Mar 20, 2021 by Plastic Surgery Services
Cosmetic injections are increasingly in-demand—in fact, a majority of our Hagerstown and Frederick patients use them to refresh their look and give their skin some needed TLC. But, while dermal fillers and Botox can quickly take years off your appearance, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid in the days following your treatment.
But before we dive into our list, it’s important to understand how Botox and dermal fillers act once they’re injected into the body.
Botox and fillers act differently in your body
Both Botox and dermal fillers are eventually metabolized by the body and safely excreted through the liver and kidneys. For this reason, many of the same activities, such as drinking alcohol and exercising, should be avoided after both Botox and dermal filler injections. However, because dermal fillers are injected deep into the skin where they rest for the duration of their life while Botox is injected into muscle where it’s slowly absorbed, there are some different activities to avoid for each.
What not to do after getting Botox injections
Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscle to temporarily reduce the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles (those caused by smiling, frowning, and squinting). Botox typically lasts for about 4 months until it is fully metabolized by the body. While Botox has a safe and effective track record, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid after receiving it.
1. Don’t participate in intense cardio
Cardio exercises are great for boosting your endorphins and burning fat but not so great for optimizing your Botox results. This is because cardio temporarily raises your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of bruising and/or swelling at your injection site. We know it’s hard if you’re a workout junkie, but we recommend waiting a full day after your neurotoxin injections to perform any exercise that increases your heart rate for a prolonged period of time. Don’t worry—your patience will actually help you enjoy glowing results sooner!
We recommend waiting a full day after your injections to perform any exercise that increases your heart rate for a prolonged period of time.
(Video) Easy Aftercare for Botox & Fillers | Here's What to Do after Your Treatment!
2. Don’t apply makeup or use facial tools
Wait at least 30 minutes after your Botox injections to apply makeup. Neurotoxin injections leave tiny prick marks in your skin where they are injected, and these openings can be gateways for bacteria present in your makeup if you apply them right after your treatment. However, after just 30 minutes, these tiny puncture sites will begin to heal themselves and you can return to your normal makeup routine.
Facial tools, like jade rollers and Gua Sha stones, can increase blood flow to the areas where they are applied, potentially causing swelling, bruising, or migration of Botox beneath the skin—so also delay use of these tools.
3. Don’t lie down
Avoid lying down for the first four hours after getting Botox. This will help prevent the accidental migration of any of the neurotoxin and avoid bruising. For the same reasons, you should also avoid sleeping on the side of your face you’ve had Botox performed for the first night following your treatment. This will also allow the Botox to settle into your muscles properly.
4. Don’t drink alcohol
Prone to bruising? It’s best if you can avoid alcohol for a full day before and after your Botox treatment, since alcohol is a blood thinner and can increase your risk of bruising. Botox can also make some people feel mildly dizzy or drowsy for a few hours post-treatment; if you feel this way after your injections, alcohol could worsen symptoms.
What not to do after getting dermal fillers
Dermal fillers “fill in” static wrinkles (those that are visible when your face is at rest), such as nasolabial folds and vertical lip lines. Fillers can also restore lost volume and increase collagen production to smooth and rejuvenate dull, dehydrated skin. Though dermal fillers are extremely safe, you should avoid the following activities following your filler treatments.
1. Don’t get a facial, massage, or microdermabrasion
Although extremely rare, dermal fillers are able to migrate within the skin if consistent and adequate pressure is applied to them. For this reason, we advise patients not to get a facial, massage (on the treated skin), or microdermabrasion for the first two weeks following their filler injections.
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. While massage can sometimes improve mild symptoms such as moderate lumpiness or slight asymmetry, don’t perform massage on your fillers unless instructed to do so by your plastic surgeon or injector.
2. Don’t wear goggles or eyewear that puts pressure on treated areas
If you have received fillers in the upper half of the face, avoid wearing goggles or eyewear in the days immediately following your filler injections. Like massage, the pressure of certain types of eyewear could potentially cause your filler to migrate beneath the skin. We also advise our patients to avoid wearing glasses following any filler injections in the nose (“liquid rhinoplasty”) for the first week following their injections to make sure they achieve optimal results.
3. Don’t suntan
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a full day following your dermal filler treatment. Exposing your treated skin to direct UV rays could cause redness, bruising, and/or swelling around your fillers. If you have to be outside in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with a strong SPF and protective clothing to shield your skin.
What if I’m unhappy with my cosmetic injections?
Correcting Botox. While Botox can’t be undone, your plastic surgeon can inject Botox into other areas of your face to help restore symmetry and reduce Botox’s visibility if for any reason you are unhappy with your results. Keep in mind that Botox is mostly absorbed by your body after about 4 months, at which point your results will begin to fade.
