Dermal Fillers Pre- and Post-Treatment Care Guide

Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. At Opal Radiant Clinic, under the supervision of Dr. Punit (Dermatologist), we emphasize that proper pre-treatment preparation and diligent aftercare are crucial for safe, beautiful results. This comprehensive guide outlines clinical best practices before and after your facial filler treatment, tailored for our female clients. We cover all major filler areas – cheeks, under-eyes, lips, nasolabial folds, chin, jawline, and temples – with clear instructions, so you heal optimally and enjoy your results with confidence.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Before your filler appointment, follow these pre-care guidelines to minimize side effects and ensure the best outcome:

Medications, Supplements & Skincare to Avoid

Blood-Thinners: For about 7–10 days before treatment, avoid over-the-counter blood thinning medications and supplements if possible . This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin®/Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), and NSAIDs, as well as supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, and flaxseed . These substances can increase bleeding and bruising at injection sites. (If you take prescription blood thinners or daily aspirin under a doctor’s orders, do not stop them without your physician’s approval – just be aware you may bruise more easily .)
Alcohol & Caffeine: Do not drink alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before your filler session . Alcohol can thin the blood and raise bruise risk. It’s also best to limit caffeine intake on the day of treatment, as caffeine might increase swelling for some individuals .
Smoking: Refrain from smoking for 24 hours pre-treatment . Tobacco impairs circulation and healing, and smoking can even shorten the longevity of your filler results .
Skincare Actives: Pause aggressive skincare products a few days beforehand. Avoid retinoids, retinol creams, exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA like glycolic or salicylic acid), and scrubs for ~3 days pre-treatment . These can irritate skin or increase sensitivity during injections. Similarly, avoid facial waxing, bleaching, or depilatory creams on areas to be treated for a few days in advance to prevent skin irritation or infection risk .
Herbal Supplements: Certain vitamins and herbal remedies can also contribute to bleeding. For one week before, avoid high-dose vitamin E, fish oils/Omega-3, ginseng, garlic supplements, Ginkgo, and Turmeric . Some clinics also advise limiting high-dose vitamin A or vitamin C supplements pre-treatment . If you take any herbal or homeopathic remedies, inform your provider.

Healthy Habits and Lifestyle Preparation

Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment. Aim for at least ~64 oz (2 liters) of water daily in the week prior – proper hydration helps your skin and may support healing. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C and K) can aid in recovery. (Some patients take vitamin C supplements pre-treatment to support healing, though this is optional .)
No Active Illness: Schedule your filler when you’re healthy. If you develop a cold, flu, infection, or fever close to your appointment, call us to reschedule. We prefer you be fully recovered for about 1–2 weeks to reduce any infection risk . Similarly, avoid scheduling fillers within 2 weeks of any vaccinations or immunizations – your immune system should be settled to lower the chance of inflammatory reactions .
Timing Around Events: Do not plan your filler right before an important event or trip. Ideally, allow at least 2 weeks between your filler and any major event (wedding, photoshoot, vacation) . While many people only have mild swelling, others can bruise or swell for up to 7–10 days post-injection . Giving a two-week buffer lets any bruising fade and swelling fully resolve so you look your best.
Rest and Stress: Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment and come in relaxed. Being well-rested can help your body handle the procedure and heal more quickly. If you are menstruating and tend to feel more sensitive or bloated during your cycle, you might choose to avoid scheduling fillers during your period . Women can be more prone to bruising or discomfort when estrogen levels are low on their cycle, so plan your treatment at a time you typically feel your best.
Arrive with Clean Skin: On the day of treatment, cleanse your face and do not wear makeup to your appointment . This ensures a clean, sterile surface for injections, reducing infection risk. Also, avoid using heavy lotions or oils on your face that day. You can apply a plain moisturizer and SPF the morning of, but we will cleanse the area thoroughly before starting.

