How To Reduce Swelling After Fillers

Blog post - before after photo facial filler Juvederm Volume Restylane cheek lip swelling liquid lift

Swelling and bruising are common concerns among surgical patients, but some nonsurgical patients should anticipate a certain degree of post-treatment swelling too. That’s especially true for lip filler, facial filler, and nonsurgical liquid facelift patients here in Washington DC. The good news is that most swelling after fillers is temporary, and you can take some simple steps to prevent and minimize puffiness after your injections.

In this post, we’ll look at how long you should expect swelling to last and offer some tips to reduce it.

How Long Does Swelling Last After Fillers?

Post-filler swelling may last a few hours or days, possibly longer, depending on multiple factors. Delayed swelling may also occur after the initial injection due to water attraction from the filler. A majority of fillers, such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®, are made of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a gel that attracts and holds water, similar to a sponge.

Fortunately, this swelling after nonsurgical office treatments usually resolves quickly and is only noticeable to the patient. Facial filler patients often return to work very soon after treatment, even the same day in many cases.

How To Reduce Swelling After Facial Fillers

Anything that is generally good for your health is also good for your skin and helps reduce swelling after facial fillers. Be sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s specific guidelines after your office treatment.

  • Hydrate: Maintain hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and juices.
  • Supplement: Consider taking certain herbal supplements, such as arnica montana and bromelain. Both are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bruising properties, which can reduce swelling and bruising after filler treatments.
  • Eat Healthfully: Focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables to support your body’s overall health.
  • Elevate: Keep your head elevated to allow gravity to reduce swelling.
  • Consider Antihistamines. Antihistamines block the release of histamine, a chemical your body produces during an allergic reaction that can lead to symptoms like swelling. While some believe antihistamines minimize post-treatment swelling, scientific evidence on their overall effectiveness for this specific use is still limited. As with any medication, consult with a healthcare professional before using antihistamines.
  • Apply Ice: Gently apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to the swollen area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This can help to constrict the blood vessels, reducing inflammation and swelling. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent further trauma to the area.

Most people find that taking these few aftercare steps are well worth their great results, as you can see in our patients’ before-and-after pictures below:

Before & After Liquid Facelift Case 194 Front View in Washington, DC
Before & After Fillers
Before & After Chin Augmentation Case 233 Front View in Washington, DC
Before & After Fillers
Before & After Lip Augmentation Case 211 Front View #1 View in Washington, DC
Before & After Fillers

What To Avoid To Minimize Swelling After Facial Fillers

Patients may help minimize swelling by proactively avoiding the following:

  • Processed foods or fast foods
  • Excess salt
  • Most herbal teas and supplements
  • Spicy foods
  • Blood thinning medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Smoking and smoke exposure

What Are Other Methods To Reduce Facial Filler Swelling?

Rest is important after facial fillers. We recommend avoiding heavy activity or exercise for the first day or so after treatment.

Gentle massage of the treated area may improve the swelling in some patients. Sometimes the area just expands a little too much with edema and needs to be gingerly flattened back down. Hard pressure should be avoided. Ask your injector if massage is allowed.

Lastly, swelling may be due to factors other than the treatment itself, such as allergies, a thyroid condition, hormones, medication side effects, or other medical conditions. As always, speak to your injector to determine methods to help reduce swelling that are appropriate for you.

Lip Filler Aftercare: Why Do the Lips Swell So Much?

Although several areas of the face are prone to swelling after filler injections, the lips are particularly susceptible to swelling due to their highly vascular nature and delicate structure. Rich in blood vessels, any minor trauma to the lips, such as injections, can result in an increased influx of blood to the area, leading to noticeable swelling.

Lip skin is thinner compared to other parts of the face, making any underlying inflammation more evident. The lips are also more mobile than other facial features, which can exacerbate the swelling post-treatment. In addition to the tips listed above, it’s important to take the following precautions after your lip filler injections:

  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures in Food and Drink: For the first 24 hours, avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. Extreme temperatures can exacerbate swelling.
  • Refrain from Kissing: Avoid kissing or placing any significant pressure on the lips for at least 24 hours post-treatment. This ensures the filler has ample time to settle and reduces the risk of uneven distribution due to external pressure.
  • Skip the Straws: Avoid using a straw for at least the first 24 hours. Using a straw can put pressure on the treated area, potentially affecting the distribution of the filler and exacerbating swelling.

If you’re ready to explore your facial filler options, we’re here to help. You can request a consultation using the online form or call us at (202) 800-2085 to schedule an appointment.

