The beauty of injectables is that not only are they fast, but they also offer immediate gratification. Whether you’re considering a hyaluronic acid filler for the first time or have a standing appointment for a neurotoxin, injectables can offer plumper lips or smoother skin within a few days. But as straightforward as they seem—and often are—they do come with a risk of side effects and, as with any cosmetic procedure, possible complications.
That’s why caring for skin properly after getting injectables is so important. These precautions “are taken to reduce potential side effects such as bruising, swelling and filler migration,” says New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD. Plus, giving extra TLC to your skin can also maximize the results of your treatment, allowing you to get the most from your appointment.
This goes for your skin-care products, too, with certain tweaks to your routine—be it the addition of a specific ingredient or suspending use of another—influencing the outcome of your injectables. Ahead, experts share their guidelines for the best skin care after injections for a smoother, firmer and all-around more youthful complexion.
Featured experts
- Dr. Jody Levine is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Dr. Matthew Elias is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Dr. Shereen Teymour is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Robert Schwarcz, MD is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in New York
- Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
What skin-care to use post-injectables
Your post-injectable skin-care timeline really depends on the type of injectable, where the product is placed and how much swelling, bruising or inflammation the treatment creates.
Neurotoxins
During the first few hours after Botox or other neuromodulators, do not touch or apply any products to your face. However, if you must, keep things gentle—avoid excessive rubbing or aggressive actives. “Within the first 24 hours, you can gently wash your face using cool or lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it. You can gently apply moisturizer or sunscreen by patting it into the skin rather than aggressively rubbing or massaging it,” says New York oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Schwarcz. You can then gradually return to your regular skin-care routine after the 24-hour post-injection period. New York dermatologist, Dr. Nicole Ruth, typically recommends waiting at least four to six hours before applying makeup, but if possible, waiting until the following morning is ideal.
Dermal Fillers
“Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to have more swelling and bruising, especially in sensitive areas like the lips, with swelling often being the worst during the first 24 to 48 hours, and can take about one to two weeks to fully settle,” explains Dr. Ruth. In the hours directly after, avoid touching, rubbing or massaging the injection site for at least six hours. New York dermatologist Dr. Shereen Teymour recommends a gentler approach to caring for your skin for about 24 to 48 hours with a focus on hydration and barrier repair. This means avoiding harsh skin-care ingredients, such as retinoids, AHAs/BHAs (glycolic or salicylic acid), vitamin C and physical scrubs. A mild cleanser and gentle moisturizer can be a game-changer in helping to heal after dermal fillers.
“This is where the hyaluronic acid-based topical products can help enhance your filler treatment,” says Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Matthew Elias, MD, who recommends incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum like SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan ($120) into your routine. “It’s a great option to complement your filler treatment as it draws water into the skin, enhancing your newly plumped skin and keeping it nice and smooth.” Another solid post-procedure option: Alastin’s HA IMMERSE Serum ($134).
In addition to the standard active ingredients, Dr. Levine recommends applying a topical gel or cream with arnica, as well as arnica-infused silicone sheets, to the injected areas right after your appointment. These “can help minimize bruising and swelling after an injectable treatment,” she says. (A study in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that it can increase the rate of healing after bruising, too).
Also, consider gently ice rolling your skin after you get injectables. In cooling your complexion and calming inflammation, that icy sensation “can help minimize bruising, swelling and minor discomfort from treatment,” says Dr. Levine.
In terms of applying makeup, Dr. Ruth advises patients to wait closer to 24 hours, particularly if there are multiple injection sites. “The reason is less about the makeup ingredients themselves and more about avoiding pressure, rubbing or potential bacteria exposure to freshly injected skin, where bacteria can enter the tiny needle entry points.” After about 48 hours, you can gradually return to your regular skin-care routine.
Biostimulatory fillers
“Biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra or Radiesse stimulate collagen production through a controlled inflammatory response, so you have to be a bit more cautious with skin care afterward,” says Dr. Teymour. For the first 24 hours, try to avoid all lotions and makeup, then afterward, you can wash your face with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, says Dr. Schwarcz. For the next five days or so, it’s recommended to avoid strong exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C and any retinoids to prevent skin irritation. “By the end of week one, slowly reintroduce mild hydration, and by week two, resume your normal routine,” he adds. Similar to filler, Dr. Teymour advises waiting 12 to 24 hours, especially if there are multiple injection sites, to apply makeup. “When patients do restart makeup, I recommend using clean brushes and sponges and avoiding excessive pressure over freshly treated areas,” she explains.
