Restylane Filler Pre & Post Care Instructions
BEFORE YOUR RESTYLANE FILLER APPOINTMENT (Pre-Care)
7 days before:
- Avoid blood-thinning supplements if possible: fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, St. John’s Wort.
- Avoid NSAIDs: ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin.
(If these are medically necessary, please continue as prescribed and let us know.) - Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before your appointment.
3–7 days before:
- Avoid dental cleanings, dental work, or major procedures for 2 weeks before and after filler.
- Pause exfoliating or irritating skincare (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) if your skin is sensitive.
Day of appointment:
- Arrive well-hydrated and with a clean face (no makeup preferred) or arrive a few minutes early and let staff know if you need to take off make-up in clinic.
- Eat a small meal or snack beforehand.
- Optional: Arnica tablets can be started 24–48 hours before to help minimize bruising.
AFTER YOUR RESTYLANE FILLER APPOINTMENT (Post-Care)
Immediately after:
- Mild swelling, tenderness, firmness, or small lumps are completely normal.
- Apply gentle ice (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 24 hours - if recommended by your provider at the time of the appointment.
- Do not touch or massage the treated areas.
First 24 hours:
- Avoid exercise, saunas, hot yoga, and anything that raises your body temperature.
- Avoid makeup over injection sites.
- Avoid alcohol.
First 48 hours:
- Continue icing as needed.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
For 1 full week:
- Avoid dental procedures or face-down massages.
- Avoid facials, lasers, peels, or microneedling for 2 weeks.
- Avoid strong actives like retinol, AHAs/BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide over treated areas.
- Bruising is possible—Arnica or bromelain can help.
What to Expect
- Swelling may peak around 24–48 hours.
- Small lumps or firmness generally soften on their own as the filler settles in and blends with your regular facial tissue.
- Final results are best evaluated at 2 weeks.
When to Contact Us
Please reach out right away if you notice:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Pale/white patches on the skin
- Mottled or purple discoloration
- Vision changes
- Fever, increasing redness, or warmth
- Dark scabbing or ulceration
These are rare but require immediate attention.