53 Responses to How To Reduce Swelling After Fillers

  • Robert says:

    Hi thx 4 tips, just had restalyne fillers 4 vials, first time so be gentle with me!, i’m doing ok, nothing too weird, NP told me would have jaw pain after, how long does it last? A day or so?, any tips to alleviate pain/speed up recovery process? Thx,

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog. The degree of swelling will vary on the extent of the facial filler procedure, as patients with multiple treatments may more likely have additional swelling. A majority of the swelling after nonsurgical aesthetic procedures, such as filler injections, resolves pretty quickly. Patients may notice swelling in the recovery procedure for several days. However, others may not notice.

      As always, speak with the expert injector who provided the treatment to review pre and post care and maximize recovery.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • Mary says:

      I have puffy bags of fluid under my eyes that started on day one 1 post OP after having profractional laser done on my face 3 months ago. I took antihistamines on week 2 with no luck. I had cheek filler injected 1 year prior. Where the fluid collected is directly above the line of where the laser was applied on my lower eyelid. I look like a different person. New bags and puffy pillows. I’m devastated. Is the filler keeping the fluid trapped? How can this be fixed?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading blog!

      Many patients get combination treatments with facial filler injections and lasers to look their best. Swelling can contribute to puffy eyes, as the eyes are generally considered a sensitive area. Swelling will vary based on multiple variables, including factors such as the specific material, location, and volume of filler injected.

      Patients should speak with their physician regarding any concerns.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Lisa collymore says:

    I enjoyed the article.. I did a filler my face for acne marks.. Now my cheeks are really fat and swollen.. Its been four days and they’ve reduced a little but not much… I dont like this look at all.. My friends and family don’t even recognize me.. What can I do to get my face back to its normal size and look,?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog. This website has extensive information for those learning about cosmetic treatments, surgical or nonsurgical. Facial fillers are very popular in plastic surgery offices, after the extreme popularity of treatments such as Botox or Dysport, for rejuvenation.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Kem H says:

    Hi,
    I had pdo threads in lower face also had fillers on cheeks and Botox. Had all done at same time. I have extensive swelling around the filler area and some swelling on lower jaw, I also have a small bump on one side at the bottom of my jaw. It has been 2 days. I look deformed! This is my first experience with any of this will it get better and how soon ??

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog. Swelling is variable and can occur for many reasons. Patients who have multiple procedures, such as Botox, facial fillers, thread lifts, laser, etc, are more likely to have greater swelling as compared to those who have a single procedure. Top plastic surgeons communicate with their patients on various aspects of aesthetic procedures, including recovery. Patients should keep in close communication with their plastic surgeon

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • zoe says:

      Hi Kem, Hope you are well, I’m just reading your blog and I also had pdo threads, botox and filler simultaneously and have a large ball on the left side of my bottom jaw, also look deformed im so depressed will see my Dr this afternoon. im currently taking ibuprofen and applying cold compressions can you tell me how yours resolved?

  • Mary Fernandes says:

    I had filler two months ago and the left side swollen hard to the touch feels hot.my dr has given me 2 rounds of steroids. Its gets better but in a few days it’s swelled up again help

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for read this website. Swelling is variable after filler treatment, but a majority of swelling resolves relatively quickly. Facial filler injections have often been described as soft and natural in our patients. Patients should speak with their injector (ex. plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist, etc) if there are any concerns. A variety of options are available after facial filler injections.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Kim says:

    I just had Juvederm ultra plus done and after 6 hours I’ve swelled up in my upper lip. This is my second time getting my lips injected. The first time I did just jevederm and no swelling, now my lips don’t hurt and they didn’t bruise this time it’s just swelling that’s the issue..
    Is there any medication I could take as an option to help reduce this swelling ?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you reading our plastic surgery blog. While plastic surgeons may give medications to reduce swelling after cosmetic surgery (ex. facelift or rhinoplasty), many don’t routinely prescribe medications after facial filler injections. As always, patients should consult with their surgeons to review appropriate treatment options after filler injections.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Kathy says:

    I had fillers injected into the muscle of my face lines by my mouth and cheeks and it’s been 4 days and I still am sore and my face muscles do not allow me to smile I look like a monster. Will this resolve in a week?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the website. All filler injections have a variable degree of swelling, which will vary based on many factors such as specific filler, volume of filler injected, and treatment area. Most plastic surgeons agree that it typically takes several days for tissue to settle after filler treatment. Patients should speak with their plastic surgeon or dermatologist regarding any concerns they have.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • Kathleen says:

      I am feeling 5he same way. Just had fillers in my cheeks to lift the nasolabial folds. I look better in the before and after but when my face isn’t stationary I look ridiculous. I’m hoping you can tell me your symptoms cleared up and your face settled in. I can’t stand not being able to smile normally at m6 kids. feeling fat faced too

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog.

