Filler Pre- and Post-Care Instructions

I recommend reviewing these filler pre- and post-care instructions before your appointment so you know how to prepare, what to avoid, and when to call our office. We will decide together whether filler is the right option for you before any treatment.

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23+ YEARS EXPERIENCE | BOARD CERTIFIED MD | FORMER ASST. PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE | 5.0★ ACROSS 136 REVIEWS

Filler Pre-Care Instructions

Please review each item before your appointment. If you take prescription medication, including aspirin, Plavix, or Brilinta, ask your primary care doctor whether it is appropriate to stop before treatment.

DO NOT

Use aspirin or NSAIDs around treatment

Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Naproxen (Naprosyn) for one week before and after your filler injections. If you take aspirin, Plavix, or Brilinta, ask your primary care doctor whether it is okay to stop these medications.

Take supplements that can increase bruising

Avoid garlic supplements, green tea, ginkgo biloba, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids for up to one week before and after your injections because they can increase the risk of bruising.

Apply irritating skincare products

Avoid tretinoin or Retin-A, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, anti-aging products, and benzoyl peroxide for 2–3 days before and after filler treatment.

Drink alcohol before or after treatment

Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before and after your filler treatment.

DO

Consider Arnica if you tend to bruise

You may start Arnica tablets and/or apply Arnica gel 2–3 days before your filler injections, particularly if you tend to bruise or bleed easily. Do not use Arnica if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Review the separate Arnica before lip fillers guide for more detail.

Tell us if you have a history of cold sores

Please inform our office if you have a history of cold sores because you will need pre-treatment with medication before your filler injections.

Ask questions before your appointment

Please contact our office before treatment if any medication, supplement, skincare product, or preparation instruction is unclear.

Filler Post-Care Instructions

Follow these directions after your injections unless you receive different instructions from our office. The timeframes below explain when to resume common activities and when to delay other procedures.

How should I use a cold pack?

Apply an ice pack or cold washcloth for 5–10 minutes every 2–4 hours during the first 24 hours, then 1–2 times daily for two more days. Do not apply pressure unless your physician instructs you to do so.

What can I take for mild discomfort?

You may use Tylenol or extra-strength Tylenol for mild discomfort. Mild discomfort is expected.

When can I wear makeup or resume skincare?

Do not use makeup for up to 12 hours after your filler injection. Do not use skincare products for 24 hours.

When can I exercise?

Do not exercise for 24 hours after your filler treatment.

What should I avoid for the first 48 hours?

Avoid significant sun exposure at the injection site for 48 hours. Avoid extreme heat or cold, except for ice-pack application as directed. Do not put pressure on or massage the injection site, and avoid sleeping on the sides of your face for at least 48 hours.

How should I sleep after filler?

Sleep on your back with your head elevated on two pillows for three nights. You may also use a wraparound neck pillow to help stabilize your head.

When can I schedule dental work or another skin procedure?

Do not plan dental procedures for at least two weeks after filler treatment. Do not plan chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, or IPL for at least one week after treatment.

Call Us Immediately If You Notice

A dusky, bluish, or blotchy color change in any area of skin — especially if it is not at the injection site
Pain that gradually increases instead of easing
Any changes in your vision

These can be signs of a rare but serious complication that needs prompt attention. Call us right away at (415) 644-8301.

Filler Care FAQs

What is normal after filler injections?

Some bruising at the injection site is normal and may take 7–10 days to fade. Injection areas may remain red and swollen for 1–3 days. One side may look slightly fuller than the other, and our office can see you in 2–4 weeks for a touch-up.

When should I call the office?

Call our office if you have questions or concerns, or if you think you may have developed an undesired side effect from a filler injection. We would like to know about these events as soon as possible.

Is additional filler included?

If additional filler is required, there will be an additional charge for the product. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Where can I learn more about filler treatment?

Review our dermal filler treatment guide for treatment information, and visit the care instructions library for other treatment-specific guidance.

Questions About Your Filler Care?

Please contact our office if anything is unclear before your appointment or if you have a concern afterward. I want you to understand each step. I will review any question that may affect how you prepare or recover.

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Reviewed and approved by Kourosh Moazemi, MD, FACP, board certified in Internal Medicine. Last reviewed September 3, 2026.