When it comes to adding youthful volume, smoothing lines and restoring thin lips, nothing compares to the power of dermal fillers. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), fillers were among the top 3 most popular noninvasive treatments performed in 2022 in the U.S.
We know what fillers can do for us, but what should we be doing—and not doing—to ensure the best possible results from our injections? We asked top dermatologists to outline some not-so-common things we should avoid after facial filler, and you might be surprised what made the list.
Featured Experts
- Doris Day, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Tina Alster, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Washington D.C.
- Kenneth Beer, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in West Palm Beach, FL
- Elie Levine, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York
Strenuous Exercise
After your appointment, clear your schedule of any intense workouts. “Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24-48 hours after as this can increase the risk of swelling or bruising,” says New York plastic surgeon Elie Levine, MD.
Facial Tools
New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD notes that while there is no data surrounding these recommendations, “they are based on abundance of caution rather than scientific data.” That said, Dr. Day usually recommends that her patients wait one week before using a microcurrent tool.
Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD doesn’t recommend any actions or procedures involving intense manual massage of the injected areas for two weeks due to associated swelling and inflammation. This includes at-home radiofrequency and microcurrent devices.
Gua sha tools fall under Dr. Alster’s “intense manual massage” umbrella, so she cautions against it for two weeks post-filler and Dr. Day agrees. “I don’t know how much pressure patients will use and I want to give plenty of time for the filler to fully settle in the area before any facial manipulation,” she says. Also on the list: facial rollers. “You should refrain from excessively touching and applying pressure (including facial rollers) to the area,” adds Dr. Levine.
Wearing Goggles
On the more surprising end of things to avoid after facial filler, Dr. Day has her patients avoid wearing ski masks or swim goggles for at least one week to give filler time to fully settle.
Excessive Drinking or Smoking
According to Dr. Beer, excess consumption of alcohol after your filler appointment is a no-no. “I do not want patients to drink a lot because this makes bruises worse,” he says. A general rule of thumb is to avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours after your filler appointment for best results. Dr. Levine agrees. “Avoid alcohol and smoking as they can prolong recovery,” he notes.
Baths + Steam
Topping the list of things we would have never considered steering clear of, Dr. Levine says to “avoid hot saunas, baths and steam rooms [after your appointment] because they can exacerbate swelling and promote the break down of your filler.”
Overusing Arnica
In the same vein, arnica is a popular ingredient used topically and taken orally to help minimize bruising. However, Dr. Beer says this is an example of too much of a good thing. “If patients want to use arnica, I am fine with that as well, but do not routinely use it.”
Dentist Appointments
Another one we wouldn’t have thought of—Dr. Alster and Dr. Levine are adamant here—is scheduling dental procedures too close to your filler appointment. This includes in-office cleanings and cavity fillings. “They should not be scheduled within 2 weeks of filler injections due to the bacteria that’s produced and the risk of infection.”
Vaccinations
Depending on timing, you might want to reschedule your annual check-up, says Dr. Alster. “I advise patients to avoid scheduling vaccinations within two weeks of filler injections due to the risk of swelling around the fillers.”
Massages
Bad news for the spa-goers among us: Dr. Day cautions against face-down massages for one week post-filler injections. This is in order to avoid any excess pressure that could cause filler migration before its fully settled.
Certain Supplements
According to Dr. Levine, you should also avoid blood-thinning medicines, “such as ibuprofen, aspirin and supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E since these can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site.” For a full list of supplements and medications to avoid post-filler, ask your provider directly.
