Most dermal fillers are made of soft, hyaluronic acid that is injected into the skin to smooth wrinkles and plump up the tissue, allowing one’s complexion to be fresher and more youthful. A big advantage dermal fillers have over surgical procedures is that they require no cutting, sutures, or recovery period, but the two procedures can be done in tandem or separately to provide the best results possible.

Correct Care Starts Before You Get Dermal Fillers

After your facial filler procedure, you'll likely have very minor swelling and possible pain at injection sites. 

Over the next few days, as these subside, you’ll use gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and copious amounts of sunscreens.

To best prepare for your dermal filler treatment, do the following:

1. Don’t exfoliate for two weeks—no scrubs, no chemical peels, no facials.
2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser only—you'll be using a cleanser that contains lidocaine anyway and we don't want irritation or redness to set in before it's gone.
3. Don’t use anything other than water and a mild cleanser to remove your makeup.
4. Use plenty of moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.
5. No new anti-aging products—those contain ingredients that may cause inflammation. You can usually keep using your usual products, but no need to add anything new.
6. No heat treatments of any kind for 72 hours.
7. No alcohol for 72 hours—it dries the skin, which is why we don't use it when we're working on your face.

Facial Aftercare With Dermal Fillers

To maximize the look and longevity of your results, follow these recommendations:

Less Sun, More Sunscreen

Minimize sun exposure and wear sunscreen whenever possible. Apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every morning, even on cloudy days and if spending extended time outdoors. Most dermatologists recommend using physical sunscreens rather than chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreen contains ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

A common misconception is that applying “too much” sunscreen during the day will make our skin oily, however, it’s just the opposite as most dermatologists agree that sunscreen should be applied as frequently as possible to prevent premature aging of the skin.

Up Your Skincare Game

In addition, follow these basic skincare tips: use a cleanser with salicylic acid while you’re still in the shower to soften your skin; apply a moisturizer that contains vitamin C and E to help fight free radicals; use a face primer before applying makeup to help keep eyeshadow and foundation from settling into your fine lines; and, finally, avoid alcohol-based toners that can dry out the skin.

Avoid Accidentally Touching Your Skin With Less-Than-Pristine Hands

Avoid touching your skin too much with dirty hands. Wash them frequently and keep what you use to clean your face clean as well.

Don’t “Massage” The Treatment Area

Once the filler is placed into your skin, it will begin to settle in within a few days. Skincare specialists may recommend that you avoid massaging or pushing the area for about two weeks as this can potentially break down some of the product and make you look less youthful and more wrinkled than before.

Take Note of Aftercare Advice Specific to You

Follow any case-specific post-treatment care instructions you are given by your provider. Post-treatment, you're at risk for experiencing a variety of side effects that occur as your body adjusts to the treatment. You should expect swelling and bruising, but if the swelling or bruising continues for more than two weeks, make sure you see your doctor for an additional assessment.

Don’t Pick At Your Skin or Injection Sites

Also, don't pick at the skin that's been injected with dermal fillers. It may be tempting to try and smooth out any lumpy-looking areas by massaging or "bouncing" the filler into place, but this is a big mistake! Picking at your skin will make the lumps worse and possibly lead to infection or scarring.

Aim For Moderation

Lastly, don't overdo it with the dermal fillers. If your goal is to look like Angelina Jolie did after her most recent facial plastic surgery, you're going to be disappointed if you go overboard on the treatment. Not only can getting too many treatments be harmful to your skin, but it can also look very unnatural. Take care not to go overboard and consult with a professional for your cosmetic needs.

Drink Plenty Of Water

And don't forget—drink lots of water, eat plenty of fruits and veggies and get some rest. These things are important for your skin too!

As you can see, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid after getting dermal fillers. If you want the best results possible from your treatment, make sure you're staying within the recommended treatment guidelines and avoiding these common pitfalls.

Your best result comes from having realistic expectations that are based on your desired outcome, as well as choosing a treatment provider who is right for you. By working with a professional who is trained to address your needs, and by educating yourself about the possible side effects of dermal fillers, you can avoid the mistakes that others have made after getting their fillers and get the best results possible.