Post-Treatment Care — Essential Aftercare Tips for Every Aesthetic Procedure

Last updated: 5 March 2026

The quality of your aftercare is just as important as the quality of the treatment itself. Proper post-treatment care can mean the difference between good results and exceptional results, faster healing, reduced side effects, and a more comfortable recovery experience.

At Axiom Aesthetics, we provide every patient with detailed aftercare instructions tailored to their specific treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we have compiled our essential aftercare advice for every major aesthetic procedure we offer, so you know exactly what to expect and how to care for your skin after treatment.

General Aftercare Principles

Regardless of the specific treatment you have had, these universal principles apply:

• Follow your practitioner’s specific instructions — they will always take priority over general guidance
• Keep the treated area clean — gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
• Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water to support skin healing
• Protect from the sun — SPF 50 daily is essential, even in winter
• Avoid touching, picking, or scratching treated areas
• Be patient — most treatments have a settling period before final results are visible
• Contact your clinic if you have any concerns — no question is too small

Aftercare for Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti-wrinkle injections have the simplest aftercare of any injectable treatment, but there are still important guidelines to follow:

First 4 Hours

• Remain upright — do not lie down or bend forward excessively
• Gently exercise the treated muscles (frown, raise eyebrows, squint) to help distribute the product
• Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated areas

First 24 Hours

• Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that significantly raise your heart rate
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Avoid hot environments — saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, hot yoga
• Do not wear tight headbands, hats, or goggles that press on the treated area
• You may apply makeup after 4-6 hours if no bruising is present

First 2 Weeks

• Avoid facials, facial massage, and microdermabrasion
• Avoid dental procedures that require prolonged mouth opening
• Attend your 2-week review appointment for assessment and any necessary top-up

For more information about anti-wrinkle treatments, see our guide on 10 things your practitioner wants you to know about anti-wrinkle injections.

Aftercare for Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler aftercare varies slightly depending on the treatment area, but these guidelines cover all filler treatments:

First 24 Hours

• Apply cold compresses (wrapped in a clean cloth, not directly on skin) for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
• Avoid touching or pressing on the treated area
• Avoid makeup for at least 12 hours
• Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow
• Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen swelling and bruising

First 48 Hours

• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Avoid extreme heat (saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, sun exposure)
• Avoid extreme cold
• Take paracetamol if needed for discomfort (avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, which can increase bruising)

First 2 Weeks

• Avoid dental treatments
• Avoid facial treatments, chemical peels, and laser procedures
• Apply arnica cream or take arnica tablets to help resolve bruising
• Continue using SPF 50 daily

Specific Guidance for Lip Fillers

• Swelling in the lips is typically more pronounced than other areas and can last 3-5 days
• Avoid kissing, using straws, and performing activities that create suction for 48 hours
• Eat soft foods and avoid very hot beverages for the first day
• Lips may feel hard or lumpy initially — this usually softens within 1-2 weeks as the filler settles

For comprehensive filler information, see our complete guide to dermal fillers.

Aftercare for Profhilo

Profhilo aftercare is relatively straightforward:

• Small bumps at injection sites are normal and will flatten within 24-48 hours
• Do not massage or press on the bumps
• Avoid makeup for 12 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Avoid extreme heat for 48 hours
• Keep the skin hydrated with a gentle moisturiser
• Continue with your normal skincare routine after 24 hours
• Remember to attend your second session 4 weeks later

Aftercare for Chemical Peels

Chemical peel aftercare is particularly important and varies by peel depth:

Superficial Peels

• Mild tightness and flaking is normal for 1-3 days
• Use a gentle cleanser and rich moisturiser
• Apply SPF 50 diligently — your skin is more sensitive to UV after a peel
• Do not use active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) for 5-7 days
• Do not exfoliate or scrub peeling skin — allow it to shed naturally

Medium-Depth Peels

• Expect visible peeling for 5-7 days — this is the treatment working
• Do NOT pick, pull, or peel flaking skin — this can cause scarring and pigmentation
• Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a very mild cleanser
• Apply a barrier repair cream (your practitioner will recommend a specific product)
• Avoid all active skincare ingredients for 2-4 weeks
• SPF 50 is absolutely essential — avoid direct sun exposure entirely during the peeling phase
• Avoid swimming, saunas, and strenuous exercise until peeling is complete

For a complete overview of chemical peel treatments, see our guide on understanding chemical peels.

