Your Complete Guide to Filler Aftercare: What to Do and What to Skip

You just got filler. You look amazing. You're excited. And now you're home, sitting on your couch, Googling "filler aftercare" because you can't remember half of what your injector said during the appointment. Sound familiar? Don't worry. It happens to literally everyone.

I'm Raya, and I'm going to give you the most thorough filler aftercare guide you'll find, written from real experience working with real clients here in Plano. Not a generic list copied from a textbook. The actual stuff that matters, explained by someone who sees what happens when people follow the rules -- and what happens when they don't.

The First 24 Hours: The Critical Window

The first day after filler is the most important. Your filler is still settling, the injection sites are healing, and your tissue is adjusting to its new friend. What you do in these first twenty-four hours sets the tone for everything that follows.

Don't touch your face. I know this sounds basic, but you'd be amazed how many people can't stop pressing and poking at their filler. You're going to want to feel it. You're going to want to check if it's lumpy. You're going to want to massage that one spot that looks slightly uneven. Don't. Leave it alone. Your hands introduce bacteria to fresh injection sites, and you can actually displace filler that's still settling into position.

The one exception is if your injector specifically told you to massage. Some fillers in certain areas benefit from gentle massage, and if I've given those instructions, then yes -- follow them. But if I haven't said to massage, please assume the answer is no.

Skip the gym. I know, I know. You don't want to miss leg day. But exercise increases blood pressure and blood flow, which increases swelling and bruising risk. I'm not talking about a gentle walk -- that's fine. I mean intense cardio, heavy lifting, hot yoga, anything that gets your heart really pumping. Give it twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol thins the blood and can make bruising worse. If you had a glass of wine last night and your appointment was this morning, don't panic. But going forward for the next day or two, skip it. Your results will thank you.

No extreme heat. This means no saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or prolonged hot showers directly on your face. Heat increases swelling and can cause filler to shift before it's had a chance to integrate with your tissue. A normal warm shower is fine. Just don't stand there with hot water hitting your face for twenty minutes.

Swelling and Bruising: What's Normal

Let me set some expectations, because this is where a lot of unnecessary anxiety happens.

Swelling after filler is completely normal. In fact, I'd be surprised if you didn't have any. The degree depends on where we injected. Lips swell the most -- sometimes dramatically. Cheeks swell moderately. Under eyes and temples tend to swell less but can look puffy for a few days.

The worst swelling is usually on day one and two, and it resolves significantly by day seven. I tell all my clients: do not judge your results until at least two weeks post-treatment. What you see in the mirror at 48 hours is NOT your final result. It's swelling on top of filler, and it's going to calm down.

Bruising is also common, though not everyone gets it. If you do bruise, it can range from a tiny dot at the injection site to a more noticeable mark. Bruising typically resolves within seven to fourteen days. Arnica -- both topical and oral -- can help speed this up. You can start taking it the day after your appointment if you like.

I had a client who called me in tears the morning after her lip filler because her lips were "huge and hard and lumpy." I talked her off the ledge, reassured her it was swelling, and asked her to trust the process. A week later, she sent me a selfie saying they were perfect. This happens more often than you'd think. The first few days can be alarming, but patience is everything.

Days 2-7: The Settling Phase

By the second day, you'll probably start feeling more like yourself. The initial swelling starts to recede, and you can begin to see the shape of your actual results emerging from beneath the puffiness.

During this first week, continue being gentle with your face. You can wear makeup after twenty-four hours, but apply it lightly and remove it gently. Avoid facial massages, facials, or any treatment that involves pressure or manipulation of the injected area.

Sleep on your back if possible, especially for the first few nights. I know this is hard for side sleepers (I'm one myself, so trust me, I get it). But sleeping on the side you got injected can put pressure on the filler and potentially cause asymmetry. A little extra pillow elevation helps with swelling too.

Stay hydrated. Hyaluronic acid fillers love water. Drinking plenty of water helps the filler integrate and look its best. I'm not saying you need to chug a gallon a day, but make a conscious effort to stay well-hydrated.

