Post-Treatment Care — Your Complete Aftercare Guide

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Achieving optimal results from any aesthetic procedure depends not only on the skill of your practitioner but also on how well you care for your skin in the hours and days following treatment. Proper aftercare minimises the risk of complications, reduces downtime, and ensures you get the most from your investment. This guide covers the essential aftercare protocols for the most common aesthetic treatments.

Anti-Wrinkle Injection Aftercare

The first 24 hours after anti-wrinkle injections are critical for ensuring the product remains precisely where it was placed.

• Remain upright for at least 4 hours after treatment. Avoid lying down or bending forward repeatedly.
• Avoid touching or massaging the treated areas for 24 hours to prevent product migration.
• Skip intense exercise for 24 hours. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure can increase bruising risk.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment, as it thins the blood and increases bruising.
• No saunas, steam rooms, or hot baths for 48 hours. Heat can increase swelling and potentially affect product diffusion.

Mild tenderness at injection sites is normal and typically resolves within a few hours. Arnica cream or tablets may help reduce bruising.

Dermal Filler Aftercare

Filler aftercare shares many principles with anti-wrinkle injections, with some additional considerations due to the volumising nature of the product.

• Apply cold compresses (not ice directly on skin) intermittently for the first 24 hours to manage swelling.
• Avoid makeup on the treated area for at least 12 hours to reduce infection risk.
• Sleep on your back for the first two nights if you have had cheek or jawline filler to prevent asymmetric pressure.
• Avoid dental procedures for two weeks after lip or perioral filler treatment.
• Stay hydrated. Hyaluronic acid fillers attract water, and good hydration supports optimal results.

Swelling after filler treatment peaks at 24 to 48 hours and can take up to two weeks to fully resolve, particularly in the lips. Asymmetry during this period is normal and should not cause concern.

Microneedling and Morpheus8 Aftercare

These collagen-stimulating treatments create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, so post-treatment care is essential for proper healing.

• Use only gentle, fragrance-free products for the first 72 hours. Your practitioner will recommend a specific post-treatment moisturiser and cleanser.
• Avoid active ingredients including retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs for at least 5 to 7 days.
• Apply SPF 50 diligently every day for at least 4 weeks. Newly treated skin is significantly more susceptible to UV damage.
• Do not pick or peel any flaking skin. Allow it to shed naturally.
• Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and intense exercise for 48 to 72 hours.

Chemical Peel Aftercare

Recovery varies depending on peel depth. Superficial peels may cause mild flaking for 2 to 3 days, while medium-depth peels can result in visible peeling for up to a week. Keep the skin moisturised with a barrier-repair cream, avoid sun exposure, and do not use exfoliating products until peeling has completely resolved.

When to Contact the Clinic

While complications are rare, you should contact your practitioner immediately if you experience any of the following: severe or worsening pain, blanching or discolouration of the skin (particularly after filler treatment, as this may indicate vascular compromise), signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus, or any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning.

At Axiom Aesthetics, every patient receives a written aftercare sheet specific to their treatment, along with our direct clinic contact number for any post-treatment queries. Your safety and peace of mind are our priority from consultation through to full recovery.