERCARE
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore volume, enhance facial contours, and soften lines by replacing age-related volume loss and supporting facial structure. Proper before and after care is essential to minimize side effects, ensure even product placement, and achieve smooth, natural-looking results.
What to Do Before Your Treatment
To help reduce bruising and support optimal results, please follow these guidelines before your dermal filler appointment:
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or certain herbal supplements) for 5–7 days, unless otherwise directed by your prescribing provider
Stay well hydrated leading up to your appointment
Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup or skincare products in the treatment area
Inform your provider of any recent illness, skin infection, dental work, or changes in your medical history
These steps help minimize bruising and support a smoother treatment experience.
What to Do After Your Treatment
After your dermal filler appointment, you may return to most normal daily activities the same day. To support proper integration of the product and encourage collagen production, follow these important aftercare guidelines:
Follow the 5–5–5 massage rule:
Massage treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 daysUse clean hands and apply gentle but firm pressure during massage
Stay well hydrated to support collagen formation
Apply a clean ice pack wrapped in a cloth if swelling occurs
Resume light daily activities as tolerated
Most patients experience minimal downtime, with temporary swelling or tenderness resolving as the product settles.
Important Precautions to Follow
To reduce the risk of complications and ensure proper filler placement, please avoid the following unless otherwise directed by your provider:
Strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
Alcohol consumption for 24 hours
Touching, massaging, or applying pressure to treated areas unless specifically instructed
Facial treatments, facials, massages, or devices for at least one week
Excessive heat exposure, including saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, and tanning beds for 48 hours
Direct sun exposure to treated areas
These precautions allow the filler to remain precisely where it was placed for the best aesthetic outcome.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Mild swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness at injection sites is normal and typically resolves within several days. However, contact your provider immediately if you experience:
Severe or worsening pain
Significant or uneven swelling
Skin discoloration or blanching
Changes in vision
Signs of infection
Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning
Prompt evaluation is important to ensure safety and proper management.
A Quick Takeaway
Dermal filler treatments are safe and effective when proper before and after care is followed. Taking a few simple precautions helps ensure smooth integration, balanced results, and a refreshed, natural appearance.
If you have any questions about your aftercare or results, the Integrated Aesthetics team is always here to support you.
