Cheek Filler aftercare
Most of what matters happens in the first 48 hours. The section that matters most is the last one — knowing which symptoms mean you should ring rather than wait.
Ring rather than wait if you have
- Severe or increasing pain rather than pain that is settling
- Blanching, white patches or a dusky, blue or mottled colour in the skin
- Pain that is out of proportion to how the area looks
- Any change in your vision
- Spreading redness, swelling that worsens after day two, or discharge
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- A cold sore developing in or near the treated area
- A lump that has not settled by your two-week review
Call 07721 823933. I would far rather see you and find nothing than have you wait it out overnight. If you cannot reach me and you are worried, contact NHS 111 or attend your nearest emergency department.
01The first 24 hours
- Expect swelling, and expect it to look like more than you asked for. This is not the result.
- Apply a cool compress gently. Do not press, squeeze or massage the area unless you have specifically been shown to.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated on the first night.
- Keep hydrated and eat normally.
02The first week
- Small lumps or slight unevenness are common in the first fortnight and usually settle on their own.
- Some asymmetry during the first week is normal and reflects uneven swelling rather than uneven placement.
- Judge the result at two weeks, not at two days. Almost nobody likes it at 24 hours.
03What to avoid, and for how long
| Alcohol | 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Strenuous exercise | 24–48 hours |
| Saunas, steam rooms and very hot baths | 48 hours |
| Facials, massage and microdermabrasion | 2 weeks |
| Dental work where it can be deferred | 2 weeks |
04What to expect, and when
Day 1–2
Peak swelling. Often the worst it will look.
Day 3–4
Swelling drops noticeably.
Day 7
Close to the final result.
Day 14
Settled. This is when we review together.
This is general aftercare information. You will be given written aftercare specific to your treatment before you leave, and a direct number to reach me on. If anything here conflicts with what you were told in clinic, what you were told in clinic applies.
Sources and further reading
- NHS — Dermal fillers
- British Association of Dermatologists — patient information
- Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners
- Aesthetic Complications Expert Group
This is general aftercare information, not personal medical advice. What you were told in clinic takes precedence over anything on this page.
Get in touch
Book a consultation
Consultations are £30, and that comes off the cost of your treatment if you go ahead. No pressure to book anything on the day — if you are not sure whether you want treatment at all, that is still a good reason to come and talk.