Swelling after Hyaluronic Acid – How Long It Usually Lasts and How to Reduce It

In recent years, hyaluronic acid (HA) has become one of the most popular and reliable treatments for rejuvenation. Whether used for dermal fillers or joint therapy, this natural substance provides immediate and long-lasting benefits. However, even though these treatments are generally safe and yield remarkable results, like all cosmetic procedures, hyaluronic fillers come with potential side effects, one of the most common being swelling.

Swelling is a common occurrence and often an expected part of the healing process after hyaluronic filler treatments. While it may seem concerning, in most cases, swelling is actually a natural skin reaction to the injection and tissue adaptation. This is why it’s important to understand why it occurs, how long it usually lasts, and what practical steps you can take to reduce it.

Why Does Swelling Occur after Hyaluronic Filler Treatments

The very act of injecting and introducing fillers into the skin constitutes a micro trauma to the tissue. This trauma, albeit minimal, triggers an inflammatory response from the body. Swelling occurs as a result of increased permeability of blood vessels and the accumulation of fluid in the treated area.

This process is part of natural healing— the body attempts to protect the area and starts regeneration, resulting in temporary water retention. The inflammatory process, though necessary for healing, can lead to swelling, redness, and mild sensitivity.

How Long Does Swelling Usually Last?

The duration of swelling can vary from person to person, but in most cases, swelling after hyaluronic fillers lasts from a few days to one week. The most pronounced swelling typically occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, after which it gradually begins to subside. In some cases, particularly with treatments in sensitive areas like the lips or around the eyes, swelling may last a bit longer.

Typically, by the end of one week, most of the swelling should have subsided. However, some minor residual swelling can persist up to two weeks, especially in areas that are more sensitive or have received a larger amount of filler.

Thus, to see the “true” results and assess whether the volume is ideally distributed, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks before making a final judgment about the need for additional touch-ups or corrections.

Factors Affecting the Duration of Swelling

Several factors can influence how long swelling lasts after filler injections:

1. Injection Technique: A precise injection technique, using a cannula instead of a traditional needle, can reduce tissue damage and consequently swelling. Techniques that involve deeper injections or more punctures often result in more significant swelling. An aesthetic expert who carefully plans the injection points and the depth of the fillers can significantly minimize adverse reactions.
2. Amount of Filler Injected: Larger amounts of filler often lead to more swelling. Properly determining the amount, based on individual needs, is crucial for optimal results.
3. Treated Area: Regions such as the lips, eyes, and neck have richer vascularization and may be more sensitive, so swelling can be more pronounced than on the cheeks or jawline.
4. Individual Sensitivity: Each person has a unique immune response. Some naturally have a stronger inflammatory reaction, while others absorb excess fluid more quickly and efficiently.
5. Brands and Formula of Hyaluronic Acid: Different brands and different products with hyaluronic acid have different consistencies, molecular weights, and formulations, so some may cause more swelling than others.
6. Use of Additional Treatments: Combining fillers with other aesthetic procedures (such as HIFU, PRP, or even a light chemical peel) can, in some cases, increase swelling but often provide a synergistic effect on skin regeneration.

How to Reduce Swelling after Hyaluronic Fillers

Although swelling is usually a temporary issue, there are steps you can take to minimize it and speed up the healing process.

• Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the treated area can help constrict blood vessels and reduce the amount of fluid accumulating around the injection site. You can use an ice pack or wrap ice in a cloth and gently press it against the skin. Be sure to avoid direct contact with ice to prevent skin damage.
• Avoid Touching the Treated Area: Resist the urge to massage or press on the treated area, as this can cause further irritation and potentially displace the filler.
• Avoid Intense Physical Activity: For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid strenuous physical activities and exercise as they can increase blood flow to the face and potentially worsen swelling and prolong recovery.
• Sleep with Your Head Elevated: Using extra pillows when sleeping reduces fluid retention in the upper body, which can help reduce swelling more quickly.
• Hydration and Diet: Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants. Good hydration allows the body to more quickly eliminate excess fluid, while antioxidants help reduce inflammatory processes.
• Avoid Alcohol and High Salt Intake: Alcohol can further dehydrate the skin and exacerbate swelling, while excessive salt intake contributes to water retention in the body.
• Use Mild, Soothing Creams: After treatment, using soothing creams with ingredients such as allantoin, panthenol, or niacinamide can help calm the skin and reduce swelling. Also, a high SPF sunscreen is mandatory, as new skin is extremely sensitive to UV rays.
• Be Mindful of Medications and Supplements: Avoid medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding and swelling. Discuss safe alternatives for pain relief with your doctor.
• Follow Expert Advice: Always adhere to the instructions given by your aesthetician. If swelling lasts longer than expected or if pain, redness, or unexplained discomfort occur, be sure to consult a professional for further assessment.

When to Be Concerned About Swelling

While mild swelling is common, there are certain cases when you should contact your doctor:

• Excessive Swelling: If the swelling continues to worsen instead of improving over the first few days, this could indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or other complications.
• Severe Pain: Some discomfort is expected, but if the area becomes painful, hot to the touch, or if you notice signs of infection (such as pus), seek medical attention immediately.
• Lumps or Bumps: If you notice firm lumps or bumps under the skin that do not dissipate after a few weeks, this may be a sign of uneven distribution of hyaluronic acid or an issue with the injection technique.