Dermal Filler Aftercare

Swelling, tenderness, redness, firmness and bruising are common after filler. Swelling can temporarily make an area look uneven. Filler complications are uncommon but some require urgent treatment, so warning signs matter.

Quick recovery priorities

Follow the instructions for the exact product, device and treatment area you received.
Keep treated sites clean and avoid unnecessary rubbing, picking or pressure.
Do not use this page to self-diagnose a complication. If something feels significantly wrong or is worsening, contact THCB or seek appropriate medical care.

First 24 hours

Keep the treated area clean and avoid unnecessary pressure, squeezing or aggressive manipulation unless your provider specifically instructed massage.
A cloth-wrapped cold pack may be used briefly for comfort. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
For JUVÉDERM products, manufacturer guidance advises minimizing strenuous exercise, extensive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages during the first 24 hours because they may worsen temporary redness, swelling or itching.
Use gentle skin care. Avoid facial tools or treatments that put substantial pressure on recently injected areas.

As swelling settles

Temporary tenderness, firmness, bruising and asymmetry from swelling can occur. Do not try to reshape or push filler yourself.
If you were treated around the lips, mouth or cheeks, swelling can change the contour substantially during early healing; evaluate the result after swelling has had time to settle.
Contact THCB if redness, warmth, pain, swelling, drainage or a lump is worsening rather than gradually improving.
Delayed inflammation around filler can occur after some infections, illnesses, vaccinations or dental procedures. Contact THCB if a previously settled area becomes newly swollen, red, painful or firm weeks or months later.

Get urgent medical help now if you notice

Unusual or severe pain, especially pain that is increasing or out of proportion to ordinary tenderness.
Skin that becomes white, gray, blue, dusky, mottled, blistered or otherwise looks different from ordinary bruising.
Any vision change, eye pain, severe headache with neurologic symptoms, facial droop, weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion or other possible stroke symptoms.
Difficulty breathing, widespread hives, or swelling of the tongue or throat.

If you have trouble breathing, signs of stroke, sudden vision loss/change, or another potentially life-threatening symptom, call 911 or seek emergency care rather than waiting for an app response.

Questions after treatment?

For non-emergency concerns, contact The House Call Beauty at 415-780-1854. If THCB gave you treatment-specific written instructions that differ from this general guide, follow those individualized instructions.

This page is general patient education. It does not replace individualized medical advice, examination, diagnosis, treatment or emergency care.

Safety sources

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026.