Special Preparation for Specific Areas

Different facial zones may have unique pre-treatment considerations. Here’s how to prepare for each common filler area:

Lips: If you’re getting lip fillers and have a history of cold sores (oral herpes), inform us in advance. We may prescribe an antiviral medication (like acyclovir) to start before and continue after treatment as a precaution . Do not undergo lip injections with an active cold sore or any open sores on your lips – reschedule once healed, since injecting through a herpes lesion can spread the infection . In the week before lip fillers, keep your lips hydrated with balm to ensure they aren’t chapped (healthy skin eases injection). Avoid any lip waxing or laser around the mouth a few days prior. Also, do not schedule dental cleanings or dental procedures within 2 weeks of lip filler (both before or after) – this minimizes infection risk from bacteria in the mouth . If you need dental work, get it done >2 weeks pre-filler or wait >2 weeks post-filler.
Under-Eyes (Tear Trough): For under-eye (tear trough) fillers, come to your appointment well-rested if possible – being overly tired can increase under-eye swelling. Avoid salty foods and excess alcohol the night before, since these can cause you to retain water and may worsen puffiness after treatment. Remove any eye makeup before your visit. If you wear contact lenses, consider wearing glasses to your appointment so you won’t need to touch your eyes immediately after injections (to reduce contamination risk). We also recommend having a pair of sunglasses on hand to wear home – they can conceal any initial bruising and also protect the area from sun exposure post-treatment.
Cheeks: Cheek filler treatments don’t usually require special prep beyond the general guidelines. Ensure you haven’t had any recent facial procedures (like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or microneedling) on your cheeks for at least 2 weeks prior to avoid irritation. On treatment day, avoid heavy makeup/contour products on the cheeks. If you typically use facial tools (like jade rollers or gua sha) on your cheeks, pause those a few days before and after treatment. Tie back long hair, as needed, so it’s out of the way during cheek injections. Also, if you use facial tanning products, avoid them prior to treatment – we need to see your natural skin tone to assess bruising.
Nasolabial Folds: Preparation for nasolabial (smile line) filler is similar to cheeks. Avoid dental visits within 2 weeks, since nasolabial injections are near the mouth area (same rationale as lip filler). Do not do upper lip or chin waxing a few days before, to prevent any skin irritation around the injection zone. Arrive without makeup around your nose and mouth. If you have any active acne or skin infection in the nasolabial area, let us know so we can postpone – we never inject through infected skin.
Chin & Jawline: For chin or jawline contouring with filler, men should shave the treatment area the morning of the appointment (or the night before) to allow a clean injection field. Women should avoid any hair removal that might irritate the skin (no depilatory cream or waxing on the chin/jaw for a few days). As with others, no dental work 2 weeks before or after chin or jaw filler, since injections are near the oral area . Plan your outfit so you don’t have to pull tight clothing over your head/face afterwards – a top with buttons or a wide collar is ideal, as this avoids disturbing your chin or jaw area when dressing post-treatment. If you commonly wear helmets, chin-straps, or anything that puts pressure on the jaw/chin (for sports, etc.), arrange to avoid using those immediately after treatment (you’ll resume later per post-care instructions).
Temples: Temple fillers address hollowing at the sides of the forehead. There are many blood vessels in this region, so it’s extra important to follow the advice to avoid blood-thinners and alcohol pre-treatment . To prepare, avoid any strong headwear or tight hats on the day of treatment (and for a few days after) that could put pressure on the temple area. If you have bangs, clip them back. As always, be well hydrated – some providers note that good hydration can help fillers integrate better, especially hyaluronic acid fillers which attract water . Because temples are near the eye area’s blood supply, we may inquire about any visual or neurologic symptoms in your history. It’s rare, but if you’ve had any prior issues with filler or medical conditions affecting your eyes, share that with Dr. Punit.

