FAQ’s About Dermal Fillers

Can I have semi-permanent make up treatment after having dermal fillers treatment?

You should wait at least a week after having had dermal fillers treatment before you have any semi-permanent make up treatments.

I’ve just had a treatment, it’s the next day and I’ve got swelling, is this normal?

Yes , swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours and should settle within the first few days.  As a consequence of swelling, the product may feel harder or lumpy and you may notice some asymmetry. The final result may be judged after 2 weeks.

The initial swelling after lip treatment may last longer. Some patients experience swelling for about a week and the lips can look somewhat uneven during this time. If lumps appear and have not resolved after the initial swelling has gone, these can be massaged gently with clean hands and Vaseline (lips only), if you are concerned about the lumps please contact for advice.

Can I go in the sun straight after a dermal filler treatment?

Everyday sun exposure is fine but avoid the heat of sun beds and sunbathing for 48 hours after treatment.

Can I touch the area that’s been treated after a dermal filler treatment?

The urge to touch the newly treated area can be strong – but resist it! Touching the area freshly treated with dermal fillers carries the risk of causing an infection and inadvertently moving the soft filler to another location. It is ok to cleanse your face as you normally would, but be gentle. Always wash your hands before touching your face otherwise the bacteria can cause an unpleasant infection that will require a course of antibiotics to resolve. After 3 weeks, the filler has settled and the risk of infection is gone, so please do be patient.

Can I go swimming after a dermal filler treatment?

Wait at least 24 hours after a dermal filler treatment before going swimming to be certain that the injection points are fully healed and there is no risk of infection.

Can I go to the gym after a dermal filler treatment?

After 24 hours, provided you avoid increasing the blood pressure to your face (e.g. by yoga or heavy physical activity). Light cardio such as treadmill exercise is actually very beneficial to the recovery process and will help you get through any bruising and swelling much more quickly. Just take it easy for the first few days!

Aftercare Advice

  • Most people are able to continue with normal activities with immediate improvement in their appearance. Some will have some redness, pin prick marks, possibly swelling- particularly in the lips and possibly bruising. Any swelling and bruising may be more apparent the next day.
  • Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours
  • You are advised to avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Vigorous exercise, sun bathing, and extremes of heat or cold should be avoided for 14 days post treatment. These activities have been found to increase and prolong swelling.
  • Swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours, and then should settle within the first few days. Cold packs/ intermittent application of ice can be helpful in reducing swelling. As a consequence of swelling, the product may feel harder or lumpy and you may notice some asymmetry. The final result may be judged at 2 weeks.
  • The initial swelling after lip treatment may last longer. Some patients experience swelling for about a week and the lips can look somewhat uneven during this time. This means that the results directly after the treatment should not be seen as the final result. If lumps appear these can be massaged gently with clean hands and Vaseline, if you are concerned about the lumps please contact for advice.
  • Elevating your head with an extra pillow when you sleep can help with swelling.
  • Unless advised, please do not try to massage the filler in areas other than the lips (see above) as this could move or displace it.
  • If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores.
  • Bruising may take a few days to appear, arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising. It is advisable to avoid aspirin and alcohol for 12-48 hours after treatment. Tenderness should settle as swelling goes down.
  • Please contact your practitioner if redness, tenderness, itching or swelling worsens after 3 days, rather than settling.

Hyaluronic Acid administration can result in anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) which in itself is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, eyelids, lips, hoarseness of the voice, stomach pain, nausea or diarrhoea. If you have any of the above symptoms please report to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999 for an ambulance.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.