Three Things to Avoid for Safety After Filler Procedures

Hello. I am Dr. Jo Won-jin, and I have been seeing patients for 10 years.

I got nose filler.

Can I wear glasses right away?

I had lip filler.

Is it okay to drink hot coffee?

Many people ask these questions out of concern right after getting filler treatment.

For 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, the filler is in the most important “golden time” as it blends with our tissue and settles in.

How you get through this period can completely change the result, including swelling, inflammation, and even changes in shape.

I will explain in detail the three things to avoid for safety after filler procedures,

and let you know the precautions during this golden time that can improve filler satisfaction.

Table of Contents

• Pressure from pressing: forehead / under eyes / nose

• Touching irritation: nose / chin tip

• Heat & oral pressure: lips

• Frequently asked questions

After Filler Procedures

1. Pressure from pressing: forehead / under eyes / nose

The first is physical pressure.

You need to be especially careful when the procedure is done on areas with thin skin or broad surfaces, such as the forehead, under the eyes, or the bridge of the nose.

Immediately after the procedure, the filler is similar to uncured clay.

Because it has not yet fully integrated with the tissue, its shape can easily change even with a small amount of pressure.

But what if you wear a tight hat or sleep with a sleep mask on?

The volume you carefully designed may be pressed down, or the filler may be pushed to one side.

You should be especially careful with glasses.

If a heavy frame continuously presses on the treated area of the nose or between the eyebrows, there is a risk that the filler may spread or move.

I recommend using lightweight glasses for at least 1 week, and preferably for about 2 weeks, or wearing contact lenses.

After Filler Procedures

2. Touching irritation: nose / chin tip

The second is deliberate irritation.

The nose and chin tip are like pillars that enhance the three-dimensional look of the face.

Because swelling makes it hard to tell whether the shape has settled properly after the procedure, some people keep touching the area with their hands.

Some people also massage the area or get a facial massage with the hope that “the shape will settle beautifully.”

This is truly something you should avoid.

If strong irritation is applied before the filler has settled, it can trigger an inflammatory reaction.

In severe cases, the carefully created nose bridge or chin line may become distorted or asymmetrical.

You should also avoid facial washing that rubs the face hard, as well as the habit of sleeping face down, for at least 2 weeks.

After Filler Procedures

3. Heat & oral pressure: lips

The last is heat and movement.

The lips are a very satisfying area to treat, but they are also difficult to manage.

That is because the skin is very thin, the blood vessels are abundant, and they are moving all day as you eat and speak.

If you eat hot coffee or stew right after the procedure, the blood vessels around the filler expand.

This can worsen swelling and increase the chance of inflammation.

Hot food can also increase pain and discomfort at the treated area.

Another thing is using a straw.

When you use a straw to drink, strong pressure is applied to the filler as you purse your lips.

The filler may clump or move.

For 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, let hot foods cool sufficiently before eating them,

and drink beverages from a cup without using a straw to help the shape settle properly.

It is also better to postpone dental treatments that require you to open your mouth wide for about 2 weeks.

After Filler Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When can I start drinking alcohol or smoking? A. Please hold off for at least 1 week. Alcohol expands blood vessels, causing swelling, bruising, and inflammation. Smoking constricts blood vessels and severely interferes with skin regeneration and recovery.

Q. When can I start working out or going to a sauna? A. Intense exercise that causes heavy sweating, saunas, jjimjilbangs, and swimming pools should also be avoided for at least 1 week. Light walking is fine.

Q. Are there any other precautions? A. Most swelling or bruising will naturally recover within a few days.

However, if you experience the following symptoms, contact the hospital immediately.

• The treated area turns white, or becomes red with severe pain

• Pain progressively gets worse over time

• Yellow blisters, water blisters, or discharge appears

• Swelling does not subside and persists for more than 3 days

3-Line Summary of Precautions

Let me briefly summarize the key points from today.

• Forehead / under eyes / nose: Be careful for 1 to 2 weeks about “pressure from pressing” such as glasses and hats
• Nose / chin tip: Avoid “touching irritation” such as facial massage, massage, and sleeping face down for 2 weeks
• Lips: Avoid “heat and oral pressure” such as hot foods and using a straw for 1 to 2 weeks
• (Common) No alcohol, no smoking, no intense exercise, and no sauna for 1 week are essential!

Filler is not a simple procedure that “finishes in 10 minutes.”

Only when an accurate diagnosis, delicate procedure by the medical staff, and careful management by the patient are combined can a satisfying result be achieved.

However, I hope you receive the procedure safely at a place that carefully explains

why these precautions must be followed and how they differ by area.

Thank you. This was Jo Won-jin.

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