Dental Procedures and Other Considerations

Dental Work: As noted above, avoid scheduling any dental procedures (including routine cleanings) for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your filler treatment . Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream during dental work and potentially infect an injection site. If you recently had dental surgery or a deep cleaning within the last 1–2 weeks, let us know – it may be safer to delay your filler. Likewise, plan to wait about 2 weeks post-filler before seeing the dentist, unless in an emergency.
Medical Procedures: For your safety, also separate your filler from any other medical procedures or vaccinations by about 2 weeks . If you’ve had a recent surgery, hospital procedure, or vaccine (including flu or COVID shots), inform us. It might be prudent to postpone fillers for a couple of weeks, because your immune system or healing focus should not be “split” between recovering from a procedure and a cosmetic treatment. This reduces any risk of inflammation or complications.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Dermal fillers are not approved for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so we will not treat you if you are pregnant or nursing . If you are planning to become pregnant, you may schedule fillers beforehand, but once you’re actively trying or if there’s a chance you’re pregnant, it’s best to hold off. Safety is our top priority.
Allergies and Medical Conditions: Disclose all allergies (especially to any lidocaine, since many fillers contain it, or to previous cosmetic injectables). Also let us know if you have any autoimmune conditions, bleeding disorders, or history of severe reactions. We may require a clearance from your physician in such cases . If you’ve had fillers before and experienced any complications (like nodules or swelling), tell Dr. Punit so we can adjust the plan accordingly .

By following these pre-treatment instructions, you’ll set the stage for a smoother procedure with minimal side effects. Now, let’s look at what to expect after your filler and how to care for yourself during recovery.

Post-Treatment Care & Recovery

After your dermal filler treatment, you will want to take steps to ensure proper healing and beautiful results. Below we outline what to expect, general aftercare do’s and don’ts, special tips for each area treated, and guidance on results and follow-up. Always remember: if you have any questions or something doesn’t feel right, contact our clinic – we’re here to help you through your recovery.

What to Expect Immediately After Filler

It’s normal to experience some short-term side effects in the treated areas. Right after injections (and for the next day or two), you may notice:

Swelling and Puffiness: Some degree of swelling is very common, and often most pronounced the morning after treatment. For example, lip filler typically causes swelling that can last 3–5 days (sometimes up to a week) , whereas cheek or nasolabial filler might have only mild swelling for 1–2 days . Don’t be alarmed – swelling will come down in the days ahead . You can use cool compresses to help (more on that below).
Bruising: Tiny needle injections can hit superficial blood vessels, so bruising is a common side effect. Bruises may show up immediately or develop over the first 24–48 hours. The extent varies per person – if you are prone to bruising, you might see purplish or blue areas especially around the eyes, lips, or folds. Bruises typically fade in 1–2 weeks. You can cover bruises with makeup after the initial 24-48 hours once needle punctures have closed, but not before (to avoid infection – see below). We also recommend topical arnica or vitamin K cream starting the next day to speed bruise resolution, if needed .
Redness and Tenderness: It’s normal for the injection sites to be a bit red, sensitive, or slightly raised (like tiny bumps) immediately after. This typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days. You might feel the areas are similar to mild mosquito bites or have slight stinging. Using a gentle cool pack can ease this.
Firmness or “Lumps” to the Touch: The treated area may feel firmer or lumpier than expected at first – do not panic. Right after filler, the material may be somewhat malleable and your tissue is adjusting, so you might feel small bumps. For instance, lips or under-eyes can feel bumpy initially, and cheeks may feel more firm. This is normal in the first week or so . Visible lumps that make the contour look uneven usually settle as swelling goes down. Dr. Punit may gently massage certain areas right after injection to smooth the filler, but you should not aggressively manipulate or massage the area yourself in the immediate days (unless instructed) .
Asymmetry: One side of your face might look slightly different from the other initially. Don’t be surprised – swelling and bruising can occur unevenly, making features look temporarily asymmetrical . For example, one lip corner may be more swollen, or one cheek might seem higher. This usually evens out over ~7-10 days as healing progresses . True asymmetries are assessed at your follow-up; in most cases, what you see at first is not the final result, so be patient while things settle.
Itching or Numbness: Some patients feel mild itching as the area heals, or numbness if a numbing cream or lidocaine in the filler was used. Itching should be mild and transient. Avoid scratching the injection sites. Numbness will wear off within 1–2 hours if it’s from anesthetic. If numbness persists beyond a day or two (very uncommon), let us know.

Overall, these effects are temporary. Most swelling and tenderness peaks in the first 1–2 days, then improves. By two weeks post-injection, your filler should be fully settled with any bruising resolved in the vast majority of cases .