      Injectors often advise that it may take some time for the facial tissue to settle after filler injection. After waiting an initial period of time, patients have the option of dissolving some fillers as appropriate with hyaluronidase injections. As always, patients should speak with their injector to review potential options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Louise Page says:

    Hi, I had cheek fillers in April 2018, they were fine for a while but then suddenly under my eye and along cheeks it was hard and then my face swelled up. This happened on and off for weeks. Went back for dissolve and nothing happened since until now it’s all hard on one side and swollen again. I’ve tried prednisolone steroids and alsorts of ice/hot compress. It’s now also left bruising on my cheeks that hasn’t gone down for months. What can I do!!

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for your question.

      Most plastic surgeons don’t routinely give medications after filler treatment. Exceptions may include a desire to dissolve the filler or treat scar tissue. Learn more in our blog about injections for scar tissue and hyaluronidase injections to remove filler. Patients should consult with their plastic surgeons or dermatologist to review appropriate treatment options after filler injections as all treatments may have side effects.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • Jamie says:

      I am on this blog because the same thing is happening to me in my cheekbone injections. They are super swollen, hard, and hurt and it JUST came on a few days ago, when I got my fillers exactly 2 months ago. It hurts to even smile.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog.

      Fillers are soft gels that can blend with tissue in the area injected. Other than brief discomfort during treatment, patients have not reported such concerns in our cosmetic surgery office after treatment. Swelling should resolve with time. We recommend seeing a specialist if there are any concerns with fillers.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      For those reporting possible issues with facial fillers, some may consider hyaluronidase injections to remove filler as appropriate. Patients consulting with their plastic surgeons or dermatologists can review potential treatment options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Latefa says:

    Hi
    Ijust have chin volume by hydronic acid filler but I feel pain after the injection is it normal and can I wear makeup

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      A certain amount of discomfort with filler injections is expected, especially during the office treatment. Pain, however, generally should not be present. As always, speaking with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who performs injections frequently can help determine appropriate options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Fillers generally have a period of time when tissue settles. Typically, plastic surgeons recommend waiting for this period of time after injection, which may possibly vary from hours to weeks. Swelling after filler treatment will vary based on multiple factors. As always, speaking with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who performs injections frequently can help determine appropriate options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Joanna says:

    I received tear trough fillers (1.5 in each side of my face). i woke up today to redness and swelling in those areas. I also feel like the lines are still there. My questions are: 1) how long will it take for the swelling to go down 2) is there anything i can do to make the swelling go down faster? 3) is it possible to still have the tear trough lines on my face?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog.

      Swelling is variable with either cosmetic surgery or nonsurgical treatments, such as filler injections. In another blog post, we talk about natural methods to reduce facial swelling such hydration and avoiding excess salt. Some medications may be available for certain patients as appropriate to speed up resolution of swelling, but these are generally reserved for surgery. Tear trough lines can be filled with further injections, while some plastic surgeon may recommend lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Patients should review options with their plastic surgeon.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki, facial plastic surgery specialist

  • Cara says:

    I had Beletero injected for year troughs almost three weeks ago.
    I can actually see where the filler is, especially when I smile. Looks like it caused mild festoons. The hollows were better than this.
    I got more upset when the people at the injector’s office were insisting that it looked good and to wait another week.
    I know I need some Hyaluronidase at this point, but only tiny amounts so as not to dissolve my own tissues.
    I’m now not sure whether to trust my injector to dissolve properly or should I see an oculoplastic surgeon?
    I saved for a year to get this done. My treat to myself turned out badly. I paid to look worse ?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      Belotero, Restylane, and Versa are some filler treatments for tear trough area. Hyaluronidase injection doesn’t necessarily need to be all-at-once. Some patients can possibly stair-step down excess filler gradually over time. One can see specialists, such as oculoplastic or facial plastic surgeons, for consultation. As always, office examination would be require to help determine appropriate options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Ap says:

    @ Cara Hi, I too had Beletero in one tear trough .5mL) & now have some migration to the side of my nose (this happened once before, I had it dissolved, looked great, then went somewhere else for a 2nd round and they left me with a ‘valley’ under my eye- they ended up dissolving some of my natural HA).