Correcting fillers. If you’re unsatisfied with your dermal fillers, your surgeon can inject hyaluronidase to undo any hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, including Juvéderm and Restylane fillers.
Can I combine dermal fillers and Botox?
Botox and fillers can be combined for excellent results. Your plastic surgeon may choose to inject Botox first to allow your muscles to relax before injecting a filler, or he or she may choose to inject both during the same treatment. Part of why combining Botox and dermal fillers is so effective is that each substance is used to treat different types of wrinkles and provide various other benefits.
Receive expert Botox injections with Hagerstown plastic surgeon Dr. Garazo
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo performs all aesthetic injections himself. He was named one of “America’s Top Plastic Surgeons” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America for 11 consecutive years, and has been recognized by Vogue, Glamour, Allure, and Self magazines as one of the “Outstanding Plastic Surgeons in Maryland.” To schedule your Botox or filler appointment, contact us online or call (301) 791-1800.
2 Comments Posted to "Here’s What NOT to Do After Getting Cosmetic Injectables"
Elle Jones says:January 31, 2023 at 4:05 am
I like that you said that fillers can help replenish lost volume and boost collagen synthesis to moisturize and revitalize dry, lackluster skin. This will help my aunt, who has been lamenting the appearance of facial wrinkles as she ages. I’ll advise her to consider getting Filler Injections from a respected doctor to achieve the skin she wants.
Reply
(Video) Full Face Dermal Filler! 😱 Here's what REALLY happened! (2021)- Elle Jones says:
February 10, 2023 at 2:36 pm
I appreciate that you discussed how the body finally metabolizes Botox and dermal fillers and safely excretes them through the liver and kidneys. Due to this, it is advised to refrain from engaging in a number of the same activities following both Botox and dermal filler injections, including consuming alcohol and exercising. After saying the other night that she wants to have dermal fillers to treat all of the wrinkles that are developing on her face, my aunt should give this some thought. I’ll be sure to provide her with this material so she is aware of the specific steps she has to take after this procedure. Thanks for sharing this!
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FAQs
Here’s What NOT to Do After Getting Cosmetic Injectables? ›
Avoid itching, or picking around the injection site. Avoid applying intense heat to the treated area, that includes hot tubs, saunas, sunbathing or tanning. Don't drink alcohol the day of treatment, and try to avoid it for 2 days after. Avoid exercising for 2 days or until swelling subsides.
What are the do's and don ts after filler injection? ›Avoid itching, or picking around the injection site. Avoid applying intense heat to the treated area, that includes hot tubs, saunas, sunbathing or tanning. Don't drink alcohol the day of treatment, and try to avoid it for 2 days after. Avoid exercising for 2 days or until swelling subsides.
Are there any restrictions after getting fillers? ›Do not touch or rub injected site for 2-4 hours following treatment. Avoid exercise and sweating for the remainder of the day and no lying down or leaning forward for 2-4 hours after treatment. There can be a slight chance of bruising at the treated site, this is temporary.
What is forbidden after filler? ›don't use and exfoliating agent for 24 hours or any harsh cleaning brush. don't have a facial massage for at least two weeks. don't drink through a straw for the 1st day as this puts pressure on the lips. don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after you have had fillers.
What skin products to avoid after fillers? ›For the first 24 hours, avoid skincare products with ingredients that may aggravate the treated area. These include alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, retinoids, and vitamin C. Use mild cleansers and apply sunscreen if spending time outdoors.
Does drinking water help fillers? ›Drink plenty of water. HA based fillers such as Juvederm work by using the water naturally stored in our tissues, by drinking plenty of water after having a dermal filler treatment it helps the filler hold its chaos and last for longer.
What should I do immediately after fillers? ›- Apply an ice pack and Arnica topically—Arnica + Bromelain tablets are both natural supplements to reduce bruising. These are available for purchase in our offices.
- Take acetaminophen to reduce pain as necessary.
- Avoid itching, massaging, or picking around the injection site.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment. These items may contribute to increased swelling or irritation.
Do fillers look better after a few days? ›You will see an immediate improvement in your appearance after your dermal filler treatment. However, it can take a few days or weeks for the final results to materialize as swelling disappears. This will depend on the specific product used.
How long does it take for fillers to settle? ›In reality, fillers take up to four weeks to “settle,” according to Healthline. Different types of fillers can settle more quickly, and your lifestyle and similar factors can also affect the amount of time it takes to settle.
How many hours avoid eating after filler? ›
Patients should wait until the numbing agent has worn off before eating after lip fillers. It is also recommended for the first 24 hours to avoid foods that are hard to eat or chew, or even messy, so patients are less likely to wipe their lips and disturb the injection sites.