General Aftercare Guidelines (Do’s & Don’ts)

To promote a smooth recovery and avoid complications, follow these general post-treatment care instructions:

Keep the Area Clean: For the rest of the day after your injections, do not apply anything to the treated skin – no makeup, lotion, or lip balm for at least 12 hours (preferably 24 hours) . This allows the needle punctures to close and reduces infection risk. Starting the next day, you may gently wash your face with a mild cleanser and apply a basic moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen . Use clean hands when touching your face. If you had lip filler, avoid touching or licking your lips excessively on day 1.
No Heavy Makeup: Refrain from using makeup on injected areas for at least 24 hours (up to 48 hours if possible) . After that, mineral makeup or new, clean makeup is safest initially. Using old, unclean makeup brushes on fresh injection sites could introduce bacteria, so ensure any tools are sanitized.
Ice for Swelling: In the first 24–48 hours, you can apply ice packs or cool compresses to help minimize swelling and bruising . Wrap ice in a clean cloth (don’t apply ice directly to skin to avoid ice burn). Apply gently to the area for ~10-15 minutes at a time, with at least equal time breaks between icing (e.g. 15 minutes on, then 30-45 minutes off). This is especially helpful for lip, under-eye, or cheek filler where swelling can be noticeable. Cold not only eases swelling but can also soothe tenderness.
Avoid Heat & Sun Exposure: Steer clear of intense heat for the next few days. No saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, or prolonged sunbathing for about 72 hours . Heat can exacerbate swelling and in rare cases might degrade some fillers faster. Also avoid hot tubs and very hot showers the first day. If you go outdoors, wear sunscreen and a hat, because UV exposure can cause inflammation and we want to protect any bruises from darkening.
No Strenuous Exercise: Hold off on vigorous physical activity for at least 24–48 hours after filler . Elevated heart rate and blood pressure from exercise can increase bruising and swelling. Light walking is fine (it can even help circulation), but avoid high-intensity workouts, heavy lifting, and inversions (like upside-down yoga poses) for a couple of days . Many providers recommend a full 3 days without strenuous exercise to be extra safe . Listen to your body – if you still have significant swelling at 48 hours, continue to rest from exercise an extra day.
Don’t Press or Massage: Treat the area gently. Avoid firm rubbing, pressing, or massaging the treated zones for at least 48 hours (or as long as instructed) . The filler is still settling in place during the first days. Pressure could potentially move the product or cause irritation. For example, don’t get a facial or face massage for at least 2 weeks . When cleansing your face, use light pressure. If you got lip filler, be careful with activities that excessively pucker your lips (like aggressively blowing up balloons or sucking on a straw hard) for a day or two – normal facial expressions and eating are fine, just avoid extremes.
Sleeping Position: It’s recommended to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first 1–2 nights . This helps minimize swelling (gravity drains fluid away) and prevents unintentional pressure on one side of your face. Use an extra pillow or two so your head is slightly above heart level . If you normally sleep on your side or stomach, make an effort to prop yourself with pillows to stay on your back. This is particularly important if you had filler in the cheeks, jaw, or temples – you don’t want to compress those areas against a pillow all night.
Avoid Alcohol & High-Sodium Foods: While one drink won’t ruin your results, it’s best to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment . Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and might worsen bruising. Also try to avoid very salty meals for a day or two; excess sodium can cause you to retain water and possibly increase swelling . Continue to drink plenty of water instead.
No Smoking or Vaping: Do not smoke for at least a day after filler (and ideally limit smoking beyond that for your skin’s sake). Smoking impairs healing and the puckering motion could put pressure on lip filler. One clinic even advises avoiding straws, cigarettes, or vaping for up to 2 weeks post-filler – while that is very conservative, it underscores that less oral strain is better as you heal. At minimum, 24-48 hours smoke-free is advised to promote circulation and healing in the area.
Avoid Other Facial Treatments: Plan to skip facials, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, or chemical peels on the treated areas for about 2–4 weeks after filler . Aggressive treatments or devices (even ultrasound or radiofrequency skin tightening) could potentially disrupt un-settled filler or cause inflammation. Check with Dr. Punit before doing any new skincare procedure in the weeks after your injections. Similarly, avoid injecting any other cosmetic treatments (like other filler in the same area or Botox nearby) for at least 1–2 weeks unless we direct otherwise. We usually stagger treatments to allow proper healing.

