Dermal Filler – How to best prepare for your appointment and aftercare instructions post treatment
Dermal filler treatments are commonly used to restore facial volume, enhance facial features and soften lines. Proper preparation before your appointment and careful aftercare afterwards are important to minimise complications and help achieve the best possible results.
Below are our doctor’s recommendations on how to prepare for dermal filler treatment and how to care for your skin following the procedure.
Preparation Before Your Dermal Filler Treatment
Preparing your skin prior to treatment can reduce the risk of bruising, swelling and irritation.
One Week Before Treatment
Where medically appropriate, avoid medications or supplements that may increase bruising. These may include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications
- St John’s Wort
- Ginkgo biloba
- Evening primrose oil
- Garlic supplements
- Ginseng
If you are taking prescribed medications, consult your doctor before stopping them.
Two Days Before Treatment
To reduce skin sensitivity, avoid topical products that may irritate the skin, including:
- Tretinoin
- Retinol or Vitamin A products
- Glycolic acid or other exfoliating acids
24 Hours Before Treatment
Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment, as alcohol can increase bruising and swelling.
During the Dermal Filler Procedure
Please attend your appointment with minimal or no make-up applied. Any remaining make-up will be removed when you arrive so that your practitioner can properly assess your facial structure and treatment areas. Clean skin also reduces the risk of infection at the injection sites.
Dermal fillers are administered using either a fine needle or a small blunt cannula, depending on the treatment area and the practitioner’s technique. Cannulas are often preferred for certain areas as they may reduce the risk of bruising and swelling.
The procedure itself typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. In many cases, dermal filler treatments can be completed within a short appointment and may be combined with anti-wrinkle injections during the same visit if appropriate.
Your safety and comfort remain the highest priority during treatment.
Aftercare Following Dermal Filler Treatment
Immediately after treatment, it is common to experience mild redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection sites. These reactions are normal and usually resolve within several days.
On the Day of Treatment
For the first 12 hours following treatment:
- Do not apply make-up to the treated areas.
- Apply a cool compress to the area if needed (do not apply ice directly to the skin).
First 24 Hours
- Avoid activities that increase heat or blood flow to the face, including:
- Strenuous exercise
- Hot showers or baths
- Saunas or steam rooms
First 48 Hours
To reduce swelling and minimise filler displacement:
- Avoid pressure on the treated areas.
- Sleep on your back where possible.
- Avoid face-down massages or facial pressure
You should also avoid active skincare products for 48 hours, including:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Retinoids
- Vitamin C products
- Oil-based make-up should also be avoided during this time
First Few Days
For the first three days after treatment, avoid alcohol consumption and air travel where possible, as both can contribute to swelling.
To support healing, a gentle soothing cream such as Bepanthen or Arnica cream may be applied to the treated areas up to three times daily for approximately one week.
Two Weeks After Treatment
Avoid the following treatments for two weeks:
- Dental procedures
- Facials
- Waxing
- Chemical peels
- Skin needling
- Microdermabrasion
- IPL or laser treatments
- Do not massage the treated areas unless specifically instructed by your practitioner
Lumps and Bumps After Dermal Filler
It is common to feel small lumps or firmness in the treated area during the initial healing period. These typically soften and settle as the filler integrates into the surrounding tissue.
A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled approximately two weeks after treatment to review the results and ensure the treated areas are healing appropriately. This appointment also provides an opportunity to address any questions or concerns.
Pain Relief After Dermal Fillers
Discomfort following dermal filler treatment is generally mild. Certain areas, such as the lips or chin, may feel more tender temporarily.
If required, paracetamol may be taken for pain relief as directed by your doctor. Aspirin should be avoided as it may increase bruising.
When to Contact Your Cosmetic Practitioner
Although complications are uncommon, it is important to contact your practitioner immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms following treatment.
Seek urgent medical advice if you notice:
- Fever or chills
- Increasing redness, warmth or swelling at the injection site
- Severe or worsening pain
- Discoloured patches of skin away from the injection area
- Blanching (whitening) of the skin
- Any changes in vision
Prompt medical assessment is essential if these symptoms occur.
Dermal Filler Treatments in Canberra
Dermal filler treatments performed by trained practitioners in Canberra can safely enhance facial features and restore volume when appropriate preparation and aftercare guidelines are followed.
If you have any questions before or after your treatment, please contact the clinic for personalised advice.
