After Filler Care

After Filler Care

I’m a dermatologist that does research studies for the FDA o dermal fillers. In these trials we instruct subjects on filler aftercare to minimize side effects and prevent swelling and bruising. These are tips to shorten the downtime get and better results from dermal fillers. Proper aftercare is crucial for minimizing side effects and achieving optimal results. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do and what to avoid after getting dermal fillers in the cheeks, lips, or tear troughs.

After Filler Care Products

Before you get fillers, you want to prep your skin to get the best results. Taking Arnica supplements can help prevent bruising. Order your post care products 10 days before fillers so you will have them in time to apply them after injections. Keep them in the refrigerator so they are cold. These are the best post filler skin care products. Keep reading to learn how to use them on post filler procedure facial skin.

What To Do and Not Do After Fillers

To have less downtime with fillers, you want to decrease swelling and bruising. What you do before, during and after fillers can make a big difference. To minimize swelling, avoid activities that raise your heart hate and blood pressure for at least 24-48 hours. This includes exercise, stress, and losing your temper. So stay calm and cool. Heat can also cause blood vessels to dilate-making you more likely to bruise. So avoid exercise and heat after fillers.

Plan you schedule so you do not do the following after fillers:

Exercise

Facials

Facial massages

Body massage (because of face cradle)

Heat exposure

Sauna

Infrared saunas

Steam room

Hot showers

Sleeping on your stomach

Yelling or getting upset

Avoid these for 24 hours after getting injections. If you had lip fillers, avoid hot drinks like coffee or tea.

Immediately after Face Filler Injections

Whether you had Restylane, Juvéderm, Voluma, Radiesse, Sculptra or any other kind of fillers- this is how you should care for your face afterwards. Immediately after your filler treatment, your doctor will likely apply an arnica gel to your face to help reduce bruising and swelling. Leave this on until the next morning. If they did not apply it, you can apply arnica, argan oil or aloe vera when you get home. You can take arnica supplements and eat the middle round part of a pineapple (The part they usually cut out is full of bromelain) to reduce swelling and bruising.

It is important to be very cautious with your skincare routine for the next 18 hours, as the needle holes stay open during this period, increasing the risk of infection and irritation. Avoid applying any products that are not explicitly recommended.

How to reduce swelling:

Oral and topical arnica

Bromelain supplements (500 mg three times a day)

Eat the center of a pineapple

The most important thing to do is relax and apply a cold compress to the treated area for 10-15 minutes. A wet washcloth placed in the freezer for 5 minutes can provide an effective cold compress without the risk of frostbite from direct ice contact. Do this off and on for the first hour and any time you feel soreness or discomfort for the next 24 hours.

Taking Arnica before and after procedures can help reduce swelling and downtime.

What Not to Do After Lip Injections

Lip fillers require special care due to the delicate nature of the lip area. Avoid hot beverages like coffee or tea for the first 24 hours, as the heat can increase swelling and discomfort. Do not get a massage because squishing your face in the face cradle can make your lips swell. Try to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your lips. If you wake up on your side or stomach, don’t panic. The filler is unlikely to migrate if it has been over an hour since your lip injections.

What To Do After Lip Injections

Apply Aquaphor, Vaseline, or a similar healing ointment to keep your lips moisturized and protected. Our favorite lip balm to use after lip filler is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hydrating Lip Balm.

Use the cold compress technique with the washcloth described above for your lips. Apply the cold clean cloth for 1 hour after injections and intermittently over the next 18 hours if you notice swelling. Change out the washcloth every 15-20 minutes to keep it cold.

Care After Cheek Filler Injections

The advice for how to care for your skin after cheek fillers is the same as for the rest of the face. Avoid facial massages or applying pressure to your cheeks for at least 48 hours post-treatment. In addition, be careful that your sunglasses do not push on your cheeks and leave a dent. If you had Voluma, Restylane, Juvederm, or other fillers in your cheeks, try and sleep on your back with your head elevated the first night.

Do not wear:

Sunglasses that press on cheeks

swim goggles

scuba mask

any tight mask that touches where the filler was injected

Day After Filler Injections

The morning after your treatment, gently cleanse your face with a mild, non-foaming cleanser. Avoid any products containing alcohol, acids, or retinoids. Use products with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as arnica gel, bromelain, or serums specifically formulated to reduce swelling and bruising. Hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid can also be beneficial. Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to keep the skin barrier intact, and look for products containing ceramides and glycerin.

Ingredients in Skin Care to Avoid After Facial Fillers

There are many things to avoid using the first day after filler injections. Do not use exfoliating products or acids for at least a week after your treatment. This includes AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. This is a list of what not to use after facial fillers:

Retinoids like retinol: While beneficial before fillers, these should not be used immediately after. Retinoids can slow down healing. So wait one day after fillers to use your retinol.

Avoid Acidic Products : Products containing benzoic acid, hydroxy acids, and ascorbic acid should be avoided as they can sting delicate post filler skin.

Avoid Preservatives and: Use products free from preservatives like parabens to minimize irritation. The holes in your skin decrease the strength of your skin barrier and you are more likely to react to ingredients.

Fragrances: Avoid products with fragrance added. Do not use perfume or have your face near lit candles for 24 hours.

Chemical Sunscreens: These should be avoided for 24 hours. Instead, use zinc oxide sunscreens. Your best bet is to stay out of the sun altogether for 1 day.

Essential Oils: Avoid products with these ingredients due to the risk of allergic reactions.

Pesticides: Avoid using pesticides near your face.

You may not see the little channels in your skin, but they are there from the needles. Your skin barrier will be compromised for at least 5 hours- so be gentle with your skin.

Bruising from Fillers

Bruising can be a common side effect of dermal filler injections. To mitigate bruising, consider the following:

Arnica and Bromelain : Taking Arnica (as directed on the label) or Bromelain supplements (500 mg three times a day) and eating pineapple can reduce swelling and tenderness.

Vascular Laser (V Beam, 595nm): Can be done once bruises are dark purple (about 24 hours after injections). Most bruises disappear in 12 hours after the laser treatment.

Avoid These: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen

The beast cream to get rid of bruises is the Alastin INhance Post-Injection Serum. I have used it myself many times. It also comes in the post injection kit below.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. 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It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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