TIP: To help your recovery, you can consider using arnica or bromelain supplements (pineapple enzyme) after treatment – these are thought to reduce bruising and swelling. Topical arnica gel can be applied gently to bruises (not on punctures until they’ve closed). Some patients start oral arnica a couple days prior and continue after. While not required, it may speed up bruise resolution . Always follow product directions and ensure you’re not allergic.

Special Aftercare by Filler Area

All filler patients should follow the general guidelines above. In addition, here are some specific aftercare notes for each facial area:

Lips: Lip fillers tend to swell the most. Expect your lips to be quite puffy for 1–3 days – often swelling peaks around day 2 and then subsides. You might even think your lips look “too big” initially; don’t worry, this is usually swelling and will reduce to reveal the intended result. To manage lip swelling and discomfort, you can apply light ice packs off and on the first day . Avoid very hot drinks for 24 hours (your lips may be numb and you could burn yourself without realizing, plus heat can increase swelling). It’s best to stick to lukewarm or cold beverages and foods on day 1, and avoid very salty or spicy foods that could irritate the injection sites. Some practitioners say normal use of straws or kissing won’t physically harm the result – however, we advise you to avoid using straws, vigorous kissing, or other excessive lip movements for about 48 hours to be cautious . Puckering and pressure could, in theory, displace the filler before it integrates, so gentle pecks and normal mouth movement is fine, but hold off on intense kissing sessions for a couple days. Also avoid smoking and any kind of vaping or sucking motions (like on cigarettes or straws) as much as possible during this initial healing . Keep your lips clean – do not apply lipstick or lip gloss for at least 24 hours. If you experience dryness, you can use a clean fingertip to dab a little Vaseline® or plain lip ointment on (after 12 hours post-treatment). Finally, be aware of cold sore symptoms: lip injections can occasionally trigger a cold sore outbreak if you carry HSV-1. If you notice early tingling of a cold sore, contact us right away for treatment.
Under-Eyes (Tear Trough): After tear trough filler, you might have swelling that makes the area look “puffier” at first – this can be disconcerting, but it almost always resolves as the filler attracts water and then balances out over 1–2 weeks. Bruising is common under the eyes, sometimes giving a “black eye” appearance. You can use cool compresses on the area in the first 48 hours (no heavy pressure) to minimize swelling/bruising . Sleep with your head elevated to reduce overnight puffiness accumulating under the eyes . Do not rub or apply makeup to the under-eye for 24-48 hours. It’s also best to avoid wearing heavy eyeglasses or goggles that press on the under-eye region for a few days – pressure could disturb the filler. If you see any bluish discoloration in the days after under-eye filler, that could be the Tyndall effect (light reflecting off superficial filler); please let us know, as it might require adjustment. Generally, under-eye results settle by the 2-week mark. If you feel small lumps, you can very gently massage them after the first week (if advised by Dr. Punit), but often it’s best to let them be – they typically soften on their own.
Cheeks: Cheek filler aftercare is usually straightforward. You might feel a tight or firm sensation in the cheeks – this is normal as the filler sits atop the cheekbones. Swelling is usually mild with cheek injections, but in some cases you might see some puffiness or even slight bruising along the cheekbones or under the eyes (gravity can pull fluid down). Use ice packs as needed on day 1, and consider an antihistamine at night if swelling is significant (some patients find an over-the-counter antihistamine like cetirizine can reduce swelling). Avoid sleeping on your side for the first night or two so you’re not putting pressure on one cheek. Also avoid facial movements that excessively scrunch the cheeks (no super-chewy foods or aggressive face exercises for a day or two). If you got filler in the lateral cheeks or near the nose, do not wear heavy glasses or sunglasses that rest on your cheeks for about 48 hours to avoid indenting the product. Cheek filler typically settles quickly; any unevenness or firmness will improve over 1-2 weeks. If you feel a pronounced lump, contact us – we might advise gentle massage or simply observation depending on the finding.