What happens if you bend over after fillers? ›Within the first 24 hours, stick to light walking only. Yoga might seem like a good alternative to a tough workout, but bending over or lying prone increases risk of bruising and can also spread the neurotoxin. Keep yourself upright for at least 4 hours after your Botox or filler treatment.
How can I make my face fillers last longer? ›- Minimize UV Exposure. One of the most common causes of skin damage is overexposure to UV light. ...
- Consistent Skin Care. ...
- Avoid Stress. ...
- Regular Treatment Maintenance.
Similar to any cosmetic treatments, there can be side effects or complications associated with fillers. If you experience bruising, swelling, lumps, and bumps, this is often the normal part of the healing process. These side effects should resolve within 14 days so the true results of fillers can appear.
What vitamins to avoid after fillers? ›Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
Does your face sag after fillers? ›There is a very common misconception that dermal fillers can make skin sag, however we can safely say that this is FALSE. People assume that once they have been fully absorbed by your body you will be left with loose, hanging skin leaving you looking even older than you did previously.
Can you sleep on your side after fillers? ›Can I Sleep On My Side After I Get Fillers? Try to sleep on your back for 24-48 hours after filler injections. After that, you can safely sleep on your side without worrying that the filler will move with gravity.
Why do fillers look better over time? ›The Results Improve Over Time
Because these injections stimulate your body's production of collagen and elastin, the final results of treatment won't be seen for several weeks. Even as the hyaluronic acid is processed by your body, healthy collagen and elastin grow at a more significant rate.
In some cases, we recommend our patients massage their fillers following treatment to smooth them out below the skin; however, too much massage too soon may cause the filler to migrate slightly.
Should I move my face after fillers? ›After your dermal filler treatment, you should remain in an upright position for 3-4 hours and avoid rubbing or applying any pressure on the treated area. This will prevent the filler from migrating to other areas. The best sleeping positions following treatment limit facial movement and stress on the face.
Can fillers move after 3 days? ›
Dermal filler doesn't 'normally', move after treatment. Immediately after treatment, in certain areas of the face, I do gently massage the area/s that were injected to help mold the product and prevent lumps. It does take about 2 weeks for the filler to settle and integrate into the tissue.
When can I wash my face after fillers? ›After 24 hours the skin is sealed again naturally at the puncture sites and you can go back to washing your face normally.
Should I rest after fillers? ›Recovery time varies for each patient and for each type of filler injected. You can resume most activities right away, but it is generally recommended that you avoid intense physical activity for the first 24-48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising.
What not to eat or drink before fillers? ›Avoid caffeine for about 24 hours before your procedure and avoid other foods or drinks that have a dehydrating tendency, as this could slow the healing process. It's a good idea to reduce your salt intake for a couple of days before your appointment, especially if you're getting dermal filler.
Can I have a cup of tea after filler? ›It's also worth avoiding hot beverages and excessive alcohol after your treatment. As dermal fillers contain an anaesthetic, your lips may still be slightly numb after the procedure and drinking anything too hot may scald your lips without you realising it.
Can I use moisturizer after filler? ›Your In-Between Routine
“You can get a good result with one, but focusing on both will always be better.” Supercharge your skincare in the weeks and months following your injection by incorporating a moisturizer with ultra-hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, says Noëlle S.
Swelling will reach its peak at around 24-72 hours after treatment, at which point, it will begin to gradually subside. Occasionally, swelling can last for 1-4 weeks, but this isn't as common. Most people do see an improvement within 3 days.
Do fillers sag over time? ›Dermal filler will not cause the skin to stretch and sag, once the filler naturally breaks down. The only case where this would happen is if the face were to be grossly overfilled with extreme amounts of dermal fillers, which is something we most certainly do not do at Cityskin.
Do fillers look better after a week? ›Fortunately, dermal fillers work very quickly, and you won't have to wait twelve months to see the full benefits of your injections. That said, these injectable treatments take some time to integrate into your tissues, and it's normal for your dermal filler to take up to two weeks to fully settle into your face.
How long does it take for fillers to not feel lumpy? ›Give it time
Generally, any lumps or bumps that appear after fillers will disappear on their own within one to two weeks. Give the treatment a couple of weeks to improve, applying ice regularly.
Should you massage lumps after fillers? ›
You should massage after having injectable filler in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the lips or lower eyelids, but massaging too much and in other areas could actually break down the filler, resulting in less volume. Or it may cause filler migration.
How much water should I drink after fillers? ›Filler Post-Treatment Instructions
We recommend that you drink 8 glasses of water per day after treatment. Be aware that you must guard against infection by keeping the skin clean, especially in the first 48 hours. You may gently apply a small amount of makeup after 6 hours.