Avoid dental work for two weeks if possible. This one surprises people. Dental procedures, especially in the lower face, can put pressure on filler in the lips, chin, and jawline area. If you have a dental appointment coming up, mention your filler. If it's not urgent, reschedule it.

The Two-Week Check-In

Two weeks is my magic number. This is when the filler has fully settled, swelling has resolved, and what you see in the mirror is your actual result. If you're happy -- great. If something looks slightly uneven or you want a little more in one area, this is when we can assess and plan a touch-up.

I always offer a two-week follow-up to my clients. It's your chance to come in, have me look at everything in good lighting, and address any concerns. Sometimes I'll do a small adjustment -- a tiny bit of filler to perfect an asymmetry, or a little massage to smooth a minor irregularity. Most of the time, clients come in for their follow-up and we both agree things look exactly right.

If you notice anything concerning before the two-week mark -- unusual pain, skin that looks white or blue, severe asymmetry, or any signs of infection like increasing redness and warmth -- contact your injector immediately. These are rare but important things to watch for.

What About Skincare?

I get this question constantly, and the answer is simple for the first few days. Keep it basic. Your gentle cleanser, your moisturizer, and your sunscreen. That's it.

Avoid retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C serums, and any other active ingredients for at least three days post-filler, and ideally a full week. These products can irritate freshly injected skin and aren't doing you any favors while the injection sites are still healing.

After a week, you can gradually reintroduce your regular skincare routine. Start with one active product at a time rather than throwing everything back on at once. Your skin has been through a minor trauma, and easing back into your routine is kinder than going full throttle.

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. This is true always, but especially after filler. Inflammation from the injection process can trigger hyperpigmentation if the area is exposed to UV light. Wear SPF 30 or higher every single day. Texas sun is no joke, and that goes double when you've just had work done.

Long-Term Filler Care: Making It Last

Once you're past the initial healing phase, there are things you can do to maximize how long your filler lasts.

Good skincare habits matter. Well-maintained skin holds filler better. Hydrated, healthy skin provides a better environment for HA fillers to sit in and do their thing. Keep up with your moisturizer and SPF.

Manage stress and sleep when you can. I know this sounds like generic wellness advice, but chronic stress and poor sleep increase cortisol, which accelerates the breakdown of pretty much everything in your body, including filler. Taking care of your overall health supports your aesthetic investments.

Avoid excessive heat exposure over time. Frequent sauna sessions, prolonged sun exposure, and high-heat environments can cause filler to metabolize faster. I'm not saying you can never sit in a sauna again. I'm saying that daily sauna sessions might mean you're back in my chair sooner than expected.

Your metabolism plays a role too. People with higher metabolic rates tend to break down filler faster. If you're very active and have a fast metabolism, you might notice your filler fading sooner than average. That's normal -- it just means your maintenance schedule might be more frequent.

Things You Absolutely Do NOT Need to Worry About

Let me put some common fears to rest. Flying after filler is fine. The cabin pressure does not affect your filler. I've had clients fly the next day with no issues.

Smiling, laughing, talking, and kissing will not ruin your filler. Your filler integrates with your tissue. Normal facial movements are completely fine.

Drinking through a straw will not destroy your lip filler. This myth comes from smoking causing lip wrinkles, but the occasional straw is not going to undermine your investment.

Exercise after the first 48 hours is totally fine. Filler won't melt from getting sweaty. The early exercise restriction is about swelling and bruising, not the filler itself.

The Bottom Line on Aftercare

Filler aftercare doesn't need to be complicated. Be gentle with your face for the first few days. Avoid things that increase swelling and bruising risk. Stay hydrated. Wear sunscreen. Be patient with the process. And if something feels wrong, call your injector.

The most important piece of aftercare advice I can give you isn't about ice packs or arnica or sleeping positions. It's this: trust the process. The first few days after filler can be an emotional rollercoaster. You might love it immediately. You might hate it for three days and then love it. Both are normal. Give your face time to heal, settle, and show you the real result.

Questions about your filler aftercare or ready to book your next appointment? Reach out to Aesthetic Touch by Raya in Plano, TX. I'm always here for my clients from Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and across the DFW area -- before, during, and after every treatment.