Nasolabial Folds: Filler in the nasolabial folds (smile lines) may cause some swelling along the lines and possibly slight bruising around the nose or mouth corners. Care here mostly mirrors the general instructions: don’t pucker excessively or get a dental cleaning for 2 weeks. You can smile and talk normally, but avoid pulling aggressively at your upper lip or using an electric toothbrush that vibrates hard around the area for a day or two. Sometimes smiling widely can feel a bit odd or tight initially – this eases as swelling goes down. Keep the area clean (no makeup 24 hrs). Bruising, if it occurs, can be covered with concealer after 1-2 days. Nasolabial filler results are usually evident once swelling resolves by 1-2 weeks.
Chin: After chin augmentation with filler, you might experience a feeling of pressure or fullness in your chin – even a minor “stretching” sensation of the skin. This is normal and will dissipate as you get used to the added volume (typically within a week). The chin can bruise or swell, but often it’s minimal. Avoid resting your hand or phone on your chin (many people unconsciously do this) for the first few days to prevent pushing the filler. Be cautious with very chewy or tough foods on day 1 if your chin is sore; a softer diet for a day can be more comfortable. Keep your chin area relaxed – for example, try not to repeatedly test the filler by pushing on it with your tongue or fingers. If the entry point for the cannula/needle was under the chin, keep that area clean and avoid rubbing it with tight clothing or straps. As with jaw filler, refrain from helmets or chin straps that could compress the area for about a week. Chin filler can take a couple of weeks to fully integrate, especially since it’s often a firmer product placed near the bone.
Jawline: Jawline filler often involves injection along the mandibular border (jaw bone). You may feel some firmness or bumpiness at the injection sites initially; this usually smooths out. Swelling can cause the jaw area to look a bit uneven or “bulky” at first – give it time to settle. Don’t apply pressure to your jawline for at least 3-4 days. That means avoiding propping your hand under your chin, no face-down massages, and using caution when putting on tight turtlenecks or helmet straps. When you sleep, again favor lying on your back. If only one side of the jaw was treated (for asymmetry), you’ll likely have swelling more on that side which can temporarily exaggerate asymmetry until it calms. Tiny bruises can sometimes track downward into the neck area due to gravity – this is normal if you see a small bruise lower than the injection point. Treat bruises with arnica cream if desired. Jawline filler (especially with thicker products) can last longer, so these results will be with you for a while – ensure you attend your follow-up so we can check that the contours are smooth once swelling is gone.
Temples: After temple filler, you might have a mild headache or a feeling of fullness/tightness in the sides of your forehead. This area has a deep injection, so surface bruising is less common, but you might get some deep ache or tenderness for a few days. You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for temple soreness as needed . Do not wear anything that squeezes your temples, such as tight hats, headbands, or goggles, for at least 48 hours. Also avoid sleeping directly on your sides to prevent pressure on the temple region initially. The skin at your temples is a bit thinner, so occasionally you might feel a slight unevenness or see minor hollow above or below the filler area until it fully settles – this should improve as swelling resolves and the filler integrates. If you experience any unusual symptoms like visual disturbances (blurry vision) or severe, one-sided headache after temple injections, treat that as a red flag and contact us immediately (though such complications are exceedingly rare, we want to be very cautious with temple and eye-adjacent areas).

