Aftercare Tips for Botox, Fillers, and Microneedling

Aesthetic treatments don’t end when you leave the treatment chair. Whether you’ve had Botox, dermal fillers, or microneedling, proper aftercare plays a key role in your results. The way you treat your skin in the first few days after a procedure can influence healing, minimize side effects, and extend the longevity of your outcome.

At Ageless Aesthetics, we believe informed patients are empowered patients. With locations in Indianapolis and Greenwood, our team of nationally recognized providers makes sure every patient goes home with clear instructions tailored to their treatment. This guide breaks down what you need to know—treatment by treatment—to recover beautifully and confidently.

Botox Aftercare: Keep It Simple

Botox and other neuromodulators like Dysport and Xeomin are quick, minimally invasive treatments that relax targeted muscles to reduce expression lines. After your injections, there are a few simple rules to follow for best results:

Stay upright for 4 hours: Avoid lying down immediately after your appointment to prevent product migration.
No rubbing or touching the area: Gently cleanse your face, but skip facials, massages, or pressing on treated areas for 24 hours.
Avoid exercise for 24 hours: Increased blood flow and sweating can interfere with proper absorption.
Don’t apply heat: Saunas, hot showers, or heating pads can increase swelling or reduce effectiveness.
Skip alcohol that night: It can increase bruising or swelling.

Most patients begin seeing results within 3 to 5 days, with full effects visible at around two weeks. If this is your first time, we may recommend a follow-up at two weeks to assess and fine-tune your treatment.

Filler Aftercare: Support the Healing Process

Dermal fillers restore lost volume, contour facial features, and smooth out deeper folds. They offer immediate results, but mild swelling or bruising is common—especially in the lips or under-eye area.

To support healing and avoid complications:

Apply cold compresses gently: Use wrapped ice packs for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours.
Sleep with your head elevated: This helps reduce swelling, especially after lip filler.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours: Increased circulation may worsen swelling.
Skip alcohol, salt, and high-heat environments for a day or two.
Do not massage or press the area unless instructed—some fillers are moldable, but touching can affect placement.
Avoid makeup for at least 6 hours, and make sure your hands and brushes are clean when applying.

Swelling typically peaks within 48 hours and resolves by day five to seven. In rare cases, small lumps may appear as filler settles—let us know if you have questions, but don’t panic. We are here to help monitor your progress.

Microneedling Aftercare: Hydrate and Protect

Microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin to stimulate collagen and allow better product absorption. It’s incredibly effective for improving tone, texture, and fine lines—but post-care is essential to avoid irritation or infection.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Avoid makeup for 24 hours: Let your skin breathe and heal without introducing bacteria.
Skip harsh skincare products for at least 3–5 days—this includes retinol, AHAs/BHAs, exfoliants, and vitamin C.
Use gentle cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers: Keep your skincare simple and hydrating.
Stay out of the sun: Your skin is especially sensitive post-treatment. Use mineral SPF daily, even indoors.
Avoid hot showers, saunas, and workouts for 24 hours to reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores.
Do not pick or peel any flaking skin—this can cause scarring.

Your skin may feel tight, warm, or mildly pink for a day or two. These are normal signs of healing. Hydrating masks and barrier-supporting products like hyaluronic acid or ceramide creams can help soothe and speed recovery.

What to Watch For

Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness are expected side effects of most aesthetic treatments. However, if you notice:

Increasing pain or warmth
Significant asymmetry
Dark discoloration or blanching
Unusual lumps or bumps
Signs of infection (fever, pus, spreading redness)

Contact our office immediately. These symptoms are rare, but early intervention is key if something feels off.

How to Make Results Last Longer

Aftercare isn’t just about healing—it’s also about maintenance. Following a few long-term habits can help extend your results:

Use daily SPF—sun damage is one of the fastest ways to break down collagen and reverse progress.
Stay hydrated—filler and skin treatments respond best in well-hydrated tissue.
Maintain a consistent routine—regular treatments spaced appropriately tend to build better, more natural-looking outcomes.
Use medical-grade skincare—we’ll recommend products that align with your skin goals and protect your investment.

Our team will guide you through a custom maintenance plan, whether that means touch-up Botox every 3 months, filler every 9–12 months, or quarterly skin treatments.

FAQs We Hear All the Time

Can I fly after Botox or filler?
Yes, though we recommend waiting at least 24 hours after injections, as cabin pressure and swelling can be uncomfortable.

What if I bruise?
It’s normal. Arnica, cold compresses, and avoiding blood thinners can help reduce it. Cover with concealer after 24 hours if needed.

Can I work out the same day?
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours for injectables and microneedling. Exercise increases blood flow and may interfere with results or healing.

Do I need to follow aftercare exactly?
Yes. Even small lapses (like touching your face or skipping SPF) can impact results. We provide written instructions and are available if questions arise.

Why Aftercare Is Part of the Process

At Ageless Aesthetics, we believe that what happens after your treatment is just as important as what happens during it. We take time to explain every step, set realistic expectations, and stay available for questions after you leave.

Many providers focus on the procedure—but we prioritize your whole experience, including recovery and maintenance. That’s how we’ve built long-lasting relationships with patients across Greenwood, Indianapolis, and beyond.

Healing Should Feel Empowering

Recovery doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. With the right information and a team that truly supports you, aftercare becomes a smooth, empowering part of the process—not an afterthought.

Call or text 317.855.9100 if you have questions about your post-treatment care or want to schedule your next appointment.
Ageless Aesthetics is here for you—before, during, and after every step of your aesthetic journey.