Dermal Filler Aftercare: Tips to Optimize Natural, Beautiful Injectable Results

Does aftercare really matter when it comes to injectable treatments? Absolutely. Dermal fillers tend to be popular with our patients because they’re an effective way to restore volume and smooth wrinkles without the need for downtime or long recovery. But the best filler results are part of a holistic strategy. The way you care for your skin after your treatment is an important part of achieving natural, subtle results that highlight your true beauty. The combination treatments and products you use are all crucial in building a foundation for the beauty you’re investing in. 

What influences the effectiveness of my fillers?

While the specific brand and type of fillers you select is important, proper preparation and thoughtful aftercare are equally crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes. The quality of your skin is just as important as the structural support that creates beautiful contours. Since collagen and elastin stores naturally diminish with age, a comprehensive approach helps reinforce skin health and beauty from every angle. Factors like your daily skincare habits, exposure to sun, environmental conditions, and – most critically – your choice of a qualified, skilled, licensed injector all have an impact on how your fillers impact your appearance.  All of these factors can enhance or compromise your results. All of our dermal filler treatments are performed by certified medical injectors under the supervision of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dusan Sajic, MD, PhD and Nurse Luciana M (RPN). Their wealth of knowledge, education and expertise ensures you’ll receive exceptional care for every treatment. Dr. Sajic is the architect and practitioner of the 5 Dimension Skin Plan™, designed to approach your treatment with a holistic perspective; for beauty that only improves with time.

Can dermal filler aftercare enhance the results of my fillers?

Yes. In the same way that using a great shampoo and treating your hair with care maximizes the results of a gorgeous haircut, properly caring for and calming your skin after a treatment allows fillers to do what they do best: restore a smooth, radiant, and naturally youthful look that’s uniquely you. Dermal fillers are also one part of a custom skincare plan designed to support every aspect of your concerns and goals. 

Dermal fillers can work in tandem with other treatments to maximize beautiful results

Part of the aftercare we recommend may include neuromodulators like BOTOX® to address deep folds and wrinkles, and lasers, radiofrequency, and other energy-based treatments to address concerns like sun damage, signs of aging, pigmentation, acne, scarring, and more. Your plan is completely customized for you, with the right treatments to reach your big-picture aesthetic goals. Our clinics in Guelph and Burlington are recognized leaders in advanced cosmetic dermatology, and we’re committed to bringing you results that allow you to look and feel your best.

Your dermal filler aftercare plan

Here’s an overview of great dermal filler aftercare–from the day of your treatment through the weeks following treatment. Our thoughtful team will equip you with all the information you need before your treatment in your initial consultation so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Immediate care: the first 24-48 hours

You can schedule your filler appointment as part of a usual day and results are immediate. But you will notice some swelling and bruising immediately following treatment which should subside within a few days to a week. Use ice or cold compresses for 10-15 minutes at a time to calm the skin and reduce inflammation. Avoid massaging, adding pressure, or touching the areas where you’ve had injections. For your first few nights, sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow to help reduce inflammation. 

You’ll want to avoid intense exercise or heat (saunas, steam rooms and hot baths) for the first few days until the inflammation subsides. Schedule any treatments like facials, dental visits, or massages with a two week window after or before filler treatments. This is the time to take it easy, stay gentle with yourself, and know that you’ll soon be able to enjoy your results.

Weeks following dermal filler treatment

Once your swelling has subsided, you can jump back into regular exercise routines and other treatment appointments. Don’t underestimate how much drinking water and staying hydrated can impact your skin’s health and beauty, both on the surface and within the skin’s moisture barriers. Dermal fillers with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) have an extraordinary ability to restore lost moisture, and you can further support the skin’s moisture barrier by eating healthy balanced meals, and drinking enough water and clear teas and broths. 

Getting the best results also hinges on a consistent skincare strategy shaped with our team of experts to target concerns like discoloration, dull texture, acne, or wrinkles that can all deter from the beauty of your filler results. Results typically last 6-18 months depending on the filler type and location. Schedule touch-up appointments as recommended by your provider.

What skincare should I use following dermal filler treatment?

The texture, quality, and health of your skin has a significant impact on how effective your filler results appear to be. So caring for your skin with a holistic skincare strategy to keep it hydrated, improve tone, and combat signs of premature aging is key to a gorgeous filler result.

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer following fillers to avoid any irritation.
• Avoid retinoids and physical or chemical exfoliants for at least a week following dermal filler treatment to let your skin calm down and recover first.
• Be diligent with sunscreen use (every day, but especially after a treatment!) as skin may be especially sensitive to sun damage or irritation. 
• Pair your dermal filler treatment with a strategic skincare plan crafted by our team of medical experts. By addressing the surface of the skin and the supportive scaffolding beneath it in tandem, we’re able to create a nuanced, restorative result that highlights all that beauty that’s already there.

Explore what dermal fillers could do for you.

Book a consultation today and discover the potential for beautiful results, with injectors that understand the nuances of your unique beauty.