The answer: yes, you can drink after getting filler injections. However, we suggest waiting at least 24 hours after your treatment to allow the punctures to heal properly.
How long do you have to sleep elevated after fillers? ›Make sure to sleep on your back with your head elevated using 2 pillows for 3 nights-this will ensure that the newly injected filler stays in place. Another option would be to use a wrap around neck pillow to stabilize your head.
Is smiling after filler bad? ›Facial expressions such as smiling, laughing, or frowning should have zero impact on your lip filler. It is actually better for you to smile and gently massage your lips, to help spread the product and produce a more natural end-result. If your smile looks bad after a lip filler, you have to live with it.
Can I shower after fillers? ›You can resume all normal activities the next day. Avoid facials or saunas for 4 hours after your treatment. Feel free to shower and go about most other regular daily activities.
Where do fillers last the longest? ›- Juvederm Voluma is used on the cheeks, and the acid used can last up to 2 years.
- Radiesse is an anti-aging filler that uses calcium hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring substance usually found in the bones and the teeth.
Juvederm and Restylane fillers last longer than other fillers. Juvederm and Restylane are currently the longest-lasting and most durable dermal fillers on the market. Juvederm and Restylane are families of hyaluronic acid fillers with numerous possible formulations.
What affects longevity of fillers? ›Lifestyle factors like smoking and exercise can affect the longevity of dermal filler. Smoking may also impact the longevity of filler due to the constant muscle contraction and pursing of the lips. If you have a high metabolic rate, it is likely that the dermal filler will metabolise faster.
Why do fillers make your face shiny? ›When someone is receiving too much treatment with anti-wrinkle injections, the skin can become extremely smooth and the light bounces off in a uniform way. So, the skin appears shiny, which is why it can look 'frozen'.
How do you know if someone has fillers? ›
If you are familiar with the person, you may notice the increase in lip size, especially if they've experienced slight swelling, typically short-lived common side effects. They may also have some minor bruising of the lips; this can also signify a recent lip filler treatment.
What is pillow face syndrome? ›“Pillow Face Syndrome” refers to excessive volumization with fillers which distort the face in a distinctive manner resembling fat feline features. Overfilled cheeks and exaggerated cheekbones push soft tissue upwards creating a narrow eyed appearance, especially when smiling.
How do you stop bruising after fillers? ›Apply ice or cold packs to the affected areas during and after treatment. Ice and cold packs constrict blood vessels and slow the flow of blood to injection sites. As a result, the risk of bruising from injections is reduced.
Can filler get rid of jowls? ›Facial fillers are a top treatment choice for eliminating jowls as they can be used to rebuild the structure of the face whilst rebooting the skin's natural supply of hyaluronic acid and smoothing the jawline.
Is 3 syringes of filler a lot? ›Regardless of which dermal filler you use, two or three syringes are almost always recommended in order to achieve the most gorgeous outcomes.
What is filler fatigue? ›What is filler fatigue? Although the term suggests we're perhaps exhausted at the global obsession with fillers, it actually refers to what happens when hydrophilic filler draws in more water and creates a swollen-looking finish rather than the sculptured result intended.
How long do you have to stay upright after fillers? ›After your dermal filler treatment, you should remain in an upright position for 3-4 hours and avoid rubbing or applying any pressure on the treated area. This will prevent the filler from migrating to other areas. The best sleeping positions following treatment limit facial movement and stress on the face.
When can I wash my face normally after filler? ›After 24 hours the skin is sealed again naturally at the puncture sites and you can go back to washing your face normally.
How long does it take for filler to settle after injection? ›In reality, fillers take up to four weeks to “settle,” according to Healthline. Different types of fillers can settle more quickly, and your lifestyle and similar factors can also affect the amount of time it takes to settle.
How long does face filler take to settle? ›Fortunately, dermal fillers work very quickly, and you won't have to wait twelve months to see the full benefits of your injections. That said, these injectable treatments take some time to integrate into your tissues, and it's normal for your dermal filler to take up to two weeks to fully settle into your face.
What happens if I sleep on my side after fillers? ›
Can I Sleep On My Side After I Get Fillers? Try to sleep on your back for 24-48 hours after filler injections. After that, you can safely sleep on your side without worrying that the filler will move with gravity.
What are the rules after facial fillers? ›- Do not expose the area to intense heat (eg solarium or sauna)
- 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.
Your In-Between Routine
“You can get a good result with one, but focusing on both will always be better.” Supercharge your skincare in the weeks and months following your injection by incorporating a moisturizer with ultra-hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, says Noëlle S.
Even though the results of filler will be visible right away, migration can happen almost immediately, with a few days or weeks, or even up to years later in rare circumstances, depending on what the root cause of the issue is.