Regardless of the area treated, always listen to your body. It’s normal to have mild discomfort, but pain should be easily managed with over-the-counter acetaminophen. Avoid ibuprofen or naproxen in the first day or two after filler if possible, as they can increase bruising . If something feels significantly painful, or you notice something concerning (as outlined in the safety section below), reach out to our clinic promptly.

Results: When They Settle and How Long They Last

Patience is key after getting fillers. Your results will not be final immediately – you need to allow time for swelling to resolve and the filler to “settle” into the tissues. In general:

Settling Time: Most of the swelling from fillers subsides within 3–5 days, and by two weeks post-treatment you’ll see the true result . In fact, we often schedule a follow-up at around 10–14 days to evaluate your outcome. Certain areas (like lips) might take closer to 2 weeks for all swelling to go, whereas others (like chin or cheeks) may look quite good after just a few days. If after 2 weeks you still have lumps, asymmetry, or questions about the result, come see Dr. Punit for assessment. Minor touch-ups or adjustments (like a small additional filler or gentle massage or in rare cases dissolving a bit) can be done at that point if needed to achieve perfection. Remember not to judge your treatment too early – your appearance at 1-2 days in is not the final appearance. As one dermatologist says regarding lip fillers: “It usually takes two to four weeks for the swelling to fully resolve and the filler to integrate into your tissue” . So be patient and follow your aftercare; your refreshed, natural look will emerge soon!
How Long Fillers Last: Dermal filler results are long-lasting but not permanent . The longevity depends on the type of filler used, the area treated, your metabolism, and lifestyle. On average, hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from 6 months up to 18–24 months . Areas that move a lot (like the lips and mouth area) tend to break down filler faster, while more static areas (like the cheeks or temples) hold filler longer. For example, lip fillers often last about 6–12 months before gradually diminishing, whereas cheek or jawline fillers can last around 12–18 months, even up to 2 years in some cases . Under-eye (tear trough) fillers also last long (often 12+ months) because that area has little movement. Thicker, more robust fillers (or calcium-based fillers) can provide longer duration as well. Dr. Punit will give you an estimate based on the product used. Keep in mind individual factors: if you have a high metabolism, exercise a lot, or are a smoker, you might metabolize filler faster. Conversely, staying well-hydrated and maintaining healthy skin can support filler longevity .
Maintenance Treatments: To maintain your refreshed look, plan on periodic maintenance treatments. A good strategy is to get a touch-up before the filler has completely dissipated – typically at about 6 to 12 months for most areas . As a rule of thumb, many practitioners suggest a maintenance filler when you notice around 80% of your previous correction is still there . Topping up at that stage often means you need less product than starting over from zero, and it keeps your appearance more stable over time. We will work with you on a personalized plan – some patients do small touch-ups every 6 months, others do full re-treatments every 12–18 months. Over time, you may even find that fillers last longer for you; there is anecdotal evidence that repeat treatments can stimulate collagen or that you become better attuned to maintaining results . However, always have realistic expectations – fillers gradually fade, and keeping up is part of treatment. We advise budgeting for maintenance so you can enjoy continuous results. And remember, you don’t always have to do as much as the first time; sometimes a smaller syringe for touch-up is enough.
Combining with Other Treatments: Many women choose to combine dermal fillers with other aesthetic procedures (like Botox for dynamic wrinkles, or skin treatments for texture). Doing so can enhance overall results – for instance, relaxing wrinkle lines with Botox can complement filler results and even help them last longer by preventing creases from reforming deeply . At Opal Radiant, Dr. Punit can advise you on the optimal timing to layer treatments (e.g., doing Botox 1–2 weeks before or after filler, or skincare treatments a few weeks apart) to maximize safety and effectiveness. A comprehensive approach often yields the best facial rejuvenation. Just avoid doing conflicting procedures too closely together as noted earlier.

Safety Tips: Red Flags and When to Contact the Clinic

Serious complications from dermal fillers are rare, especially when performed by an expert injector like Dr. Punit in a clinical setting. However, it’s important to be informed about warning signs. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact Opal Radiant Clinic immediately (even after hours) – or seek emergency medical care if you cannot reach us:

