Filler Dissolving: Aftercare

Filler dissolving, what to expect after treatment

Hyaluronidase begins breaking down hyaluronic acid filler within minutes and continues to work over 24–48 hours. It also breaks down your body’s own hyaluronic acid in the area temporarily: which is why the tissue can look deflated or “different” for the first day or two. This rebounds within a few days as the area rehydrates.

What’s normal in the first 72 hours

• Significant swelling in the first 24 hours, sometimes more than the filler treatment itself caused.
• An empty, deflated or hollow look on day 1–2 before tissue rebounds.
• Mild bruising at injection points.
• Tenderness when touched or with movement.
• A feeling that the area looks “different” before it looks “right”.

Please follow these instructions carefully

• Avoid touching, pressing or massaging the treated area for 24 hours unless we specifically instruct massage.
• No high-intensity exercise, sauna, steam rooms or hot yoga for 48 hours.
• No facials, peels, microneedling, RF or laser on the area for 2 weeks.
• Sleep elevated on night 1 if a facial area was treated. It reduces swelling.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, aspirin) for 48 hours unless we’ve prescribed otherwise.
• Mineral makeup only for 24 hours.
• Drink water: the area will rehydrate over the following days.

What to expect over the following weeks

• Day 3–7: swelling settles, the “deflated” look improves.
• Week 2: the area looks closer to its pre-filler baseline.
• Week 2–4: planned review to assess whether further dissolving is needed, or whether new, smaller filler placement is appropriate.

Filler dissolving is rarely a single decision: most plans include a review and a discussion about what (if anything) comes next.

When to contact the clinic

Severe escalating pain, blanching, dusky discolouration, vision changes or signs of allergic reaction (widespread hives, wheezing, swelling of the lips or tongue beyond the treated area) all warrant contacting us immediately. Hyaluronidase is derived from animal protein and very rare allergic reactions are possible.

We will arrange a follow-up at 2 weeks as standard. Bring any specific concerns to that review.