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Not an emergency service. If you or someone else is seriously unwell — for example chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or collapse — call 999. For urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Dermal fillers

Gel injected to restore volume or contour, with immediate but evolving results.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

Dermal fillers are gels injected beneath the skin to restore volume, support structure or refine contour.

They are used for volume loss, folds and contour changes discussed at consultation.

Treatment takes around 30 to 60 minutes. Results are visible immediately but settle over 2 weeks, and typically last 6 to 18 months depending on product and site.

Before your procedure

  • Attend a consultation first. Assessment and a treatment plan come before any injection.
  • Tell the team about all medicines, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
  • Tell the team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Treatment is not offered.
  • Tell the team about any history of cold sores, particularly for lip treatment.
  • Tell the team about previous fillers, including where and when, and any permanent fillers.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand to reduce bruising.
  • Do not book within 2 weeks of an important event.
  • Come without make-up on the treatment area where possible.

What happens on the day

  1. The area is assessed and injection points planned.
  2. Skin is cleaned thoroughly. Numbing cream may be applied, and many fillers contain local anaesthetic.
  3. Filler is injected using a needle or cannula. You will feel pressure and brief discomfort.
  4. The area may be gently moulded afterwards.
  5. Swelling is expected immediately. You will be given written aftercare and a review arrangement.

Aftercare

Swelling

Swelling is expected, peaks at 24 to 48 hours and settles over about 2 weeks. Lips swell most.

Bruising

Bruising is common and may take 7 to 14 days to fade.

Touching the area

Do not massage or press the area unless specifically instructed to.

Staying upright

Stay upright for 4 hours afterwards.

Exercise

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours.

Heat and cold

Avoid saunas, steam rooms and sunbeds for 2 weeks. A cool compress over clothing may ease swelling in the first 24 hours.

Make-up

Avoid make-up over injection points for 24 hours.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.

Dental work

Avoid non-urgent dental treatment for 2 weeks after facial filler.

Judging the result

Do not judge the result until 2 weeks, once swelling has settled.

Review

A review at around 2 weeks allows assessment and any adjustment.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
WhenWhat to expect
First 24 hoursSwelling increases. Stay upright, avoid exercise, alcohol and make-up.
Days 2 to 3Swelling peaks then begins to reduce. Bruising may appear.
Days 4 to 7Swelling settles noticeably. Bruising fades.
Around 2 weeksFinal result visible. Review appointment if arranged.
6 to 18 monthsFiller gradually absorbs. Repeat treatment considered.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

  • Severe or increasing pain that is out of proportion to what you were told to expect
  • Skin that turns white, grey, dusky or blue near the treated area
  • Sudden visual changes, including blurring or loss of vision
  • Severe swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

  • A blanched or mottled patch of skin
  • Spreading redness, heat or pus at an injection point
  • Hard lumps that do not settle after 2 weeks
  • A cold sore developing near the treated area

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Why does it look swollen and uneven at first?

Swelling is part of the process and settles over about 2 weeks. Judging the result earlier is misleading.

How long do fillers last?

Typically 6 to 18 months, depending on the product used and where it was placed.

Can filler be dissolved?

Many hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed. This is discussed at consultation.

Why avoid dental work afterwards?

Dental procedures can introduce bacteria and disturb recently placed filler. Two weeks is a common precaution.

More information

Clinical reviewer
Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date
21 July 2026
Review by
21 July 2027
Version
1.0
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