After care
First Week: Active Filler Dissolution
Filler Dissolution Timeline
- Approximately 50% of filler dissolves within 1-2 days
- Remaining filler dissolves progressively over 7 days
- Gradual absorption through natural body processes
- Timeline may vary by individual and filler type
- Process continues naturally for full week
Physical Changes to Expect
- Mild to moderate swelling possible
- Swelling from injection trauma and enzyme activity
- Peaks usually at 24-48 hours
- Can last 3-7 days depending on extent
- Varies significantly by individual
Bruising Management
- Bruising common with hyaluronidase injections
- Peaks at 24-48 hours
- May appear more significant than initial swelling
- Usually fades within 5-7 days
- Arnica supplements may help
- Ice packs help reduce swelling
Activity Restrictions (First Week)
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours
- Avoid heat exposure (saunas, hot baths) for 24-48 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours
- Avoid smoking for at least 24-48 hours
- Avoid massage or pressure on treated areas
- Avoid aggressive facial treatments
- Minimize facial expressions in treated area
- Avoid sleeping on treated areas
Skincare During First Week
- Gentle cleansing; avoid vigorous rubbing
- Avoid makeup on injection sites for 24 hours
- Avoid active ingredients (retinol, AHA, BHA) for 1 week
- Use fragrance-free, gentle products only
- Avoid sun exposure; use SPF 30+ if outdoors
- Keep treated areas clean and dry
Injection Site Care
- Small needle marks resolve within days
- No specific care usually needed
- Avoid touching or manipulating
- Keep clean; normal hygiene sufficient
- No special bandages or coverings needed
Filler Dissolution Observations
- Visible softening of treated area over days
- Firmness gradually diminishing
- Previously enlarged area shrinking progressively
- Gradual improvement in appearance
- Full effect of dissolution visible by day 7
Other Possible Effects
- Mild headache possible (rare)
- Temporary heaviness in treated area
- Temporary numbness (very rare, temporary)
- Mild malaise or flu-like feeling (very rare)
- All usually temporary and very mild
Sleep and Rest
- Normal sleep generally acceptable after first night
- Sleep on back if possible first night
- Otherwise normal sleep resumable
- Adequate rest supports healing
Weeks 2-4: Completion of Dissolution
Observable Changes
- Filler completely or nearly completely dissolved by end of week 1
- Swelling significantly improved by week 2
- Bruising faded by end of week 2-3
- Area appearing much softer and more natural
- Previously problematic appearance improved
- Results of dissolution fully apparent by week 2
Area Assessment
- Area now appears more normal and natural
- Softness and lack of firmness obvious
- Over-correction from previous filler corrected
- Asymmetry (if present before) now corrected
- Overall improvement in appearance evident
Lifestyle Resumption
- Normal exercise resumable after 48 hours (if swelling resolved)
- Light activity acceptable before full healing
- Heat exposure resumable by day 2-3
- Alcohol consumption resumable
- Smoking should ideally continue to be avoided
- Normal social and professional activities resumable
Skincare Status
- More aggressive skincare resumable after 1 week
- Active ingredients resumable cautiously after week 1
- Sun protection continues important
- Gentle facial massage acceptable
- Professional facials resumable after 1 week
- Moisturizing treatments beneficial
Follow-up Considerations
- Area fully assessed by end of week 2
- Determine if additional dissolution needed
- Evaluate results and patient satisfaction
- Plan for any additional treatment if necessary
- Contact clinic with concerns about results
Medication Restrictions
- NSAIDs resumable if previously taken
- Aspirin resumable if previously taken
- Anti-inflammatory medications resumable
- Specific restrictions from provider followed
Months 2-3: Final Results and Planning
Observable Results
- Complete filler dissolution confirmed
- Area appears entirely natural
- Swelling completely resolved
- Bruising completely faded
- Any asymmetry fully corrected
- Patient satisfaction typically achieved
Timeline Confirmation
- Filler completely dissolved by end of week 1-2
- Full improvement evident by week 3-4
- Results stable and permanent by month 2
- No regression of results expected
- Area remains stable going forward
Lifestyle Fully Resumed
- No restrictions on any activities
- Normal exercise unrestricted
- Heat exposure unrestricted
- Alcohol and other substances unrestricted
- Skincare completely normal
- Complete return to normal
Planning for Future
- Consider alternatives if filler dissolution was necessary
- Discuss next steps with provider
- Plan for potential new treatments if desired
- Consider different filler types or approaches
- Build plan with provider for long-term aesthetic goals
When to Consider Additional Treatment
- If partial dissolution needed, additional doses possible
- If full dissolution confirmed, complete and permanent
- Future filler treatments can be reconsidered
- Timing for new treatments discussed with provider
- Different approach or filler type considered
Important Information About Hyaluronidase
Purpose and Function
- Enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid-based fillers
- Used for filler dissolution or correction
- Safe and effective for filler removal
- Can be precisely targeted
- Reversible correction possible
Safety Considerations
- FDA-approved for filler dissolution
- Requires qualified healthcare provider
- Medical assessment necessary
- Complete medical history important
- Allergies to enzyme must be assessed
- Previous reactions to hyaluronidase must be disclosed
Potential Side Effects
- Swelling common but temporary
- Bruising common but temporary
- Redness at injection sites
- Tenderness in treated area
- All typically resolve within 1-2 weeks
- Serious side effects very rare
Serious Complications (Very Rare)
- Severe allergic reaction (extremely rare)
- Severe swelling (rare)
- Infection at injection site (rare)
- Other serious complications extremely rare
- Any severe symptoms warrant medical attention
Restrictions
- Cannot use if allergic to hyaluronidase or components
- Cannot use if active infection present
- Caution with blood thinners
- Pregnancy typically contraindicates treatment
- Complete medical history necessary
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
General Health During Recovery
- Maintain healthy diet for overall wellness
- Stay well-hydrated (important for healing)
- Adequate sleep important (supports healing)
- Manage stress effectively
- Regular gentle exercise beneficial
Sun Protection
- SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Sun protection important for treated area
- UV exposure can affect healing
- Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors
- Avoid peak sun hours if possible
Skincare During Healing
- Gentle, non-irritating products only
- Moisturize regularly
- Avoid harsh products
- Professional skincare treatments supportive after healing
Medical Supervision
- Choose qualified, experienced provider
- Board-certified preferred
- Clear communication about goals
- Follow-up assessment important
- Contact provider with any concerns
When to Contact Your Provider
Contact immediately if experiencing:
- Severe swelling that worsens progressively
- Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus)
- Severe allergic reaction symptoms
- Difficulty breathing or chest symptoms
- Severe pain
- Any severe or concerning symptoms
Contact for routine follow-up:
- Week 1 assessment of dissolution progress
- Week 2-3 final assessment
- Discuss results and satisfaction
- Plan for any additional treatment if needed
- Address any concerns about appearance
- Follow-up care and guidance