What medications to avoid after fillers?

Author: Leopoldo Treutel  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

Stay away from unnecessary blood thinners. Several medications reduce the likelihood of blood clots. Aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), and Aleve are some of widely used blood thinners among patients. It's recommended to stop taking blood thinners 7 days before and a day after your dermal filler session.

What medications affect fillers?

Avoid taking aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Nuprin, Gingko Biloba, St. John's Wort and high doses of Vitamin E, for about 5 days after the treatment, as these may cause an increased risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection sites.

What products not to use after fillers?

In the 24-48 hours following your filler injections, it's recommended to avoid active cosmeceutical products such as AHAs, retinol, and vitamin C, as well as oil-based makeup. These products can potentially cause irritation or interfere with the settling period of the filler material under your skin.

What is forbidden after filler?

After your first dermal filler appointment, you want to avoid any hot and humid place. For example, don't rush to the sauna or a hot tub right after your treatment. The high heat makes swelling in your face a lot worse.

What supplements should I avoid after fillers?

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.

Things to avoid after filler | get the best results after fillers

What supplements make filler last longer?

EXTRA ZINC

Some studies have shown that Botox efficacy is linked to zinc levels within the body. Also, many individuals tend to have a slight zinc deficiency. Regularly taking a zinc supplement after your Botox treatment may prolong the anti-aging effects.

What are the don'ts after fillers?

Don't get a facial, massage, or dermaplaning

Similarly, don't rub your injection sites for the first day following your dermal filler injections, as this can irritate the skin and cause or exacerbate bruising or swelling.

What are the red flags after fillers?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved with the use of dermal fillers. Most side effects associated with dermal fillers, such as swelling and bruising occur shortly after injection and many resolve in a few days to weeks. In some cases, side effects may emerge weeks, months, or years later.

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.

How long should I sleep on my back after fillers?

Wait 3-5 Days Before Laying On Your Side After Filler Injections. On average, dermal fillers take about 3 – 5 days to settle into place. Allowing time for the filler to settle is fundamental to achieving long-lasting and optimal results.

What is the best aftercare after fillers?

Avoid heavy exercise the day of your treatment. Ice packs may be used to the treated area during the first 12 hours. Ice for 15 minutes on every hour. Avoid dental work for 30 days after filler injections.

What is not normal after fillers?

Late complications are defined as those appearing after about 2-6 weeks. They comprise late allergic reactions, chronic inflammation and infection, granulomas, filler migration, loss of function, telangiectasia, and hypertrophic scars. A detailed history may disclose a potential allergy.

Can I drink coffee after fillers?

Caffeine and Coffee – Yes, unfortunately, caffeinated drinks are off-limits for the first few days after treatment. Caffeine can cause swelling to worsen, as well as the hot burning sensation that is caused by the heat of the drink. If you need that morning coffee, I advise booking your treatment in the afternoon.

How long does it take for fillers to settle?

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.

Does hyaluronic acid interact with any medications?

Products that combine hyaluronic acid with other medications or compounds may have some risks of side effects. It's important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications that you're taking, including supplements, vitamins, etc.

What is the fastest way to reduce filler swelling?

For optimal results in managing swelling and bruising, it is recommended to gently apply a cold compress to the treated area for 15-20 minutes at a time, multiple times throughout the day.

What vitamins to avoid after fillers?

We recommend to stop the following:

Aspirin (or aspirin related products) NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Anaprox, Vitamin E, Fish Oils, Omega 3 & 6.

Does drinking water after fillers help?

Hyaluronic acid, the primary ingredient of dermal fillers, is hydrophilic which essentially means the molecule attracts copious amounts of water. Keeping hydrated following a dermal filler treatment will help to enhance the effects of dermal fillers, preserving a plump and voluminous look to the injected area.

What are the long term effects of fillers?

Although hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers have a low overall incidence of long term side effects, occasional adverse outcomes, ranging from chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory reactions to classic foreign body-type granulomatous reactions have been documented.

How do you know if your body is rejecting fillers?

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction after a filler injection, such as tenderness, swelling or asymmetrical fullness, seek medical attention immediately. Ask your doctor to test for allergies to the injectable fillers and/or the liquid gel in which they are suspended.

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 after fillers do you look normal?

The peak appearance of filler results is typically observed about 4 to 6 weeks after the initial treatment. By this time, the filler has completely settled, and the body's response, including any swelling or bruising, has resolved.

What not to do 24 hours before fillers?

Patients that bruise easily, or who take blood thinners Page 2 including frequent use of NSAIDs may bruise more. Please be patient and allow additional time for final results. Avoid alcoholic beverages at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to treatment. Alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.

How long after fillers can I sleep on my side?

So is it okay to sleep on your side after a cheek filler procedure? It's recommended to avoid sleeping on your side for the first 48 hours after getting cheek fillers. Laying on your side may increase the risk of cheek filler migration or misplacement which could lead to bad filler results.

What is the aftercare for fillers?

Avoid pressure on the treated areas for the first few nights (i.e. sleep on back of possible) Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Do not use AHA, Retinols/Vitamin C therapy or oil based make-up for 24 hours.

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