Dermal fillers are a popular, non-surgical option for facial enhancement, offering immediate and transformative results. Whether you’re adding volume to your lips, smoothing out wrinkles, or contouring your cheeks, fillers can help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. However, to ensure that you maximise the longevity and appearance of your filler treatment, proper aftercare is essential. At Harley Laser Specialist, we offer expert filler training and aftercare guidance, ensuring that you and your clients get the best possible results.
Understanding Fillers
Before diving into aftercare, it’s important to know what fillers are and how they work. Fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid, are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and improve facial contours. The results are typically long-lasting but not permanent, with most fillers lasting between six months to over a year, depending on the type and treatment area.
At Harley Laser Specialist, we provide comprehensive filler training courses for both medics and non-medics, ensuring a high level of skill and expertise in administering these treatments. Our training includes understanding the science behind fillers and learning best practices for safe and effective treatments.
Why Aftercare Matters
Aftercare plays a crucial role in the success of your filler treatment. Proper care not only helps to reduce common side effects, such as swelling or bruising, but it can also prolong the effectiveness of the treatment. Here are the essential dos and don’ts for filler aftercare.
Filler Aftercare: Dos
- Follow Your Practitioner’s Instructions After the procedure, your practitioner will provide personalised aftercare instructions based on your treatment. Following these is crucial for achieving the best results and minimising potential risks.
- Keep the Area Clean Maintaining cleanliness around the treated area is essential to avoid infection. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid applying too much pressure while washing your face. At Harley Laser Specialist, we stress the importance of hygiene in both pre- and post-treatment care during our training courses.
- Apply Ice to Reduce Swelling Some swelling is normal after filler treatment, particularly in sensitive areas such as the lips. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10-15 minutes can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Be sure not to press too hard on the treated area.
- Stay Hydrated Hyaluronic acid-based fillers attract water, so staying well-hydrated can help you maximise the plumping effects. Drink plenty of water after your treatment to help the filler settle and enhance your results.
- Use Sunscreen Protect your skin from UV exposure by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sun exposure can exacerbate swelling and redness, as well as prematurely break down the filler.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity For the first 24-48 hours post-treatment, it’s best to avoid strenuous activities or exercise, which can increase blood flow to the treated areas, potentially leading to more swelling or bruising.
Filler Aftercare: Don’ts
- Don’t Touch or Massage the Treated Area After receiving fillers, it’s important to avoid touching or massaging the area for at least 24 hours. This ensures the filler settles properly and doesn’t shift. During our filler training at Harley Laser Specialist, we emphasise this to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
- Avoid Alcohol and Blood-Thinning Medications For 24-48 hours after your treatment, avoid alcohol and medications that can thin your blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These can increase the risk of bruising at the injection site.
- Don’t Use Saunas or Steam Rooms High heat can increase swelling and redness. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs for a few days after your filler treatment.
- Stay Away from Intense Facial Treatments Avoid facials, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion for at least two weeks after your filler treatment. These treatments can disrupt the settling process of the filler, leading to uneven results.
How Long Will Filler Results Last?
The longevity of your filler results depends on the type of filler used, the treatment area, and your individual body’s metabolism. On average, fillers last between 6 to 12 months. Regular maintenance treatments will help keep your results fresh and consistent.
At Harley Laser Specialist, we offer in-depth training on fillers, including how to tailor treatments to individual clients and offer advice on the best aftercare practices. Our training provides a comprehensive understanding of filler techniques, enabling professionals to deliver safe and effective treatments.
Fillers are a fantastic way to enhance your appearance, but proper aftercare is essential to maximise the results. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your treatment lasts longer and looks its best. At Harley Laser Specialist, we not only provide top-tier training in administering fillers but also emphasise the importance of aftercare for both practitioners and clients. Contact us today to learn more about our filler training courses and how you can advance your expertise in the aesthetic industry.