    So after waiting a while, I had the .5mL injected 2 days ago under my one eye with the valley. I don’t eat salt, I sleep on my back and I sleep elevated naturally. Aside from the partial migration to the side of my nose, my whole face is a little puffy. I feel so ugly.

    I’m going to wait a month before I get the side of nose dissolved, but I wanted to ask:

    -I’ve been massaging side of nose to flatten out the slightly puffy, migrated filler (I can LITERALLY feel the filler near my nose). Is this alright to do?

    – is it possible to have entire face hold on to water/edema – not b/c of an allergic reaction – but b/c of the trauma of filler to tear trough?

    -and actually, this filler is killing me on the side of my nose. It’s very hydrophilic and spongy in that area. Is it prudent to wait a month (am I playing w fire if I get it dissolved sooner) or am I within reason doing that?

    Thank you.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Hi and thank you for reading the blog!

      Skin and tissue can hold onto water and swell for various periods of time. Allergy is just one of many possible reasons for swelling.

      Many injectors and plastic surgeons generally advise to wait a period of time before considering hyaluronidase. Conservative measures described above can help improve swelling. When fillers are dissolved, keep in mind that sometimes more than one treatment is required. As always, an office examination would be required to help determine appropriate options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Sylvia Moreno says:

    I received fillers under my eyes, within a few hours both eyes were extremely swollen,my right eye almost swollen shut. Day 3, my face, cheek area(upper)and nose (the sides) look swollen. The redness went away, still extremely swollen and my eyes look smaller. Will this soften up?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog.

      With our techniques in the office, swelling with fillers generally tends to be very mild and resolves quickly. Patients should report any concerns, such as swelling and redness, to the person who performed the filler injection.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Momma of 4 says:

    I had voluma injected on 8/28 then a nodule appeared on 9/1 so I iced it and took Claritin. The nodule reappeared and hat side of my face swelled up beginning on 9/3. My injector prescribed antibiotics and steroid pack which I began taking on 9/5. She injected a little Hylenex into the area on the one side on 9/7 where the nodule was. It went down a little but reappeared a few hours later. I continued on the meds and she injected Hylenex into the area again on 9/11. My entire face swelled and I began having severe Abdominal pain later that night. I also was vomiting uncontrollably so I stopped the prescribed medication and began Zyrtec And Pepcid as advised by an allergist. I still have a huge nodule on that side as well as my facial swelling going up and down. What can I do to resolve this issue? I’m weary of taking the medications since I had such a bad reaction with severe stomach pain and vomiting. I’m obviously having an allergic reaction but how long does it last?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog. Patients who have concerns with filler injections should discuss with their injector. Generally, fillers “settle” after a couple weeks from treatment. Filler swelling can linger and conservative measures such as mentioned in this blog post can help reduce swelling.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Terri says:

    How can you tell if puffiness from filler is from being over-filled versus just needing time to settle. Its only been a day but I’m concerned about the puffiness under my eyes.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      We generally advise patients to wait a period of time to allow tissue to settle after filler treatment. We haven’t seen over-filling in our patients. Patients should contact their injector and review any concerns.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Cass says:

    I had PDO & fillers in my lower jaw ( jowls) I have woken with a hard swelling at the side of my mouth& a lump inside of my mouth, is this just swelling?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading our blog!

      Hard swelling is generally not observed after routine filler treatments. Any concerns should be brought to the attention of the plastic surgeon who performed the procedure.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Patti says:

    How long does it take for filler injection swelling to go away. I had injections done 3 weeks ago above my cheeks and my right cheek is swollen. please help me.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      Swelling after filler treatment is usually only noticed by the patient and generally resolves soon after treatment. Keep in mind that swelling from other factors such as hormones, allergies, medications, and diet can be present too. As always, speaking with a plastic surgeon can help minimize filler swelling.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Patti says:

    I also have a few lumps under my left eye as well. Will this go away as its been 3 weeks. Thanks yo so much for any help

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      We already recommend following up with the injector. Lumps and bumps immediately after filler injections are generally temporary and should resolve with time.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Patricia says:

    I had filler done on my jowls left side looks great right side swollen and I feel something on the inside of my cheek. Is this normal

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      We typically advise patients to allow fillers to “settle” for a period of time. Most issues resolve. Patients should be evaluated by a surgeon to help determine appropriate treatment options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

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