The Cheek Filler Aftercare Regimen You Need for Optimal Outcomes

Did you get cheek fillers recently? Congrats! The secrets to filler success don't lie in the injections alone, though. You have to prepare yourself for the rollercoaster ride of aftercare to maintain that youthful glow.

What should you expect and plan for after your cheek filler appointment? What precautions should you take in the hours, days, and weeks afterward?

This complete guide covers the critical dos and don'ts for optimal cheek filler aftercare. You'll learn proven techniques to manage side effects, modify daily habits, and follow the essential steps for maximizing your results.

What Should I Expect and Plan for After Getting Cheek Fillers?

Cheek filler injections involve having a dermal filler product carefully inserted into the soft tissues of the midface using a very fine needle.

There will likely be some mild swelling, redness, numbness, tenderness, or bruising around the injection sites afterward. Additionally, you may experience some minor discomfort, stinging, or pressure as the numbing medication wears off over the first few hours.

Do cheek fillers typically subside a few days after the treatment? Yes, bruising usually begins improving after day 3 and lasts 5-7 days at most. Allow up to two weeks for your cheeks to recover. 

What’s the typical cheek filler recovery timeline? Here’s what to expect:

Timeline	Expected Recovery
Days 1-3	The most swelling, bruising, numbness and sensitivity. Discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medication and cold compresses.
Days 3-7	Swelling and bruising start improving. Numbness diminishes. Tenderness and discomfort decrease.
Week 2	Noticeable improvements in swelling, although some mild swelling may remain. Numbness dissipating.
Week 3	Swelling is generally resolved. Tenderness gone. Some subtle bruising may remain.
Week 4	Results become apparent as remaining bruising fades.
Week 8	Optimal results may become visible around this time, but can vary.

Follow-up appointments with your provider are key during the first few weeks and months after cheek filler injections. Be sure to schedule any follow-up visits as recommended so your provider can check your progress, and results and answer any questions.

Occasionally, additional touch-up treatments are needed to achieve the desired cheek enhancement. Touch-ups are typically done around 4-6 weeks after initial treatment for most dermal fillers. Plan accordingly if your provider indicates you may need a touch-up.

It’s important to set aside adequate recovery time after your cheek filler appointment. While most side effects like swelling and bruising are mild, they can take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve.

Give yourself permission to take it easy during the first week. If possible, avoid major social events or obligations that would put extra pressure on you during early recovery.

What Are the Dos and Don'ts After Cheek Fillers?

Your provider will give you a list of specific aftercare instructions tailored to your filler type and injection sites. However, some fundamental cheek filler aftercare guidelines apply across the board:

• Refrain from touching, massaging, or manipulating the treated areas for at least 3-4 hours following the injection. This can increase swelling and shift the filler material.
• Follow instructions precisely for cleansing your face, applying makeup, and caring for injection sites in the days after treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid treated areas.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties like pineapple, berries, and leafy greens. Adequate hydration promotes healing.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, straining, or any activities that significantly raise blood pressure or blood flow to the face for at least 24 hours, or as directed. This helps minimize swelling risks.
• Protect your face from sunlight exposure, even incidental exposure through car windows. Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. The sun can worsen swelling and even impact filler breakdown.
• Stop consuming alcohol for 24-48 hours after your cheek filler appointment as alcohol can thin the blood and increase swelling risk.
• Do not take blood-thinning medications or supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, or vitamin E for 5-7 days pre and post-treatment, unless medically necessary and cleared by your provider. These increase the risks of bleeding and bruising at injection sites.
• If you experience excessive redness, pain, heat, nodules, or pus around injection sites, contact your provider’s office immediately as these could indicate an infection or other complication requiring attention.

What Are the Recommended Post-Care Steps After Receiving Cheek Fillers?

Your provider will provide guidelines on when you can resume your normal activities after cheek filler injections. However, there are some key activities and situations you'll want to avoid during recovery:

• Don't expose your face to extremes of hot or cold temperatures like hot tubs, saunas, ice packs, etc which can worsen swelling and discomfort. Room-temperature water and compresses are best.
• Try to sleep on your back or the opposite side from your filler injections for at least 1-2 days. Sleeping face down or on the treated side can shift the filler material. Use extra pillows for comfort and support if needed.
• Delay dental cleanings and procedures for at least 2 weeks after cheek fillers to allow for complete healing. Dental tools can apply pressure to treatment areas. Let your dentist know about your recent filler treatment.
• Steer clear of facial waxing, skin treatments like facials or microdermabrasion, and skin-tightening procedures like Thermage or Ultherapy on and around filler injection sites for 2 weeks minimum.
• Avoid consuming excess alcohol or taking certain prescription medications like antidepressants that can thin the blood and increase bruising risk in the days after treatment. Discuss all medications with your provider.

Can you exercise after getting cheek fillers?

It's best to avoid high-intensity exercise and sports for at least 48 hours. Activities like heavy weight lifting, running, and plyometrics can significantly increase blood pressure and circulation to the face, worsening swelling.

Ease back into your normal routine gently rather than going whole hog.

How Should I Modify My Daily Routine and Habits After Treatment?

You don’t necessarily need to put your life on hold after cheek filler injections. But some modifications to your daily routine and habits can help optimize your results and avoid complications:

• Clean and disinfect the treated area as advised by the treatment provider
• Apply SPF 30 sunscreen to your face daily, even if you’re indoors. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors. The sun can worsen swelling, lead to further bruising, and potentially degrade the filler material over time.
• Adjust your regular sleep position to avoid sleeping directly on the treated side of your face. Use an extra pillow for comfort and support. Sleeping on your back is ideal during recovery.
• When brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face, etc., try to avoid excessive facial movements and take care around injection sites. Limit wide smiling, big chewing motions, puckering lips, etc.
• Be mindful of your facial expressions as they heal. Try to avoid squinting, frowning, raising your eyebrows, and other exaggerated expressions that use your cheek muscles. This will encourage even filler settling.
• Follow all supplemental aftercare guidance provided by your treatment provider such as the use of cold compresses, topical ointments, oral antibiotics or limitations on wearing makeup.

Let Us "Fill" You In on Cheek Enhancements

With some preparation and diligent aftercare, cheek fillers can be a smooth, comfortable cosmetic procedure that restores youthful contours to the midface region.

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to call your provider with any concerns or questions during your cheek filler recovery. While mild side effects are expected, alert them promptly about anything severe as described above.

Experiencing lackluster results from your cheek fillers? Proper aftercare is crucial, but the type of filler also matters.

Dr. Lanna offers advanced fillers like Voluma XC and Radiesse for youthful, defined cheeks guaranteed to turn heads.

Schedule a consultation to find your perfect match!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things you should avoid before getting cheek fillers?

Before cheek fillers, halt certain supplements a week ahead to reduce bruising risk. Two weeks before, avoid aspirin and blood thinners. Allergies and infections impact suitability. Stick to FDA-approved fillers, and limit alcohol after for safer results.

When can you safely eat after getting fillers?

After lip fillers, eat once numbness subsides (usually within hours) or after 1-2 days if there's swelling or discomfort. Opt for soft, gentle foods at first to avoid lip pressure. Avoid crunchy or chewy foods for 24 hours. Resume regular eating when lip sensation returns and discomfort subsides.