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.
Timeline for Settling: Typically, cheek fillers take about two weeks to fully settle and integrate with the surrounding tissues. Initially, you may notice an improvement right after the treatment, but the final results refine over the next few weeks. This period allows any initial swelling or bruising to subside.
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.
As much as possible, avoid sleeping on your face for at least a week after your cheek filler treatment. While sleeping on your back, elevate your head by propping 2 to 3 pillows on your head to help reduce swelling of your face, a common side effect after getting cosmetic fillers.
In some cases, you may not be able to smile normally until the injectable filler has fully settled into the cheeks and this could take up to 2 weeks.
It's best to avoid high-intensity exercise and sports for at least 48 hours. Activities like heavy weight lifting, running, and plyometrics can significantly increase blood pressure and circulation to the face, worsening swelling.
With most types of cheek filler, you'll usually see some results immediately after the procedure. But it often takes several days and sometimes several months to see full results. PLLA results can take up to two to three weeks.
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.
If you're less than thrilled with your filler results—at any time, for whatever reason—talk with your injector. They should be “guiding you through the injectables process, not only during the procedure but afterward too,” says London-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ashwin Soni.
Cheek fillers may look bigger at first due to the immediate swelling and inflammation from the injections. However, this is temporary and will subside over the course of one to two weeks, revealing the desired results.
To quickly recap: Swelling is a standard part of the cheek filler process, peaking at 24-48 hours. Full swelling resolution averages 1-3 months depending on individual factors. Proper aftercare helps reduce swelling and discomfort as your cheeks heal.
Optimal Results: The Peak Appearance
The peak appearance of filler results is typically observed about 4 to 6 weeks after the initial treatment.
In a clinical study with Restylane® VOLYME™, this is what participants thought 18 months after their treatment: 100% would recommend the treatment to family and friends and would receive the treatment again. 98% were either satisfied or very satisfied with the durability of the results.
Increasing Physical Activity: Engaging in exercise can boost circulation and metabolism, potentially helping your body break down fillers at a faster rate. Steam and Sauna: Regular exposure to heat and steam may stimulate blood flow, potentially speeding up the body's natural breakdown of fillers.
Dermal filler aftercare: Ensuring a smooth recovery
Applying cold compresses intermittently for the first 24 hours can reduce swelling and discomfort. Additionally, avoid excessive heat, such as saunas, hot showers, or direct sunlight, as it may exacerbate swelling and bruising.
Dermal Filler Post-Operative Instructions
AVOID: Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A., Vitamin E, or other essential fatty acids at least 3 days after treatment.
To help reduce immediate side effects and promote quicker healing, follow your doctor's post-treatment instructions. This may include using ice packs to lessen swelling, avoiding heavy activities, and not touching or massaging the treated area for a while.
By strategically injecting hyaluronic acid-based fillers into the cheeks, a skilled practitioner can add volume and create a lifted, more youthful contour. This added volume not only lifts the cheeks but also provides support to the lower face, reducing the appearance of jowls.
Although there is a little discomfort, getting fillers injected is much less painful than you may think! Your comfort definitely comes from the application technique, so it matters who you see. Read on to learn what you should know about dermal fillers before getting injected.
Cheek filler treatments usually require about 2 to 6 syringes. The exact amount needed depends on how much volume the patient needs in their cheeks. Weight loss and underlying conditions may decrease the volume of fat pads in the cheeks, causing patients to need more hyaluronic acid filler injections.
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.
“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.