Aftercare for Thread Lifts

Thread lift aftercare requires particular attention during the first few weeks:

First 48 Hours

• Sleep on your back with your head elevated
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Take paracetamol for any discomfort
• Eat soft foods to minimise jaw movement
• Do not open your mouth wide (yawning, dental treatments)

First 2 Weeks

• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Do not massage or rub your face
• Avoid facial treatments of any kind
• Do not sleep on your side or stomach
• Be gentle when cleansing your face
• Avoid extreme facial expressions where possible

First 4-6 Weeks

• Gradually return to normal activities
• Avoid high-impact exercise that causes excessive facial movement
• Do not have dental treatments requiring prolonged mouth opening
• Continue using gentle skincare products

Aftercare for Body Contouring Treatments

CoolSculpting / Cryolipolysis

• The treated area may be red, swollen, or numb immediately after treatment — this is normal
• Firmness, tingling, or mild discomfort in the treated area can last 1-2 weeks
• Massage the treated area for 5 minutes daily to help break down fat cells
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
• Results develop over 2-3 months as the body naturally eliminates dead fat cells
• No specific activity restrictions — you can resume normal activities immediately

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

• Mild redness and swelling may be present for a few hours after treatment
• Slight tenderness or tingling sensation for 1-2 weeks
• No specific downtime — return to normal activities immediately
• Results develop over 2-6 months as collagen production increases
• Stay hydrated and use SPF daily

For more details on body treatments, see our guide on non-surgical body contouring.

When to Contact Your Clinic

While most side effects are mild and expected, you should contact Axiom Aesthetics immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Severe, increasing pain that is not relieved by paracetamol
• Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever
• Skin colour changes: white, grey, or blue discolouration near injection sites (may indicate vascular compromise)
• Vision changes following any facial injectable treatment
• Severe, asymmetric swelling that worsens rather than improves over time
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing after any treatment
• Allergic reaction symptoms: widespread rash, itching, or swelling beyond the treated area

We provide every patient with a direct contact number for our clinical team. We would always rather hear from a worried patient with a minor concern than have a patient sit at home anxious about something that could be easily resolved with a quick phone call. — Axiom Aesthetics Clinical Team

Optimising Your Results Long-Term

Beyond immediate aftercare, these habits will help you maintain and extend your treatment results:

• Daily SPF 50: Non-negotiable for preserving results and preventing further damage
• Medical-grade skincare: Products with proven active ingredients support skin health between treatments
• Adequate hydration: Well-hydrated skin responds better to all treatments, particularly HA-based injectables
• Balanced nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein supports skin repair
• Quality sleep: Skin repairs itself during sleep — aim for 7-9 hours per night
• Regular review appointments: Staying on top of maintenance treatments prevents the need for more intensive corrections later
• Avoid smoking: Smoking accelerates skin ageing and impairs healing
• Moderate alcohol: Excessive alcohol dehydrates the skin and promotes inflammation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exercise after aesthetic treatments?

This depends on the treatment. For anti-wrinkle injections, avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. For dermal fillers, 48 hours is recommended. Thread lifts require 2-4 weeks without high-impact exercise. Chemical peels vary by depth but generally require 2-7 days. Your practitioner will provide specific guidance. Light walking is usually fine immediately after most non-surgical treatments.

When can I wear makeup after treatment?

For most injectable treatments (anti-wrinkle injections and fillers), you can apply makeup after 12-24 hours, provided there are no open wounds at injection sites. After chemical peels, wait until any active peeling has subsided — typically 2-7 days for superficial peels and up to 2 weeks for medium peels. Always use clean, fresh products and brushes to minimise infection risk.

Is bruising after injectables normal?

Yes, bruising is a common and normal side effect of any injectable treatment. It occurs when the needle or cannula disrupts a small blood vessel during injection. While techniques such as cannula use and careful mapping of injection points minimise the risk, bruising can never be completely eliminated. It typically resolves within 5-10 days. Arnica (cream or tablets) can help accelerate healing.

What painkillers can I take after treatment?

Paracetamol is the recommended pain relief after aesthetic treatments. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs for at least 48 hours after injectable treatments, as these medications thin the blood and can worsen bruising. If your pain is severe or not controlled by paracetamol, contact your clinic, as this may indicate a complication requiring assessment.

How long should I wait between different aesthetic treatments?

As a general guide: wait at least 2 weeks between different injectable treatments, 4 weeks between chemical peels and injectables, and 4-6 weeks between thread lifts and other facial treatments. Your practitioner at Axiom Aesthetics will create a treatment timeline that allows adequate healing between procedures and ensures optimal results from each treatment.

---

Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient is unique, and treatment outcomes may vary. A thorough consultation with a qualified aesthetic practitioner is essential before undergoing any procedure. All treatments at Axiom Aesthetics are performed by trained, insured professionals in our CQC-aware clinical environment in London.

Last reviewed: February 2026 | Axiom Aesthetics, London