After Care

Now that you’ve undergone cosmetic injectables, you will want to ensure that your results look great for as long as possible.

At Sota Cosmetic Clinics, we believe that patient education is one of the most important parts of your treatment journey. While the procedure may appear to be minor and non-surgical, it is vital that you know how to make the most of your treatment by carefully adhering to the aftercare instructions for your cosmetic injectables as it is a medical procedure.

Following the cosmetic injectables aftercare is an effective way to achieve and maintain a great and long-lasting result and prevent unwanted side effects.

Please also refer to your aftercare sheet provided to you post treatment.

What should I avoid after cosmetic injectables?

Until the day after your cosmetic injectables, you should avoid:

  • Applying makeup
  • Lying down with pressure on your face (try to sleep on your back)
  • Remain upright for 4 hours after treatment (wrinkle reducing treatments). No naps or laying down to avoid product movement

For the first 24 hours after cosmetic injectables, you should avoid:

  • Intense exercise
  • Excessive alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Touching or massaging the treated area

For the first 7 days after your treatment, you should avoid:

  • Applying firm pressure to your face
  • Avoid other cosmetic procedures to treated area (waxing, laser, facials)

How to reduce swelling after cosmetic injectables

Here are some ways you can minimise any swelling from your cosmetic injectables:

  • Avoid hot environments until the swelling has resolved. This includes hot showers, saunas and sitting out in the sun
  • You can take an antihistamine on the day of your treatment, as long as you are medically suitable
  • Avoid touching, scratching or picking at the skin of the treated areas
  • Gently apply a wrapped ice pack intermittently (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 4 hours after your cosmetic injectables 

How to reduce bruising after cosmetic injectables

If you are worried about bruising from your cosmetic injectables, consider following these steps:

  • Avoid excessive alcohol for 24 hours
  • Avoid intense exercise for the first day
  • Gently apply a wrapped cold pack intermittently for the first few hours after your cosmetic injectables (be careful not to apply any pressure)

If you have bruising after your cosmetic injectables, you can cover it with makeup the day after your treatment. 

What to expect in the first few months after cosmetic injectables

You can look forward to enjoying an immediate improvement in your appearance after your cosmetic injectables.

In the first few days, there may be some mild swelling and tenderness. The final result will be visible either immediately, or within 2-12 weeks depending on the treatment modalities used.

  • Volume replacement or volume increasing treatments give an immediate result that settles over 1-2 weeks with a softening and more natural appearance of results
  • Wrinkle reducing treatments take 2 weeks for their onset of action
  • PRP swelling and bruising typically resolves in 3-7 days
  • Collagen stimulating injections give an immediate result that improves over the first 12 weeks

If it is your first treatment, or if your volume enhancement from your previous treatment has worn off before you come back for another session, there is a small chance that you will notice a slight drop in the visible result over the first few months. In such cases, a second treatment can be performed to achieve an even better and more stable result.

You can expect your result for volume enhancements to last 9-24 months on average. Your body will gradually break down the volume enhancement, meaning the result will slowly wear off over time.
If you’ve had treatments for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, you will likely need maintenance every 3 months on average. 

Most patients revisit for volume enhancing treatments every 12-24 months on average to maintain their result.

Are there any side effects with cosmetic injectables?

All cosmetic medical procedures have potential side effects.

When performed with skill, caution and care, cosmetic injectables are categorised as a low-risk procedure. You can reduce the risk of side effects by following proper cosmetic injectables aftercare.

While it is unlikely, some cosmetic injectables side effects that you may experience include:

  • Skin redness that will gradually improve in the first few days
  • Bruising which has about a 5-10% risk and can be covered with makeup
  • Mild swelling that may make your face appear slightly over-corrected for the first 1-3 days
  • You may experience a mild headache post wrinkle reducing treatments. Paracetamol is recommended as per the packet warning and dosage instructions
  • Risk of infection. Do not touch or apply makeup to the area the day of treatment as this can cause infection or increases chances of product spreading

Cosmetic injectables to the masseter muscles also have a rare risk of temporary smile weakness and muscle bulging.

If you ever notice any rashes, skin discolouration or unusual or increasing pain after cosmetic injectables, it is important that you get in touch with us immediately for an assessment. You can send a photo of your concern as an SMS or email your picture or video at any time of the day.

Why is cosmetic injectable aftercare important?

No matter if it’s your first cosmetic injectables treatment or your 10th, following the cosmetic injectables aftercare is very important.

Following these aftercare instructions is the best way to care for your new look, reduce the chance of side effects and prolonging your result.

While these aftercare steps may seem minor and trivial, not following them may compromise your result or cause unwanted side effects.

We want you to achieve the best result possible and love your new look, so please, take care!