The short answer
Most of what you need to do after filler is simple. Do not press the area, keep it clean, and avoid heat. Then check your skin several times during the first day, including before bed.
Your written aftercare from the clinic takes priority over this page. Please keep a note of the product name, the treated areas and the date.
In an emergency
Any change in vision, including blurring, double vision, vision loss, or pain in or around the eye.
New facial weakness, slurred speech or limb weakness. Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing.
Skin turning white, dusky, purple, blue or net-like, or severe or worsening pain. A blocked vessel is time-critical.
For hospital signs, do not travel to the clinic first or wait for a message reply. See the warning signs page.
Filler aftercare in the first 24 hours
During the first week
No facials, facial massage, gua sha, microcurrent, at-home devices, HIFU, radiofrequency or laser over the same zones.
Avoid it unless the clinic agrees, as wide mouth opening and cheek pressure can shift product.
Adjust goggles, helmets and face masks that press on the area.
Do not let anyone else add to or adjust the area, and do not judge the shape until swelling settles.
Sun, make-up, exercise and sleep
| Topic | What to do |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Daily once entry points have closed, usually by the next day. Cover bruises, as they can leave brown marks in Fitzpatrick III to V skin. |
| Sun, saunas, steam | Avoid early on. Heat prolongs swelling and bruising. |
| Make-up | From the next day over intact skin, applied lightly without rubbing. |
| Exercise | Walking from the next day. Leave hard exercise, hot classes and anything that flushes the face for a few days. |
| Sleep | Face-up with the head raised for the first nights. Avoid lying on the treated side. |
What is normal, and when to call
Swelling, tenderness, small bruises at entry points, firmness or palpable product in the first days, and temporary asymmetry. Lips and tear troughs swell more than cheeks, chin or jawline.
Swelling that keeps increasing, a hot, red, tender area, a growing, hard or painful lump, pus at an entry point, or a heavy or drooping feeling not explained by swelling.
A bluish tint through thin skin, product that seems to have moved, or nodules appearing months or years later.
What filler and aftercare cannot do
Hyaluronidase dissolves hyaluronic acid only. It has no effect on Radiesse, Ellansé or Sculptra, and these cannot be dissolved. Adding product does not correct temporary asymmetry from swelling, and these effects settle by themselves. Flying does not move or deflate filler, as cabin pressure has no such effect. Aftercare lowers avoidable problems but cannot prevent every complication, and results vary.
Review, and treatment elsewhere
Your review takes place after swelling settles. Dr Sin Yong examines the area at rest and in movement, checks entry points and compares your medical record photographs. If you were treated elsewhere, the same warning signs apply, so urgent signs go to the treating clinic, another doctor or an emergency department the same day. Non-urgent concerns, such as filler that looks heavy or lumpy, can be assessed. Please bring the product name, areas and dates when you contact the clinic.