Skin boosters
Since skin boosters can temporarily disrupt the skin barrier because of the microinjections involved, Dr. Teymour generally approaches aftercare similarly to microneedling recovery. “For the first 24 to 72 hours, I recommend gentle, hydrating skin care and avoiding unnecessary irritation while skin heals,” she says. Two to three days post-booster, you can resume wearing light makeup, but continue to avoid active ingredients, including retinol, as well as facial scrubs or electric cleansing devices for up to a week post-injection.
The biggest post-injectable skin-care mistakes
Retinol usage
Retinol may be the gold standard of skin-care ingredients, but you must proceed with caution after injection. “I generally recommend pausing retinoids for at least 24 hours after neurotoxin injections, about 48 hours after dermal fillers and closer to three to five days after biostimulatory fillers or skin boosters, especially if there’s visible redness, swelling or irritation,” says Dr. Teymour. Pausing retinol use after an injection is less about the injectable itself and more about protecting the skin barrier while it recovers. “Retinoids increase cell turnover and can amplify irritation, dryness and inflammation when the skin is already sensitized from injections,” she adds.
Once you’re in the clear to restart, it’s recommended to ease back in instead of immediately returning to nightly use. Dr. Teymour instructs patients to start with a lower-strength or encapsulated retinol formulation, especially if their skin is prone to irritation. “I also encourage patients to pair their retinoid with hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid.
Using actives too soon after injections
One of the biggest mistakes Dr. Teymour sees in her practice is patients restarting strong actives too quickly and using too many products while the skin is sensitive. “Post-procedure care should really focus on calming and supporting the skin rather than trying to aggressively treat it,” she says.
It is generally recommended to avoid exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, harsher scrubs and heavily fragranced products. For some, even vitamin C can feel too irritating if the skin is already inflamed post-injection.
Pushing through the irritation
Dr. Teymour says that one of the biggest mistakes she sees patients make after injections is trying to “push through” irritation because they think redness and peeling mean that the product is working harder. “Excessive inflammation can actually impair healing and worsen sensitivity, particularly after cosmetic procedures,” says Dr. Teymour.
Facial tools and massage
For biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra, t’s recommended to massage the area using the classic “5-5-5 rule”—five minutes, five times a day for five days in order to distribute product evenly and reduce nodule formation. However, for other injectables such as neuromodulators, it’s recommended to avoid excessive pressure or manipulation for at least 24 hours after injection, and closer to one to two weeks after hyaluronic acid filler, depending upon the area treated. “With filler especially, massage or pressure too early can potentially alter product placement before the filler has fully integrated into the tissue,” explains Dr. Teymour. And as for at-home facial tools, she adds, “Patients are often surprised that even things like gua sha, cleansing brushes or vigorous facial massage can contribute to swelling and irritation early on in the healing process.”
Not wearing SPF
Injectables are pricey, and applying SPF daily is simply a means of protecting your investment. Avoid direct sunlight after any of your facial treatments to minimize any irritation post-injection.
Diligent sunscreen usage is also, as always, critical—before, during and after injectables. “The most common mistake regarding skin care both before and after injectables is not being vigilant with sun protection, as the sun will have the most deleterious effects on your skin,” says Dr. Elias. Skimping on sunscreen is like taking one step forward and two steps back for signs of aging.
What to do if bruising or swelling happens
Swelling and bruising following injectables is completely normal and to be expected, especially after fillers. Dr. Teymour says that swelling can oftentimes look worse before it improves. Intermittent cold compresses during the first 24 hours, sleeping with the head elevated, temporarily avoiding alcohol and strenuous exercise and focusing on gentle, barrier-supportive skin care can help reduce swelling and bruising.
“I also often recommend arnica and bromelain supplements to help support bruising and swelling resolution. Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapple that may help reduce inflammation, so even drinking pineapple juice can sometimes be helpful as well,” says Dr. Teymour. Additional vascular laser treatments, such as Vbeam, can also help with bruising if you’re looking to accelerate recovery time.
Typically, swelling and tenderness will gradually improve in the days following injections. If pain worsens or there is progressive swelling, blanching or discoloration of the skin, blistering, vision changes or signs of infection such as fever, these may indicate a serious complication, and you should seek medical help immediately. “Never hesitate to contact your injector if you are unsure or have any concerns,” says Dr. Teymour.
