You've had your treatment, you're excited about the results — now what? The care you take in the hours and days following your treatment can significantly impact your outcome. Here's my comprehensive guide to aftercare that will help you get the very best results.
General Aftercare Principles
While specific aftercare varies depending on the treatment you've had, there are some universal principles that apply to most aesthetic procedures.
The First 24 Hours
The first day is the most important. During this time:
Do:
- Keep the treated area clean
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated if you've had facial treatment
- Stay well hydrated
- Take it easy — this isn't the day for intense exercise or activities
- Use a cold compress if you experience swelling (wrapped in cloth, never directly on skin)
Don't:
- Touch or massage the treated area (unless specifically instructed)
- Apply makeup to treated areas
- Exercise vigorously
- Drink alcohol
- Take blood-thinning medications (unless prescribed)
- Have a hot bath, sauna, or steam room
The First 48-72 Hours
Continue to be gentle with yourself:
- Avoid intense heat (including very hot showers)
- Stay out of direct sunlight
- Skip facial treatments like waxing, peels, or facials
- Continue avoiding strenuous exercise
- Don't fly if you've had filler treatments
The First Two Weeks
By now, initial swelling and any bruising should be settling. To maintain your results:
- Wear SPF 30+ daily (this is good practice always!)
- Avoid swimming pools and saunas
- Be gentle when cleansing your face
- Avoid facial massages
- Don't use harsh skincare ingredients like retinoids or acids near treated areas
Treatment-Specific Aftercare
After Botox
Botox has minimal downtime, but there are some specifics:
- Stay upright for 4 hours after treatment
- Don't lie face down for 24 hours
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours
- You can return to normal activities immediately
- Results take 2-14 days to fully develop — be patient!
After Dermal Fillers
Fillers may cause more visible immediate effects:
- Swelling and bruising are normal and will settle
- Avoid touching or pressing the treated area
- No dental work for 2 weeks (for lip or cheek fillers)
- Don't lie on your face when sleeping
- Full results visible once swelling subsides (usually 1-2 weeks)
After Profhilo or Skin Boosters
These bio-remodelling treatments have their own considerations:
- Small bumps at injection sites are normal and settle within hours
- The treatment continues working for weeks after injection
- You'll need multiple sessions for best results
- Skin hydration improves gradually over 4-6 weeks
What's Normal vs. What's Not
Normal Reactions
Don't worry if you experience:
- Mild swelling — especially lips, which can swell significantly
- Bruising — small bruises at injection sites are common
- Tenderness — the area may feel sensitive for a few days
- Lumps or bumps — these usually settle as swelling reduces
- Asymmetry — one side may swell more than the other initially
When to Contact Us
Get in touch if you notice:
- Severe pain that doesn't respond to paracetamol
- Spreading redness or warmth that gets worse
- White patches or colour changes in the skin
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Any changes in vision (after facial treatments)
- Anything that concerns you — it's always better to ask
I provide my personal contact details to all clients, and I encourage you to reach out if anything worries you. No question is too small.
The Role of Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments aren't just a formality — they're an important part of your treatment journey.
At your follow-up, we'll:
- Assess how you've healed
- Check you're happy with results
- Make any adjustments if needed (for filler treatments)
- Discuss maintenance and future treatments
- Answer any questions that have come up
Most follow-ups are scheduled 2-4 weeks after your treatment, once everything has settled.
Long-Term Maintenance
To keep your results looking their best:
Skincare:
- Use quality products suited to your skin type
- Always wear SPF — sun damage is the biggest cause of premature ageing
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy lifestyle
Treatments:
- Botox typically needs topping up every 3-4 months
- Fillers last 6-18 months depending on the product and area
- Skin boosters work best with initial course then maintenance sessions
Lifestyle:
- Don't smoke — it accelerates ageing and affects healing
- Limit alcohol — it can cause dehydration and inflammation
- Get enough sleep — your skin repairs itself overnight
- Manage stress — chronic stress affects your skin
My Promise to You
Aftercare doesn't end when you leave the clinic. I'm always available to answer questions, address concerns, or simply reassure you that what you're experiencing is normal.
Your results matter to me, and supporting you through the entire process — not just the treatment itself — is part of the service I provide.
Have questions about aftercare or ready to book your treatment? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.