What you need to know about cheek filler swelling and aftercare

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

Using dermal filler to enhance your cheeks can alter the shape and symmetry of your cheeks to reveal a youthful and glowing complexion. 

While cheek filler generally has very low risks, it’s important to note the following:

• You will have some swelling in the area you’ve had filler injected
• In some cases bruising can occur
• One cheek may look slightly different to the other cheek, but this happens with patients who are asymmetrical to begin with
• While infections are rare, there is always a possibility that a needle into your skin may result in infection happening
• It’s very rare but blood vessels can get blocked and interfere with the blood supply to your skin and this can result in scarring

Is it normal to swell after cheek filler?

Yes, it is completely normal to experience swelling after cheek fillers. It is a temporary occurrence due to trauma to the area. The swelling is the body’s natural healing response, and will resolve over time. We recommend using an ice pack on the injectable treatment area for the first few hours following the injection.

How long does cheek filler swelling last?

Swelling typically occurs within 24 to 72 hours after dermal fillers. It will subside on its own after this period. 

On rare occasions, swelling can last from 1 to 4 weeks.

What are the cheek filler swelling stages?

After receiving dermal fillers, the cheeks may appear red and swollen which is normal and expected. To reduce swelling at home, you can apply ice to help reduce any mild discomfort. If you also experience bruising, using arnica products can help relieve this. 

It is best to avoid touching the affected area during this time, as massaging it can make the filler injections become less symmetrical. 

After 48 hours the majority of the swelling should have subsided and the cheeks should look soft and smooth.

Dermal filler aftercare

How do I care for my cheeks after dermal fillers?

To give your cheeks the best care after you’ve had dermal fillers we suggest that you:

• Avoid wearing make up after your cheek filler injections. You can resume wearing make-up the next day
• Don’t undertake heavy exercise
• Avoid going into a spa, sauna or attending a hot yoga class for 1 week after your cheek dermal filler treatment
• Avoid facial products with lactic or glycolic acid in them for at least 24 hours

How do I reduce swelling after dermal fillers?

After dermal fillers, you should follow any specific instructions from your practitioner.

Some general advice to reduce swelling includes:

• Make sure you stay hydrated and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Consider taking herbal supplements such as Arnica
• Apply ice to the treated area

What to avoid to minimise swelling after dermal fillers

Things to avoid immediately after getting dermal fillers include:

• Processed foods and excess salt
• Spicy foods
• Smoking
• Blood thinning medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen

What to do if the cheek filler is more swollen on one side than the other?

Uneven swelling is not very common, but if it does occur, you can use an ice pack to help reduce the swelling. 

In more severe cases, this could be a result of an allergic reaction. Some symptoms include prolonged swelling, itchiness or prolonged redness.

If this swelling has not resolved itself after 72 hours, please contact your practitioner as the filler might need to be dissolved using hyaluronidase.

What is the best makeup to lift and highlight my cheeks?

Once your cheeks are beautifully enhanced with dermal filler, you’ll want to highlight them. You can put makeup on again as soon as one day after you’ve had the dermal filler procedure, but you should make sure your makeup brushes have been recently cleaned. You should clean your makeup brushes as regularly as possible because they can easily transfer bacteria to your face.

There are so many different makeup products that you can use to highlight your cheekbones – highlighter, bronzer, blush and contour can all help to give your face definition if you use the right shades and techniques.

Blush

Blush is a makeup product that many people shy away from, because it’s easy to overdo and not always deemed essential. However, if you use the right shade for your skin tone, the perfect blush can highlight your cheekbones and warm up your complexion, giving you a youthful, healthy glow. The first step is to identify your skin type (dry, combination or oily) as well as the undertones in your skin (warm, cool or neutral). 

If you have dry skin, it might be best to use a mineral blush to improve your skin’s luminosity. A glowy, shimmery formula might also suit you if you have fair skin because it’ll be easier to blend out. If you have oily skin, a powder formula that is more matte might be preferable.

For fair skin, softer pinks and peach blushes generally look the most natural, while an apricot or raspberry shade will suit medium skin tones. Olive skin tones with cool undertones can be brightened with a warm bronze or rose shade, while dark skin tones will suit brick red.

Bronzer

A good bronzer can also give the illusion of really defined cheekbones when used correctly. It can make you look more tanned and add fullness to your face. The best way to select the right shade of bronzer for you is to identify a colour two shades darker than your natural skin tone. A bronzer with a neutral undertone is a good choice if you’re not sure what hue would look best on you.

Applicators

Different makeup brushes can have a different effect on your skin when used for separate products. Using a dampened sponge is great for blending liquid products easily and is often easier to wash after use. A sponge is also less likely to leave stroke marks on the skin like brushes sometimes do. If you’re applying a powder blush or bronzer, a blush brush might be more suitable.

Enhance your cheeks and look younger without surgery

 At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we have been enhancing cheeks with dermal filler since 2005. Our dermal filler treatments for cheeks will give you a more youthful, healthy and glowing look.

Our experienced team of cosmetic injectors can help you achieve a youthful and glowing complexion, without the need for surgery.

At your consultation, your doctor will go over your medical history to ensure you are a suitable candidate for cheek filler treatment. Your cosmetic injector will also ask what concerns you are looking to address and formulate a treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Our cosmetic injections will also utilise techniques to reduce swelling and bruising. As with all cosmetic treatments, there may be risks and side effects, including post filler swelling.

Contact us today on 1300 863 824 to find out more or arrange your consultation online now!