Can You Sleep On Your Side After Cheek Filler Injections?

The Importance of Aftercare for Cheek Filler Injections

Cheek enhancement fillers are one of the best cosmetic treatments you can get if you want to see instant volume and renewed midface contours. But like any aesthetic procedure, the effects of facial fillers aren’t permanent. To get the most out of your injectable treatment and make them last as long as possible, it’s important to minimize the pressure or movement on the treated area and it entails watching how you sleep with your cheek fillers.

So is it okay to sleep on your side after a cheek filler procedure? It’s recommended to avoid sleeping on your side for the first 48 hours after getting cheek fillers. Laying on your side may increase the risk of cheek filler migration or misplacement which could lead to bad filler results. It’s crucial to take caution when sleeping for the first 48 hours after the cosmetic procedure since that’s when the filler material settles in the cheeks.

Can I Sleep On My Side After Cheek Filler Treatments?

One thing to love about dermal filler injections is that they aren’t as invasive as plastic surgery. Most patients who undergo a dermal filler treatment can return home immediately or resume their normal activities with minimal recovery time.

While post-cheek filler care isn’t necessarily high maintenance, there are still several aftercare practices that you need to know, especially regarding sleeping. Sleep is an important factor of self-care after getting cheek enhancement fillers. It’s also vital to the healing process and supports a speedier recovery from the procedure.

But if you’re a side sleeper, the first night after your cheek filler treatment may be a bit challenging. You’d need to wait for at least 48 hours to pass before you can sleep on your side. You’ll also be reminded to avoid laying down immediately and remain in an upright position for at least 3 to 4 hours after the cosmetic procedure.

Why You Shouldn’t Sleep On Your Side After Injectable Cheek Fillers

Regardless of the type of cheek filler used for the procedure, you can see visible plumping and restoration of facial volume immediately after the cosmetic treatment. However, the initial effects are only subtle and you’ll still need to wait about 2 to 4 weeks for the fillers to settle before you can appreciate the final cheek enhancement results.

During the settling period, it’s crucial that you avoid putting excess pressure on your dermal fillers. With that in mind, you have to get used to sleeping on your back for the first 48 hours after your cheek filler appointment.

Here are some of the reasons why you should control yourself from sleeping on your side after dermal getting cheek fillers:

To minimize cheek filler migration or misplacement

The settling period for your cheek fillers can take about the same time as your recovery process from the side effects of the cosmetic procedure. Most hyaluronic acid fillers require at least a 2-week waiting time to settle into your skin tissue and provide optimal cheek volume.

With that in mind, it’s important not to disrupt the filler as it settles in the treatment area. Cheek fillers are made of soft, gel-like materials and they’re susceptible to moving around if they’re pressed on. Sleeping on your side may place unintended pressure on the injected fillers and cause them to migrate to other areas which could compromise your desired results.

To avoid unwanted cheek filler results

In the rare event that the cheek filler migrates, it could result in an asymmetrical appearance where one side of the face looks unusually lumpy or lopsided. It may also cause the formation of lumps or granulomas, risk of infection, or bleeding. There’s also a small risk that the migrated filler will hit a blood vessel. This could disrupt the blood flow to the tissues in the surrounding area and lead to necrosis (tissue death).

To avoid a prolonged period of swelling and bruising

Not observing recommended sleeping practices and other aftercare instructions may delay the healing and recovery process from cheek fillers. Sleeping on your side may cause fluid to accumulate on your face which could lead to severe swelling after dermal fillers procedure. In addition, it could interfere with blood circulation and prolong bruising in the injected site.

How Should You Sleep After Cheek Fillers?

Although sleeping on your side is a comfortable position, it’s not allowed if you’ve just had your cheek fillers. However, there are other positions that you can try in order to get a good night’s sleep after your cosmetic procedure. Here are some ways you can sleep comfortably after getting cheek fillers:

• Sleep on your back and put extra pillows on your side to minimize your movement and avoid getting in the wrong position.
• Use a neck pillow to stabilize your head when sleeping on your back. This can also help prevent unnecessary movements which can affect your cheek fillers.
• Prop your head on additional pillows to improve the retention of cheek fillers and decrease swelling and bruising.
• Build a pillow fort around your head to keep your face from rolling to the sides during nighttime. When Is It Okay To Sleep On The Side After Cheek Filler Injections?

You can resume sleeping on your side after 48 hours when the cheek fillers have settled enough to withstand normal pressure. But for the best cheek filler results, it's recommended to continue sleeping on your back for about 7 to 14 days when the material has fully settled and you can see the effects of the injectables.

Other Important Dos and Donts for Cheek Filler Aftercare

Aside from assuming the proper sleeping position, there are other aftercare guidelines that you should remember to guarantee the best cheek filler outcomes. Here are other important dos and don'ts you need to consider after having a dermal filler treatment:

DOS	DONTS
Drink a lot of water to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.	Don’t take alcohol for 24 to 48 hours after the dermal filler procedure.
Apply a cold compress to the injected area to reduce swelling and bruising.	Don’t do strenuous exercises or activities for 24 hours after cheek injections.
Wear sunscreen to protect the skin when going out to avoid prolonged swelling and bruising.	Don’t get any cosmetic procedures, such as facial waxing, laser treatment, or chemical peels, in the treated area for 2 weeks.
Keep the treated area clean to avoid the risk of infection or skin irritation.	Don't take any blood thinner or supplement (like fish oil and vitamin E) which could prolong bruising.

Get Safe and Effective Cheek Fillers at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Having your beauty rest is essential after any cosmetic procedure. But if you’ve had cheek injections, you should be careful not to sleep on your side to keep the filler product in its place and avoid unwanted results or complications. For best results, you should sleep on your back or with extra pillows on your side to prevent unconscious movements at night.

Dr. Lanna Aesthetics is a leading provider of quality cheek filler injections in New York and nearby areas. We have experienced injectors who have helped numerous patients with their aesthetic concerns and cheek enhancement goals. Book an appointment today to discuss a possible cheek filler treatment plan for you or learn more about our other cosmetic services.