A treatment with fillers is quick and often gives immediately visible results. Still, it is important to know that your face needs a little time to settle after the injection. Swelling is part of that. It is a normal reaction of your skin to the injections and the introduced material. But how long does such swelling actually last, and when can you say: yes, this is the final result?
In this blog we tell you what you can expect after a filler treatment, why swelling occurs, how long it lasts and what you can possibly do to support the recovery.
Why does swelling occur after a filler treatment?
Swelling occurs because small injections are made in the skin and hyaluronic acid is introduced. Your body automatically reacts to this with a mild inflammatory response. That may sound alarming, but it is actually completely normal. Your skin springs into action for a moment to let the treated area recover.
In addition, hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, and that can intensify the swelling slightly in the first few days. Especially with treatments around the lips, eyes or cheekbones, where the skin is thinner or more sensitive, this can stand out just a little more.
How long does the swelling remain visible?
In most cases the swelling is at its worst within the first 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. After that it slowly begins to decrease. In many people the greater part of the swelling has disappeared within three to five days.
Still, this differs per person and per treatment area. With lip fillers the swelling often remains visible a little longer, sometimes up to a week. In other zones, such as the jawline or cheeks, you often see a calm and even result much more quickly.
It is therefore important to be patient and to give yourself a few days to recover. Do not compare your face with the final result on the day of the treatment, because that image is not yet definitive.
When do you see the final result?
The final result of fillers is usually clearly visible after about ten to fourteen days. By that time the swelling has completely faded, any bruises have healed and the product is nicely distributed in the tissue.
Your face then looks natural, in balance and calm again. Many people only become truly enthusiastic after two weeks, because the effect then shows to better advantage than on day one.
Do you have an important appointment, photoshoot or event on the schedule? Then it is wise to plan the treatment at least two weeks in advance. This way you can be sure that your skin looks its best.
What can you do to reduce the swelling?
Although swelling disappears on its own, you can give your body a helping hand. Immediately after the treatment, you can carefully cool the area with a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a clean cloth. Cooling helps to narrow the blood vessels and limit swelling.
Furthermore, it is wise not to do any intensive exertion for the first 24 to 48 hours, not to bend over too much, and to leave the treated area alone. Also avoid the sauna, sunbed and alcohol in the first few days after the treatment. These can, after all, intensify the swelling.
Drink enough water, eat healthily and give your skin the rest it needs. Your body does the rest.
When should you contact the clinic?
Swelling is normal, but if you notice that the area swells up extremely, feels warm, becomes red or is painful, then it is wise to get in touch. Also if the swelling does not decrease after a week or suddenly gets worse, it is good to come back for a check-up.
At Kliniek het Bolwerk you can always come to us if you have doubts about the recovery or simply want to have it checked whether everything is going well. We take your concerns seriously and make sure that you feel at ease, after the treatment too.
Finally
Swelling after fillers is completely normal and usually of short duration. It is part of the natural recovery process of your skin and says nothing about the quality of the treatment. By giving your body time, you see a natural, balanced and beautiful result after one to two weeks.
So do not let yourself be made insecure too quickly by those first few days. Give yourself some rest, trust the process and know that you will soon look radiant again.
