How long before you see results from fillers?

Dermal fillers have become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for restoring facial volume and smoothing fine lines. Generally, results are visible right away, but minor swelling and bruising can affect the initial appearance. Results are almost immediate but temporary, lasting anywhere from months to years depending on the filler type, application technique, and the specialist. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes less than an hour, with minimal downtime required. Doctify helps patients connect with trusted plastic surgeons and aesthetic specialists who offer safe, evidence-based filler treatments.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to replace lost volume and/or enhance facial contours. Most dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid (HA) — a substance naturally found in the skin that attracts moisture and adds fullness. The common treatment areas include: lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, chin, and jawline.

How Soon will you see results?

The results and the improvement are visible right after injection. You will immediately see smoother lines, fuller lips, and/or lifted contours. Mild swelling or redness are normal and may obscure the final result for 24–48 hours. As swelling settles and filler integrates with the tissue, optimal results are typically seen within 3–7 days. It is important to take into account that heavier fillers or deeper injections (e.g., cheeks, chin) may take up to 2 weeks to fully settle.

What affects how quickly results show

The results can appear very quickly, but it can vary between one patient and another. It depends on different factors such as: 

• Type of filler used, since thicker HA fillers take longer to integrate than softer ones.
• Injection technique, because skilled placement ensures even distribution and natural results.
• Individual factors, like age, metabolism, and skin elasticity can influence how quickly fillers settle.
• Post-treatment care, following aftercare advised by the specialist minimises swelling and improves recovery time.

Common aftercare tips

Here are some common aftercare tips that will help you get a complete and rapid recovery:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours, soft exercise can be done (like walking), because sweating could introduce bacteria into the injection sites.
• Avoid alcohol, and cigarette consumption for at least 72 hours, since it can cause more inflammation and affect the results.
• Avoid using saunas for one week, the hot temperatures can increase the inflammation.
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
• Sleep with your head elevated on the first night to limit fluid retention.
• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area unless instructed by your practitioner.

Managing swelling and bruising

Mild bruising and tenderness are normal and should resolve within a few days. We recommend Arnica gel or vitamin K creams, they may help speed healing. Patients taking blood-thinning medications or supplements (like aspirin or fish oil) should avoid them before treatment and can continue them when approved by the GP or the specialist. It is fundamental to know, if swelling lasts beyond a week or becomes painful, contact your plastic surgeon or aesthetic specialist promptly.

How long do fillers last?

Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6–18 months depending on the product and treatment area. Frequently, areas with more movement (like lips) break down faster than less active regions (like cheeks). But, with regular maintenance sessions and very good aftercare patients can keep results looking consistent and natural.

When to See a Specialist

Please contact an specialist as soon as possible if:

• You experience uneven results, or persistent lumps.
• You experience excessive redness, swelling, or pain.
• Your skin unexpectedly starts to turn purple.
• You need professional advice on when to top up or combine fillers with other treatments.

Doctify allows you to find verified plastic surgeons or aesthetic practitioners specialising in dermal filler care and correction.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers offer quick, noticeable, and amazing improvements, with minimal downtime. Often used by plastic surgeons or aesthetic practitioners for the patient’s desire of  rejuvenation, volume and contouring, scar and line reduction, among others. While you’ll see changes immediately, full results emerge within a week as swelling and bruising fade. The procedure is minimally invasive and takes less than 1 hour. We invite you to book a consultation through Doctify with an experienced plastic surgeon or aesthetic practitioner to discuss safe, tailored filler treatments.

Feel free to consult a plastic surgeon or an aesthetic specialist through Doctify for personalised advice whenever you want, we will be happy to help you! Find the best plastic surgeons in the United Kingdom, aesthetic specialists in the United Kingdom, or search for the best specialists globally:

• Plastic surgeons  or aesthetic specialists in the United Arab Emirates.
• Plastic surgeons or aesthetic specialists in Germany.
• Plastic surgeons or aesthetic specialists in Austria.
• Plastic surgeons or aesthetic specialists in Ireland.
• Plastic surgeons or aesthetic specialists in Australia.

Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 03/11/2025