Injectables and dermal fillers are some of the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments available today — and for good reason. They can smooth wrinkles, enhance facial contours, restore lost volume, and refresh your appearance with minimal downtime.
But while the actual treatment is quick, what you do after your appointment plays a huge role in how quickly you heal, how comfortable your recovery is, and how long your results last.
Whether you’ve booked your first appointment or are a seasoned injectable client, this guide will walk you through the best aftercare for injectables and fillers so you can enjoy safe, beautiful, and long-lasting results.
Why Injectable and Filler Aftercare Is So Important
Even though injectables like Botox® and dermal fillers such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, and others are minimally invasive, they still involve precise injections into your skin or underlying tissue. This means your skin needs time to settle, heal, and adapt to the product.
Proper aftercare can:
- Reduce swelling, redness, and bruising
- Minimize discomfort during recovery
- Lower the risk of infection or complications
- Help the filler or neurotoxin settle evenly for a natural look
- Extend the longevity of your results
In short — good aftercare is the final step to achieving the smooth, youthful look you’re hoping for.
Immediately After Treatment: The First 24 Hours
Your first day of aftercare is about protecting your results and minimizing inflammation.
What to Do:
- Apply a Cold Compress
- Use a clean ice pack or a wrapped bag of frozen peas for 10–15 minutes at a time.
- This helps reduce swelling and soothes tenderness.
- Stay Upright
- Keep your head elevated for at least 4–6 hours after treatment.
- Avoid lying flat or bending forward for long periods, as this can cause product migration.
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water to support your body’s healing process.
- Gently Cleanse Your Skin
- Use a mild, non-active cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Pat your face dry — no rubbing.
What to Avoid:
Touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area (unless instructed)Applying makeup to injection sites for at least 24 hoursHeat exposure — no hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, or sunbathingStrenuous exercise that increases blood flow and swellingAlcohol and blood-thinning medications (unless prescribed) to reduce bruising risk
Days 2–7: Supporting the Healing Process
- By the second day, you might still notice slight swelling, tenderness, or small bruises. This is completely normal and usually resolves within a week.What to Do:
- Continue Gentle Skincare
- Stick to hydrating, non-irritating products.
- Avoid active ingredients like retinoids, glycolic acid, or high-strength vitamin C until your provider says it’s safe.
- Protect with SPF
- Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) before going outside.
- This prevents pigmentation changes and protects healing skin.
- Sleep on Your Back
- Avoid pressing your face into a pillow, especially if you had cheek or lip fillers.
- Use an extra pillow to help keep swelling down.
- Light Movement Only
- Gentle walking is fine, but skip the gym for 48 hours.
What to Avoid:
- Facial treatments like peels, microneedling, facials, or laser for at least 2 weeks
- Extreme temperatures — no tanning beds or freezing outdoor sports without proper face protection
- Pressing or massaging the area unless your provider instructs you to
Long-Term Care: Keeping Your Results Fresh
Once your skin has fully healed (typically within 1–2 weeks), it’s time to focus on maintaining your results for as long as possible.
Skincare Routine for Injectable and Filler Longevity:
- Hydration is Key
- Hyaluronic acid-based fillers naturally attract water, so staying hydrated helps maintain plumpness.
- Incorporate a hydrating serum or moisturizer daily.
- Medical-Grade Skincare
- Products with antioxidants, peptides, and gentle exfoliants support skin health and appearance.
- Your Skinfluence provider can recommend the best regimen for you.
- Sun Protection Every Day
- UV rays are one of the main causes of premature aging and can break down filler faster.
- Apply SPF 30+ every morning — rain or shine.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to protect your skin and collagen.
Common Questions About Aftercare
1. Can I wear makeup after injectables or fillers?
You should wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to reduce the risk of infection at injection sites.
2. How soon can I exercise?
Light walking is fine right away, but intense workouts should be avoided for 48 hours to minimize swelling.
3. What if I see lumps or unevenness?
Mild irregularities can occur as swelling resolves. If they persist beyond two weeks, contact your provider for assessment.
4. When will I see my final results?
For neurotoxins like Botox®, results typically appear within 3–7 days. For fillers, you’ll see immediate improvement, with final results once swelling subsides (usually 1–2 weeks)
When to Contact Your Provider
Mild redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal after injectables. However, call your provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Significant swelling or bruising that worsens after a few days
- Lumps, blanching, or uneven texture that does not improve
- Signs of infection (warmth, redness, pus)
- Sudden changes in vision or severe headache (extremely rare but urgent
The Skinfluence Difference
At Skinfluence, we believe beautiful results come from more than just the treatment itself — they come from a combination of skilled technique, high-quality products, and attentive aftercare.
When you visit us for injectables or fillers, you’ll receive:
- A thorough consultation tailored to your goals
- Expert treatments performed with precision and care
- Personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a safe and smooth recovery
- Follow-up support so you feel confident every step of the way
Our goal is to help you look refreshed, natural, and confident — never overdone
Key Takeaways for Injectable and Filler Aftercare
- First 24 hours: Focus on reducing swelling, avoiding heat, and keeping the area clean.
- First week: Use gentle skincare, avoid pressure on treated areas, and protect from the sun.
- Long term: Maintain results with good skincare, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle choices.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your beautiful new look for months to come
Ready to refresh your look with injectables or fillers?
Book your consultation with Skinfluence today and let our experienced team guide you through the process — from your first treatment to long-lasting, gorgeous results.
Book a Consultation now →
Call us at 403-978-SKIN (7546)
Located at 1851 Sirocco Drive SW Calgary
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