How long are cheeks sore after fillers?

Author: Jeremie Goodwin  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

While tenderness, swelling, and bruising are common and should resolve within a week, the dermal fillers themselves can take up to two weeks to fully settle and integrate into the tissue.

How long will my cheeks hurt after fillers?

This causes temporary swelling of the soft tissues that peaks at around 2 to 4 days after injections. Mild to moderate swelling and bruising are very common after filler injections in the cheeks. The good news is that swelling resolves fairly quickly for most patients within 1 to 2 weeks.

How long do cheek fillers take to settle?

Its normal for cheek filler to take up to 2 weeks to fully settle. During this time, any initial swelling or bruising should resolve, leaving you with a more natural and refreshed appearance.

Do cheek fillers look better after a few days?

Yes, cheek fillers generally look better after a few days as the initial swelling and redness decrease. This allows the filler material to settle into the treatment area, resulting in a more natural and balanced appearance.

How do you know if cheek fillers have gone wrong?

Cheek Filler Gone Wrong

But rarely, people may experience the following results of cheek fillers gone wrong: “Pillow cheeks” “Sunset eyes” Injection site redness and swelling.

What Happens After a Filler Treatment? Bruises, Swelling, and Aftercare Tips

What are the red flags after fillers?

Signs to look for include pain at the injection site and discolouration of skin (pale or deep red) for up to a few hours after filler injection.

How long does it take for cheek fillers to look natural?

On average, full results from dermal fillers take a couple of weeks. However, you may see them more quickly as your skin may metabolize the injection faster. Most people experience the full effects of their dermal filler injections after two weeks.

When do face fillers look their best?

Clinical studies have shown that 4 weeks is the peak effect for dermal fillers.

Can I sleep on my side 3 days after cheek filler?

How Long After Cheek Fillers Can You Sleep on Your Side? You can use a thick pillow (or two) to keep your head elevated. In general, facial fillers often take seven to 10 days to settle. Most cosmetic doctors advise extreme caution for the first 48 hours after the filler treatment.

How long do cheek fillers stay hard?

It's completely normal for cheek fillers to feel firm, swollen, and slightly lumpy for the first few weeks after injections as your skin heals. But if the hardness persists past 4 weeks or is accompanied by pain, redness, or visible bumps, contact your doctor to ensure your fillers are healing properly.

What is the aftercare for cheek fillers?

Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, straining, or any activities that significantly raise blood pressure or blood flow to the face for at least 24 hours, or as directed. This helps minimize swelling risks. Protect your face from sunlight exposure, even incidental exposure through car windows.

Does cheek filler lift your face?

When administered correctly, they can dramatically transform your appearance. By adding volume to the cheeks, fillers can lift the entire face, lessening the appearance of jowls and sagging skin.

What is a pillow face?

“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.

How long should my cheek hurt after a filling?

Any sensitivity or discomfort you feel after a filling should let up after a couple of weeks. If more than two weeks have passed and you're still noticing that your jaw hurts, it's a good idea to schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist.

What helps cheek filler pain?

Do: take pain relief, if needed. Most of our clients don't experience any discomfort from treatment as the cheek fillers contain a numbing agent. However, it's possible that any swelling that may occur will create a tender sensation, so do take over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol, if needed.

Do cheek fillers look bigger at first?

Immediate Side Effects of Cheek Fillers

Swelling: Swelling is a typical reaction to the fillers and can make the treatment area look overfilled or unusually puffy. This usually peaks within the first 48 hours and should diminish gradually over the next one to two weeks.

What are the don'ts after cheek fillers?

Things you shouldn't do after fillers
  • Don't sleep on your face. You mustn't sleep on your face for the first day or so after getting dermal fillers. ...
  • Don't apply makeup. You want to ensure you allow your skin to heal after receiving dermal fillers. ...
  • Don't exercise right away. ...
  • Avoid hot temperatures.

What not to eat after fillers?

What Not to Eat After Fillers
  • Spicy foods, as they can cause inflammation and discomfort.
  • Salty foods, which can lead to dehydration and increased swelling.
  • Hot foods and beverages, which may aggravate sensitivity.
  • Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and vinegar-based dressings, that can cause stinging or irritation.

When can I wash my face after cheek fillers?

After getting the fillers, it is critical to follow the perfect aftercare to confirm the best outcomes. You must wait at least 24 hours before rinsing your face.

What is the best age to get cheek fillers?

Fillers can enhance your features, plump lips, or add volume to the jawline, chin, and cheeks. You may wonder “What is the right age to get fillers?” The answer is that dermal filler injections can begin as early as your twenties and continue throughout your lifetime.

How long is filler moldable?

Fillers remain moldable for 1-2 weeks, and pressure can deform your filler. The most common culprits? The face cradle on massage tables, tight ski goggles and swim goggles. Normal activities like washing your face or putting on make-up do not have enough force to mold your filler.

Are cheek fillers results instant?

Cheek fillers increase cheek volume and define your cheekbones. Healthcare providers inject filler into and around your cheeks. The procedure takes from 15 minutes to two hours. You often see results immediately and recover quickly, though side effects may occur.

What is the average amount of fillers for face?

When studied in a clinical setting, the average volume of Restylane Lyft used for cheek augmentation was 3 mL total (3 syringes) at initial treatment, or roughly 1.5 mL per cheek. The average amount used in a study using Restylane Contour to restore midface volume loss was 3.8 mL, or 1.9 syringes per side.

How to tell if someone has cheek fillers?

Unless you are a professional and have a trained eye, it is difficult to tell if someone had a cosmetic enhancement with cheek fillers. The difference might be spotted with a before and after picture. If done by an experienced professional, you will not notice a thing.

How can I make my cheek fillers last longer?

However, you should be able to extend their lifespan for at least some time by following these steps:
  1. Drink Plenty of Water. ...
  2. Take Good Care of Your Skin. ...
  3. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure. ...
  4. Manage Your Stress. ...
  5. Eat Healthy Foods. ...
  6. Research Your Injector. ...
  7. Stay Aware of Your Exercise Levels.

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