Severe or Worsening Pain: Some tenderness is normal, but if you have intense pain that increases over time or is disproportionate for the area, it could signal a problem. In particular, sudden severe pain together with blanching (whitening) of the skin might indicate compromised blood flow (see below). Any severe headache or eye pain after filler (especially temple, tear trough, or nose areas) should be reported at once.
Unusual Skin Color Changes: Paleness, whiteness, or a dusky/patchy purplish discoloration on or near the treated area is a red flag . This can appear as a blotchy marbling of the skin or areas that look very pale compared to surrounding skin. These signs (often combined with pain) can indicate a vascular occlusion, meaning filler may be pressing on or within a blood vessel and blocking circulation . This is an emergency in aesthetics – it can lead to skin tissue loss if not addressed quickly. If you notice color changes like this within hours of treatment (or even the next day), call us immediately. We have protocols (such as hyaluronidase injections to dissolve HA filler) to restore blood flow . Time is critical, so do not hesitate.
Coldness or Warmth in the Area: If the treated area or the area around it becomes cold to touch (another sign of poor circulation) or unusually hot/warm to touch with redness (a sign of possible infection or inflammation), those are concerns . A cold, pale area could mean vascular compromise. A hot, red, tender area, especially if accompanied by fever or chills, could indicate an infection.
Excessive Swelling Beyond Norm: Significant swelling is expected, but there’s a limit. If you experience rapid, extreme swelling – e.g., your lips balloon far larger than at the clinic, or you have a lot of swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing – that could indicate an allergic reaction (angioedema) . While true allergies to hyaluronic filler are extremely rare, some people can react to ingredients like lidocaine. Any swelling that threatens breathing or is associated with hives needs emergency care. Even without allergy signs, if one area swells markedly more and keeps getting worse instead of better after 2-3 days, let us know.
Visual Disturbances: In the exceedingly rare event that you experience blurred vision, vision changes, or blindness in one or both eyes after a facial filler, seek emergency care immediately. This is a very uncommon complication caused by unintentional injection into certain blood vessels that communicate with the eyes. It’s most noted with filler in the glabella (between eyebrows) or nose, which we haven’t covered here, but can theoretically occur with temple or even cheek filler in rare cases. If vision changes occur minutes to hours after filler, it’s a medical emergency – call 911 and notify our clinic. We have measures to take, but rapid treatment at a hospital is critical for any chance of reversing it.
Signs of Infection: Infection from fillers is uncommon, but not impossible. Watch for increasing redness, warmth, and tenderness in one area that appears 2-5 days after treatment, especially if accompanied by fever or generally feeling unwell . Pus, abscess, or hard nodules that are red and painful could also mean infection. If you suspect an infection, we will need to see you for possible antibiotics or other treatment.
Persistent Lumps or Irregularities: While not an emergency, if after 2+ weeks you have lumps that are hard, visible, and not improving, or any persistent asymmetry, please schedule a follow-up. We can often smooth these out with massage, or if needed, use a small amount of hyaluronidase to dissolve a lump of HA filler . Do not attempt to “pop” or squeeze any lump – filler is not like a pimple, and doing so can cause trauma or infection. Let us evaluate and manage it safely.
Any Other Concerning Symptom: If there’s anything else that just doesn’t feel right – for example, numbness that isn’t resolving, a strange rash, or anything you’re unsure about – we encourage you to call. It’s better to ask and be safe. As our patient, your well-being is our priority.

When in doubt, reach out. For urgent after-hours concerns, Dr. Punit or an on-call provider can be contacted (we provide an emergency line for our post-treatment patients). Don’t wait overnight if you suspect something serious like vascular occlusion – prompt intervention is key . If you cannot reach us in an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.

By following this pre- and post-care guide, you greatly enhance your chances of a smooth experience with dermal fillers. Proper preparation – like avoiding blood thinners and alcohol – will reduce your initial bruising, and diligent aftercare – like icing, resting, and not pressing on the filler – will ensure the product settles perfectly for a beautiful, natural result. At Opal Radiant, Dr. Punit and our team are here for you at every step: from the moment you book your filler appointment, through the treatment, and during the recovery period. If you have any questions or need advice during your healing, please contact us – no concern is too small.

We hope you enjoy your refreshed, radiant look! With good care and maintenance, your results will last as long as possible , and we’ll help you plan touch-ups when needed to keep you looking and feeling your best. Thank you for trusting Opal Radiant Clinic for your aesthetic needs – we are dedicated to your safety, satisfaction, and confidence.

Sources: Best clinical practices and guidelines have been incorporated from dermatology and aesthetic medicine literature, including Cleveland Clinic dermatology advice , published clinic protocols , and expert insights on filler care . This ensures you are receiving up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for your dermal filler pre- and post-care. Enjoy your treatment results, and remember – caring for your skin is an ongoing journey. We’re here to support you all the way!