Apply ice or cold presses to help reduce bruising and swelling. Remember, bruising and swelling are normal, but according to Nassif, if you experience significant bruising and/or bruising that shows up in other areas of the face, it might be cause for concern and should be addressed as soon as possible by the injector, as these signs might indicate problems with perfusion.
Slow your roll on alcohol. “I recommend limiting the intake of heavy alcohol for at least two to three days to minimize the risk of bruising,” Nassif adds.
Don’t exercise. While you can work out freely before your appointment, Movsesian says you’ll want to avoid exercise completely for 24 hours post-filler.
Avoid wearing makeup. “We want the skin to stay as clean as possible after the procedure until the entry points are completely closed,” says Nassif.
Ask your provider for the specific aftercare protocol for the type of filler that was used. “Aftercare does depend on the type of injection placed and the technique,” Nassif explains. “For instance, patients who are injected with a collagen-stimulating filler such as Sculptra are often instructed to massage the area regularly to help ensure uniform collagen production, whereas we instruct people to avoid any type of firm pressure after hyaluronic acid fillers.”
Be patient. “Plan for some recovery time for filler to settle in,” reminds Nassif. “Hyaluronic acid filler is great because you can see an immediate change, but you have to allow about one to two weeks for the filler to settle in and for the swelling to subside.”